Tag: Mentorship

Building Futures Beyond Sports: A Conversation with Kenny Holdsman (Ep. 25)

Building Futures Beyond Sports: A Conversation with Kenny Holdsman (Ep. 25)

What happens when a successful career no longer aligns with your values, strengths, and sense of purpose? Many professionals reach a point where they rethink how they want to make an impact and what meaningful work looks like.

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Kenny Holdsman, co-founder, president, and CEO of Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB), to discuss career transitions, purpose-driven leadership, and youth development. Kenny shares his journey from practicing law to leading a community-focused organization, and how Philadelphia Youth Basketball uses sports as a gateway to mentorship, education, and opportunity.

Kenny discusses:

  • How a career transition helped align his skills, values, and purpose
  • Why youth development requires mentorship, education, wellness, and career readiness
  • How Philadelphia Youth Basketball built a community-centered model for impact
  • The importance of trust and strong community partnerships
  • How long-term planning can expand opportunities for future generations

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

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Connect with Kenny Holdsman: 

About our Guest: 

Kenny Holdsman is the co-founder, president, and CEO of Philadelphia Youth Basketball, where he helps young people build brighter futures through mentorship, education, wellness, and career preparation. A former attorney at Ballard Spahr, Kenny shifted from law to youth development to pursue more purpose-driven work. His focus is on expanding opportunities for young people, strengthening community partnerships, and creating lasting impact across Philadelphia.

The Art of Building Bridges in Business with Sal Patti (Ep. 6)

The Art of Building Bridges in Business with Sal Patti (Ep. 6)

Many people talk about relationships in business, but few live it the way Sal Patti does.

His story shows how community, authenticity, and servant leadership can shape a career and the people around you.

From quiet beginnings to becoming Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Banking at WSFS Bank, he reflects on the moments and mentors that shaped his success.

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Sal Patti about his journey from Philadelphia University to leading commercial banking teams, his connector bridge philosophy, and the role of trust in guiding clients through changing conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • How Sal Patti’s early education and mentor support at Philadelphia University shaped his move from accounting into banking
  • His connector bridge approach and how relationship building is the key to long-term growth
  • Why leadership means listening, serving your team, and helping people flourish
  • How business owners who prepare, pivot, and innovate are finding stability in current market conditions
  • Why the human element still matters in a time of rising AI use and digital communication

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Connect with Sal Patti: 

About our Guest: 

Salvatore Patti is Senior Vice President, Division Director of Commercial Banking in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey region at WSFS Bank. Sal has more than 30 years’ experience in the Philadelphia market, delivering strong and consistent operating and financial results for the Commercial and Wealth divisions. He is an active member of the community, serving on the Executive Board of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, where he is Chairman of The Board. He is also a board member for Thomas Jefferson University – The Kanbar College of Design Engineering and Commerce, Rowan University Foundation and The Avenue of The Arts Board. Sal is a resident of Philadelphia and received his B.A. in Accounting and Finance from Philadelphia University.