Tapas Talks' final event of the season features CEO of AE Works

The third and final Tapas Talks Event of the season was held on Oct. 23 in the Grand Ballroom of the Allegheny Country Club.

It featured an inspiring presentation by Michael A. Cherock, founder, chairman and CEO of AE Works architecture and engineering firm.

It was moderated by Todd DePastino, founder and executive director of the Veterans Breakfast Club.

More than 120 enthusiastic annual subscribers gathered for the event, which began with a delicious tapas buffet and live music before the program.

Deftly interviewed by DePastino, Cherock riveted guests with his story of growing up rudderless in Penn Hills as the son of a single mother and a Navy veteran father.

Determined to enlist in the Navy, he managed to graduate high school and go on to finish first in his class at the Navy’s Nuclear Power School in Charleston, S.C.

He continued his education by earning master’s degrees at Penn State University and Harvard University.

During his talk, Cherock shared a deeply personal journey of self-discovery — how an encounter nearly two decades after his time in the Navy helped him uncover the ways his military experience was shaping his leadership approach.

Through stories of discipline, resilience and purpose, he explained how lessons learned in high-stakes environments can provide powerful frameworks for building successful businesses.

Following the formal presentation, the audience engaged in a lively question-and-answer session facilitated by DePastino.

Attendees submitted questions that spurred discussions on the challenges of leadership in the modern-day workplace and Cherock’s belief that there is a “hero” inside of us waiting to be ignited and put not action.

As part of the discussion, attendees were introduced to the bravery and accomplishments of a very special guest, Warren Goss, a 100-year-old WW11 veteran of the D-Day Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge.

Guests saluted the contributions of this exceptional Sewickley area veteran with a standing ovation.

After the program concluded, attendees continued their discussions in an informal setting, enjoying an ice cream and cookie dessert bar.

This relaxed atmosphere allowed participants to discuss their own leadership experience and make new connections with fellow attendees from the community.

The mission of Tapas Talks is to inform, inspire, connect and give back to the Sewickley community by offering an inviting venue where neighbors can celebrate one another’s achievements.

Because of the generous sponsors and “Friends of the Talk,” Tapas Talks was able to give an honorarium to the speaker, who donated it back to the Veterans Breakfast Club.

The 2026 speaker line-up has been established and the 2026 season subscription invitation will be in mailboxes soon.