The Market That Moves America

What separates companies that weather disruption from those that fall behind? In this episode, Justin Boardman of Chubb joins NCMM’s Doug Farren to explore how resilience is becoming a defining capability for middle market organizations. From the rise of cyber risk as a board-level priority to the growing importance of business continuity planning, the discussion highlights how leaders can prepare for the unexpected. Learn why agility, proactive planning, and integrated risk strategies are critical to staying competitive in today’s environment. To explore Chubb's Middle Market Insights, visit this link.

Host Doug Farren of the National Center for the Middle Market sits down with Jerry Grisko, CEO, and Brad Lakhia, CFO of CBIZ, to unpack new research on how middle market leaders make the hard calls that shape performance. Drawing on NCMM's recent survey of 400 middle market businesses, they break down the four decision-making mindsets that emerged from the results and what leaders protect (or sacrifice) when pressure hits. You’ll hear where ROI is showing up (especially in technology), understand why clarity and reliable data drive decision-making, and why “growth matters most” even as profitability often wins when tradeoffs get real. You can read the full report here: Middlemarketcenter.org

Economic headlines can be noisy—but the data tells a clearer story. Join NCMM’s Doug Farren and Wells Fargo economist Jackie Benson as they connect Q4 2025 Middle Market Indicator results with national economic trends. The discussion covers how middle market companies are navigating tariffs and labor force constraints, why growth has remained resilient, and what business leaders should keep an eye on as interest rates and policy dynamics evolve in 2026.

In this episode, Doug Farren sits down with Interim Dean Aravind Chandrasekaran to explore how The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business is redefining business education through experiential learning, industry partnerships, and forward‑looking curriculum design. They discuss the critical role of research centers like the National Center for the Middle Market, which has a long and storied connection to Fisher, in bridging academic insight with real‑world challenges facing mid‑sized companies.

This episode spotlights lower/emerging middle market companies—fast‑scaling businesses tackling “big‑company” challenges with limited resources—through a candid conversation on working capital, digitization and AI, supply chains, risk, and resilience. Edward Galvin of Visa and Rob Poliseno of Chubb share practical takeaways for 2026, from building clear digital innovation and cybersecurity plans to succession readiness amid generational ownership shifts, plus how to leverage trusted advisors to translate today’s volatility into tomorrow’s momentum To read Visa's Emerging Middle Market report, visit this link To explore Chubb's Middle Market Insights, visit this link Middlemarketcenter.org

Join Doug Farren, Executive Director of the National Center for the Middle Market, as he reflects on the state of the U.S. middle market in 2025 and previews what’s ahead for 2026. This episode covers key economic trends, insights from the Center’s research, and a preview for the upcoming 15th year, including new reports, partnerships, and programs. Discover how middle market companies, and NCMM, are navigating challenges, embracing resilience, and preparing for the future. For more about NCMM, please visit our website at: middlemarketcenter.org

In this episode of The Market That Moves America, Doug Farren, Executive Director of NCMM and Andrew Korz, Senior Vice President of Investment Research at Future Standard, explore how private equity and private credit are shaping growth for U.S. middle market companies, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting key trends. Learn why operational value creation—not cost-cutting—is driving success in today’s evolving economic landscape. Future Standard, formerly FS Investments, is a global alternative asset manager that invests in private equity, credit, and real estate, focusing on the U.S. middle market. The company's mission is to deliver differentiated performance for its institutional and private wealth clients by connecting them to hard-to-access private market opportunities, challenging the status quo, and innovating in its investment solutions.

In this episode of the NCMM podcast, we sit down with Dr. Mike Knemeyer, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at The Ohio State University, and Jeremy Jansen, Head of Global Originations for Wells Fargo Supply Chain Finance. Together, they explore how middle market firms are adapting to ongoing supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty, and shifting trade policies. From short-term tactics like inventory front-loading to long-term strategies around diversification, financing tools, and global resilience, this conversation sheds light on how businesses can turn volatility into opportunity. For more on this topic, check out the Wells Fargo report From factory to checkout: The supply chain story you didn’t know you were living.

In this episode of The Market That Moves America, Minyi Su, Head of Marketing at Bluemercury and Fisher College of Business alum, joins us to share how a premium beauty retailer is adapting to rapid change. We discuss the evolving role of brick-and-mortar stores in a digital-first world, the ways AI is enhancing—not replacing—human connections, and the importance of innovation in meeting shifting consumer preferences. Minyi also offers candid insights into the challenges of attracting and retaining top talent, balancing supply chain pressures, and fostering agility in a mid-sized company. From consumer behavior trends to practical leadership lessons, this conversation highlights how middle market firms can stay resilient while putting the customer experience at the center.

In this episode, Doug Farren is joined by Roger Bailey, Associate Dean of Executive Education and Centers at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, to explore how AI is reshaping customer-centricity. We discuss why putting customer value at the center of business decisions drives profitability, how AI is transforming both qualitative and quantitative research, and what these changes mean for mid-sized companies. From practical examples of AI in action to strategies for maintaining authenticity in a digital-first world, this conversation offers a roadmap for leveraging technology without losing sight of what matters most — the customer.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of AI in the modern workplace with Stephanie Donahue, Practice Leader at Avanade. As tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and agent-based systems gain momentum, the pressure is mounting for middle market companies to modernize responsibly. Stephanie unpacks how businesses can build a strong digital foundation, shift organizational culture, and empower employees through intentional change enablement. With real-world insights and a future-focused lens, she explores what it means to prepare for a hybrid workforce of humans and intelligent agents.

