What's The Word?

I will be sharing the lessons learned from 2021 and how it can help make 2022 the best year ever.

Magda Banas is a fitness competitor for Hammer Fitness, an online service-based coaching company that helps clients globally to transforming themselves physically and mentally. She is also the social media director for Hammer Apparel. Magda is a certified transformation coach for Lady The F Up, a division of Hammer Fitness. Website: www.ladythefup.com  Instagram: @MagdaBanas

Katija Vlatkovich is the founder of Misfit Digital, a company which against the grain to create strategies that make their clients stand out online and get leads from the right audiences. Katija has been featured in media outlets like Dragon Digital Marketing podcast sharing about their strategies in using social media during this "pandemic" She has spent over a decade in digital marketing  Website:www.misfit.digital Twitter: @KatijaV Instagram: @KatijaV

Dr. Ai Zhang is back to share about the growth of Classroom Without Walls.

Elizabeth Hayes is the author of Halfway There: Lessons at Midlife, a collection of stories that are meant to help you make sense of your own life. She recently founded Indigo Sunrise, a company which focuses: -Creative nonfiction (essays, memoir, travel writing, nature writing) -Business/marketing (campaigns, websites, blogs/articles, press releases, social media, thought leadership, internal training, technical communications). Website: www.indigosunrise.com LinkedIn: Elizabeth Hayes

Helen Fritsch is the host of Age Is Irrelevant, a podcast that interviews women in their 50s, 60s, 70s,etc who want to redefine “over the hill”, smash age barriers and rediscover happiness and success! Helen is a flight attendant and competes in the international federation of bodybuilding and fitness (IFBB) She has been featured in Oxygen Magazine, D’Fyne Magazine, Center Stage Magazine FYI: The audio on my end of the recording was going in and out and it completely went out as the show was about to be over. Website: www.ageisirrelevant.com Instagram: @helenfritsch_ifbbpro

Vicki O'Neill is an entrepreneur who helps businesses with marketing themselves. Prior to this, she has spent over two decades in marketing in a corporate setting. Vicki also is the host of Connect The Dots podcast where she interviews business leaders on how they market their business to avoid hitting a plateau. She also hosted a podcast with her daughters called The Power of 3 which delves into marketing themselves to generation z. Website: www.vickioneill.com Twitter: @vickioneill LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vickioneill

I will be chatting about how fitness works along with business

Hear about why everything we want have to come by hard work

Alissa Carpenter returns to sbare about her newest book, "How to Listen and How to Be Heard: Inclusive Conversations at Work" Alissa is an author and TEDx speaker who worked with non-profits to multi-billion dollar enterprises in industries ranging from pharmaceutical, higher education, facilities management to broadcasting. She host a podcast called, "Humanize Your Workplace," which deals with being more self aware, building work relationships, and how to be more human in a world full of technology. Website: www.notokthatsokcoach.com Twitter: @notokthatsok  

An impromptu show 

Maria Ross returns to What's The Word? to share about how she is taking her business to the next level this year. Maria is the  founder of Red Slice, a marketing and branding consultancy that’s been helping clients craft a compelling, engaging and differentiated brand strategy, story, and messaging. She has a frequent guest writer for many business and lifestyle publications, such as Entrepreneur.com, The Huffington Post, OPEN Forum, MarketingProfs, Seattle Business, Columbus CEO, IntoWine and Life By Me and have also been featured in outlets such as MSNBC, ABC News, NPR, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Maria has written many books including her newest one, The Empathy Edge and is releasing her podcast by the same name on August 18th. Website: www.red-slice.com Twitter: @red-slice LinkedIn: @MariaJRoss

Ancita Satija is  an integrated communications professional who absolutely loves the art of storytelling. Innovative thinking and being an excellent team player with a problem-solving attitude is what defines her the best. Ancita created a weekly Tweetchat, #SocialPowWow and built a global community of marketers, communicators & entrepreneurs. The twitter chat has been recognised by industry experts as one of the most popular international tweetchats in digital marketing. Website: www.ancitaspace.com Twitter: @AncitaSatija

Greg Meade is the co-founder and CEO of CROSSNET. The product is a volleyball court divided into four quadrants, merging traditional volleyball with four square. After creating a prototype, they invited their friends to come play. Their friends’ excitement made it clear that they were onto something.  Their product is carried in retail and online stores like Amazon, Target. Greg manages all aspects in the company from marketing, finances, etc. They have been featured in media outlets including Shopify podcast, Honest Commerce.com, and Forbes. Website: www.crossnetgame.com Twitter: @crossnetgame YouTube: @crossnet      

