Join Sarah Noll Wilson and Rob Craven Jr. as they discuss the challenges and rewards of sustaining a family business for over a century. Rob reflects on the leadership lessons he’s learned while honoring the legacy of those who came before him.

Robert Craven, Jr. was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the surrounding suburbs. A graduate of Episcopal Academy, he earned a Bachelor's degree from Syracuse University’s School of Management in 1973.

Robert joined the family business, F.A. Davis Co., working part-time before college. After graduating, he became a full-time college textbook representative, later promoted to National Sales Manager. In 1981, he took on the role of Editor in Chief and COO, and in 1989 was named President. Under his leadership, the company’s annual sales grew from $3 million to $50 million.

Outside of the publishing industry, Robert has been an active parent, coaching his children's sports and serving as Treasurer for 13 years on the Board of Trustees at the Russell Byers Charter School. He and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 43 years and have three children and four grandchildren.

Website: www.fadavis.com

Join Sarah Noll Wilson and guests Lauren Yee and Maddy Gabor as they explore neurodivergence in the workplace. Together, they discuss how play, curiosity, and clear communication can transform team dynamics and create inclusive spaces for everyone to thrive.

Lauren Yee and Maddy Gabor are co-founders of Betterment Works, a playful professional development company on a mission to strengthen businesses and teams by helping people feel, connect, and do better at work.

Lauren is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and fun questions! She studied design and psychology, has been managing people, projects, and clients since 2005, and previously helped grow the largest LEGO-inspired learning through play company in the United States.

Her experience from a decade of working with kids, informs her perspective and focus on how play, curiosity, and inclusion can improve productivity, innovation, teamwork, and leadership.

Maddy is an impact-obsessed, life-long learner with a passion for leadership, data, and play. As a neurodivergent executive, she is well-versed in the struggles of focus, productivity, time management, and leadership; and her facilitation and content are informed by that experience. Driven by a dedication to understanding and an unending belief in human betterment, Maddy envisions more empowering, engaging, and compassionate workplaces for all. Using play and analytics as the tools and her values as the compass, she pursues this vision relentlessly.

An expert in the practical applications of learning through play, Maddy facilitates playful professional development and consults on organizational betterment projects.

Website: www.bettermentworks.com

Lauren Email: Lauren@bettermentworks.com

Maddy Email: Maddy@bettermentworks.com

Sarah shares a quick update on the upcoming schedule for the podcast, as well as some big, exciting changes we have in store for the show in 2025!