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From the Depths of the Sea to the Boardroom
From the Depths of the Sea to the Boardroom

Thu, Oct 23

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Allegheny Country Club

From the Depths of the Sea to the Boardroom

How the Navy shaped my leadership journey

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Oct 23, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM

Allegheny Country Club

Event Information

The Talk


Mike Cherock is an entrepreneur, strategist, and former U.S. Navy submariner who has spent his career navigating both the deep waters of the sea in nuclear submarines and the complexities of business leadership. As the founder and CEO of AE Works, an innovative architectural engineering firm, Mike has led the company through significant growth, all while refining his leadership philosophy.


In this talk, he shares 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, Mike explores how lessons learned in high-stakes environments can provide powerful frameworks for building successful businesses.


Join him for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, purpose, and the unexpected ways our past experiences define our future.


The Back Story


Michael Cherock is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive who has led AE Works, a Pittsburgh-headquartered architectural engineering firm, from startup to a top-ranked player in the building design and consulting industry.


Under his leadership, AE Works has delivered over $2 billion in building projects across 100 million square feet for major businesses, hospitals, research institutions, government agencies, and higher education campuses.


Michael's career began with a unique foundation in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear-trained power

plant operator on fast-attack submarines, where he learned the importance of leadership and integrity. These experiences continue to influence his approach to business, which

emphasizes purpose-driven innovation and people-first values.


Michael’s ability to merge his naval background with entrepreneurial success is exemplified by AE Works' growth and impact. The firm has been recognized multiple times on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list and Architectural Record’s Top 300. Michael holds Master’s degrees from Harvard University and Penn State and is committed to creating value across all aspects of the business as a certified B Corporation.


RECENT AWARDS

Inc. Magazine’s Top 5000 list

-- fastest growing companies, 7

times

Architectural Record 300,

2020-2024

Vetrepreneur of the Year, 2019


COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Veterans Breakfast Club, Board

President

Edgeworth Club, Board Member

Sewickley Valley Chamber of

Commerce, Board Member




Enjoy delicious tapas, drinks and live music while socializing with friends, neighbors and new acquaintences before each talk. The conversation continues afterwards with Allegheny's hand-made ice cream with toppings, cookies, coffee and tea.


This ticket entitles you to a Tapas Talks 2025 Speakers Series Season Subscription which includes admission to three engaging evenings at the Allegheny Country Club featuring a selection of delicious tapas, live music, cash bar, dessert, coffee and tea, complimentary valet parking and a lecture by these fascinating speakers:


Thursday, February 13, 2025

Entrepreneur Confidential: What it takes to scale a small business from scratch  

Beth Genter, Founder & President, Schenley Capital,

Melissa Horvath, Owner, Designer, & CEO Sweet Water Décor,

C. Holly Wilbanks, Founder & Principal, The Wilbanks Consulting Group


Thursday, May 1, 2025

Foul Deeds and Fair Balls: An insider’s view of a captured war criminal  and the saving grace of baseball

Will Bardenwerper, Former Financier. Infantry Officer, Pentagon Official, And now Author


Thursday, October 23, 2025

From the Depths of the Sea to the Boardroom: How the Navy shaped my leadership journey

Michael A. Cherock, PE- CEO AE Works Ltd


Time:  Tapas & Cash Bar - 6:00 PM 

• Speakers/Panel - 7:15-8:00 PM 

• Q&A – 8:00 – 8:15 PM

• Coffee & Dessert - 8:15-8:45 PM 


For more information visit tapastalks.com


Your season subscription price includes admission to all three talks, food and valet parking.



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