  Dr. Ai Addyson Zhang returns to share about how she is growing Classroom Without Walls. She started the Life Accelerator Program, the main product for Classroom Without Walls, last year in Singapore. The three-month Life Accelerator program teaches students what they are NOT learning from schools to become future-ready.  It helps successful and ambitious parents raise future-ready young adults SO THAT they have the knowledge, skills, and mindset to create career success, regardless of the path they take. Dr. Ai started the live streaming show, Classroom Without Walls, in 2018 while living in South Korea. She has been featured in media outlets like Forbes, The Today Show, Pearson Education, Inside Higher Ed and Entrepreneur. Website: www.classroomwithoutwalls.ai Twitter: @aiaddysonzhang LinkedIn: @aiaddysonzhang

Ryan Foland is the communications manager for University of California-Irvine, where he serves as a liasion for putting together strategic communication for the university. He is also an author of the book, "Ditch The Act" Revealing The Surprising Power of The Real You. Foland has been featured in media outlets like Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc, Forturne. In this show, you have the opportunity to hear how he got into speaker and also how he created the 3-1-3 method for pitching your business.  Website: www.ryanfoland.com Twitter: @ryanfoland

Suzanne Brown returns to What's The Word? to share about how 2020 is treating her .  She started Mompowerment Helping companies and working moms think differently about work-life balance and take action empowers companies to become more balance-friendly and professional working moms to create the work-life balance they crave. She is a TED speaker and has been featured in major publications such as TIME, Forbes, Working Mother, Reader’s Digest, Shape, and Prevention. She’s a mom, wife, consultant, speaker, strategist, avid international traveler, and award-winning author. Website: https://mompowerment.com/ Twitter: @Mompowerment

I will explain why I decided to move the show solely on video for the foreseeable future. Because of the trial the world is going through, I have to look at budget and see what is feasable.  

Winnie Sun returns to What's The Word? to share about her show, Level Up With Winnie, set to launch this year She is the co-founder of Sun Group Wealth Parters, a trusted financial consulting firm providing financial planning services to small business owners, senior executives, celebrities, and established families throughout the West Coast. Winnie has made appearances in major media like Forbes, CNBC, Cheddar, USA Today. She is also the host of #winniesun, twitter chat.  the largest global money chat on social media. Winnie also hosts other live stream shows simultaneously on Twitter and LinkedIn Website: www.sungroupwp.com Twitter: @winniesun LinkedIn: @winniesun  

Hear about why people should be using LinkedIn, the right way

Monique Kabel is the founder of Pineapple Athletics, a company that offers personal training online. With over a decade of experience and an arsenal of education around health, fitness and nutrition, she bring a holistic approach to adopting a healthy lifestyle. I can cater to any diet restriction and help you to create an easy and maintainable way to live the good life. Monique is certifications from NFPT-Personal Training Certificate, Can Fit Pro-Personal Training Specialist, ISSA-Sports Nutrition and Yoga Alliance-200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. She also competed in the World Bodybuilding and Fashion Federation Website: www.moniquekabel.com Instagram: @monique_kabel      

Suzanne Brown returns to What's The Word to speak about the evolution of social media. Suzanne empowers companies to become more balance-friendly and professional working moms to create the work-life balance they crave. She is a TED speaker and has been featured in major publications such as TIME, Forbes, Working Mother, Reader’s Digest, Shape, and Prevention.  Her recent book, Mompowerment: Insights from Successful Professional Part-time Working Moms Who Balance Career and Family was named the 2018 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner in the Non-Fiction – Business/Finance category.  Website: www.mompowerment.com Twitter: @mompowerment

Rebecca Councill is the creator of Houston's Social Media Day and the creator and coordinator of the 2015 HOUSTON'S SOCIAL MEDIA DAY CONFERENCE. She brought together some of the best Social Media Influencers and Speakers in Houston to help other professionals gain valuable skills in social media, marketing, and branding. Rebecca was listed as one of Houston's Top 25 Social Media Power Influencers for 2013 & 2014 and worked as a social media volunteer during the 2017 Houston Super Bowl. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rebcouncill Twitter: @rebcouncill

John Lim is an entrepreneur, a TEDx speaker and has been featured in Inc. He is the executive producer and host of the podcast series, Moving Forward, which has reached listeners in over 50 countries.  Mr. Lim has also been a guest on Mary Fernandez’s Persuasion Nation podcast (for the highly popular “Dumb Question Friday” episode), Ryan Foland’s radio show, ‘Get Notified’ Natalie Kim’s PersoNatalie Podcast  Website: www.bemovingforward.com