In this episode, we dive into the growing urgency of climate risk and resilience with Amelie Fava-Verde, Chubb Resilience Services leader. As natural disasters, from wildfires to floods and hurricanes, become more frequent and severe, the stakes are rising for middle market companies. Amelie unpacks why proactive risk management is no longer optional, sharing real-world examples and expert insights on how businesses can reduce financial and operational disruption, overcome internal hurdles and transform resilience into a strategic edge. Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. Additional information can be found at chubb.com.

In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of talent strategy in middle market companies with Laura Davidson, Head of People at Homage, a Columbus-based retailer known for its nostalgic apparel and vibrant culture. Drawing from her 15 years of HR experience across startups and Fortune 500s, Laura shares how Homage is scaling its people practices while staying true to its roots. From hiring with purpose and embedding development into daily work, to preserving culture and collecting meaningful feedback, Laura offers a candid look at how middle market companies can grow without losing what makes them special. Laura Davidson leads the people function at Homage, where she focuses on aligning talent development, organizational design and leadership coaching with the company’s mission to celebrate the people, places and moments that matter. Her career spans multiple industries and company sizes, giving her a unique perspective on how to build culture and capability in fast-moving, resource-conscious environments.

In this episode, Doug Farren sits down with John Manning, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking Market Coverage at Wells Fargo. With over three decades of experience in commercial banking, John offers deep insights into the shifting macroeconomic landscape and what it means for middle market businesses. Together, they discuss the critical role of strong banking partnerships, strategies for managing market volatility and evolving trade policies, and the importance of a patient, strategic approach in uncertain times. Tune in for expert perspectives and actionable advice to help your business confidently navigate growth, risk, and innovation. John Manning is executive vice president and head of Wells Fargo’s Commercial Banking Market Coverage team, overseeing a $200 billion portfolio and delivering a full range of financial services to diverse clients across the U.S. and Canada. A 35-year industry veteran, he has held multiple leadership roles since joining Wells Fargo in 1994, most recently leading the West region for Commercial Banking. Learn more at www.wellsfargo.com/com.

The lower middle market makes up 80% of the total middle market, representing approximately 160,000 businesses in the U.S. In this episode, we dive into how digital payment innovations are fueling growth in this critical segment with two industry experts: Edward Galvin (Visa) and Andrew Jamison (Extend).Our discussion explores key findings from NCMM research, highlighting the evolving needs of middle market businesses and how financial tools can drive efficiency and expansion. Tune in to hear expert perspectives on how businesses can bridge the gap and future-proof their operations. Edward Galvin is responsible for North America B2B Commercial Payments Sales at Visa. Visa helps connect businesses to a secure, global network of platforms, products, and services—no matter where you are on your business journey. Andrew Jamison is the CEO of Extend, a financial technology company building innovative payment solutions for banks and their SMB customers. Extend has built a virtual card and expense management platform as an out-of-the-box product available for issuers to offer alongside their corporate card programs, allowing businesses to access modern spend management software with the commercial card they already have. Read the report at globalclient.visa.com/middlemarket.

Join us to hear from NCMM Managing Director, Doug Farren, as he discusses key insights from the 2024 End-Year Middle Market Indicator. Listen to the full webinar presentation, see the slideshow, and explore more from the most recent MMI here: https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/performance-data-on-the-middle-market.

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In today’s episode, we welcome Sarah Steele, Senior Director at Visa Commercial Solutions, to discuss new research on Canada’s middle market. Sarah shares compelling insights into economic confidence, growth trends, and the distinct challenges Canadian middle market companies face. From adopting digital innovations like AI and automation to leveraging cross-border partnerships with U.S. businesses, she offers practical strategies to overcome hurdles such as limited resources, high costs, and fear of the unknown. Join us as we uncover how these businesses can unlock their full growth potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. Sarah is an award-winning payments professional, with over 20 years of experience leading product strategy, complex projects, and thought leadership. Her accomplishments and experiences are varied, spanning consumer and B2B clients, front and back office, consulting and product management. Currently, as Senior Director of Small & Middle Market Business Products, Sarah is responsible for go to market strategy and roll-out Visa’s products, platforms, and resources in North America. VISA Commercial Solutions, a division of VISA, helps connect businesses to a secure, global network of platforms, products, and services—no matter where you are on your business journey. Download the latest research report at www.middlemarketcenter.org.

In this insightful conversation, Bryan Wheelock and Joe Walsh from Harness IP discuss the untapped potential of intellectual property for middle market companies. Discover how these businesses can uncover and protect valuable IP assets like copyrights, trade secrets, and unique branding elements that may not be immediately apparent. Learn actionable strategies for identifying, documenting, and leveraging these assets to gain a competitive edge, mitigate risks, and enhance business value. Whether you're facing challenges or seeking growth, this conversation provides practical advice to help you maximize the potential of your intellectual property. Harness IP is an intellectual property law firm serving clients across the globe. Their attorneys counsel and represent clients across the full range of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, litigation, IP management, and licensing. Learn more about Harness IP at https://www.harnessip.com/

In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing middle market companies with Lori Goltermann, CEO of Aon, North America & Enterprise Clients. Delving into the collaborative study between the NCMM and Aon, Driving Growth: The Role of People, Risk and Technology in Middle Market Success, (focused on companies with revenues of $50mm-$1bn), Lori provides an expert perspective on how human capital, risk management, and evolving technology—especially in the realm of cybersecurity—are key to driving sustainable growth. From building resilient teams to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, tune in to hear about actionable insights to help middle market companies thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. Lori Goltermann, CEO of Aon North America and Global Regions, has over three decades of experience transforming the insurance and professional services industry. She leads Aon’s Risk Capital and Human Capital strategies, delivering value across global markets while strengthening client relationships through the firm's Client Leadership model.