Winnie Sun returns to What's The Word? to share about live streaming and also her twitter chat by the name of #winniesun. She is the co-founder of Sun Group Wealth Management and has made several appearances on CNBC, Cheddar, Fox Business. Winnie also hosts a live stream show which she discusses about finances and recaps with guests from her twitter chat. Website: www.winniesun.com Twitter: @winniesun

Alissa Carpenter is a "Not OK, That's OK coach who has opportunity to work with non-profits to Fortune 500 companies and get to the bottom of pain points with employees.  She facilitate spaces for them to come together and learn from one another.  Alissa has has been featured in media outlets such as Forbes, CNN, ABC, CBS, NPR, Moneyish and more.  She recently gave a TedX talk about "How To Humanize The Workplace One Conversation At A Time" Website: www.notokthatsokcoach.com Twitter: @notokthatsok

Chris Strub returns to What's The Word? to share about the growth of live streaming. Strub is the founder of I Am Here, LLC, a company that work with both for-profits and nonprofits to help them improve their social media strategies andlevel up their use of video. He has spoken at events like Social Media Marketing World and is a contributor to Forbes. Website: www.teamstrub.com Twitter: @chrisstrub LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chrisstrub/

  Celeste Rains-Turk specializes in helping Bikini Competitors make peace with food, their body and their goals using psychology, personal development, mindfulness, and her signature PTG Process™. While studying, she became a sought after coach in the personal development world and went on to write a #1 Best-Selling Self-help book, ‘Believe your way to Badass’. ?After experiencing the post-show blues herself, healing her own negative relationship with food and learning to love her body at every stage, Celeste made it her mission to help other competitors Build More than Just a Body.   She launched into the competition world with her podcast, ‘Confessions of a Bikini Pro’ to have real, raw, and vulnerable conversations with IFBB Bikini Pros to show all competitors that even the most elite professionals have their ups and downs. Website: www.celestial.fit Facebook: @celestialfit Instagram: @celestialfit Twitter: @celestial_fit

Kathleen Hessert is the Founder of We R Gen Z WeRGenZ was born out of the disregard and void of understanding of an entire generation.  WeRGenZ started polling a dozen students from the magnate school, Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, NC.   It quickly quickly expanded to include educational pathways in eight very diverse district high schools. During the 2017-18 school year WeRGenZ was officially incorporated into the CTE (Career Technical Education) marketing pathway and now 16 high schools.  It provides brands, media, researchers, educators and others, authentic and candid insight into meaningful issues (large and small) that shape the world today. The What’s Hot, What’s Not Panel of pop culture experts can help brands anticipate and decipher trends in the making and those that have begun to fade, enabling greater accuracy and authenticity behind brand strategies, tactics and campaigns Prior to this, Kathleen spent three decades helping sports brands like media giants ESPN, and Fox Sports build their reputations and fan bases. She recognized and harnessed the power and influence of social media as a new communication channel and in 2007, launched NBA great, Shaquille O’Neal on Twitter helping take the now global platform mainstream. Website: www.wergenz.com  Twitter: @WeRGenZ  Instagram: @WeRGenZ  Facebook: WeRGenZ  

Marlo Saucedo is an world renowned artist. She creates her art using words to tell a story. Her work has been actively commissioned: Labor-intensive drawings, paintings and mixed media pieces done entirely of text, or in pointillism (tiny bright squares of paper) - or both elements - form photo-realistic images when seen from a distance. Pieces have been shown in Houston at 34 venues including Diverse Works Art Space, Lawndale Art Center, and in Art League Houston's Open Show. She was awarded a grant from the Houston Arts Alliance in 2005: The interview-based piece was installed in 2009.  Website: www.marlosaucedo.com Instagram: @artwritewonder Twitter: @artwritewonder 

Sharon Zapata is the founder of the Zapata Group. She is the author of books, The Little Book of Start-Up Inspiration and Middle Finger Happiness. Her blog is very popular because of her authenticity. LinkedIn: Sharon Zapata  

This episode is the beginning of season two of this show. I took an unexpected hiatus because it was needed. I will share about the upcoming episodes which will begin next week.

Melonie Dodaro is the founder of Top Dog Social Media, employs four channels to help sales and marketing professionals achieve digital success. Melonie is Canada's top leading expert in LinkedIn and is also: Top 50 Trustworthy Digital Marketing ExpertsTop 65 Women Business InfluencersTop 100 Marketing InfluencersTop 50 Sales InfluencersSocial Selling: Top 100 Influencers and BrandsTop 75 Digital Marketing Experts in 2018Top 10 Social Media Blogs 2017 by Social Media Examiner Her newest book, "LinkedIn Unlocked" hit No. 1 Amazon Bestselling status in seven countries around the world. Melonie has made appearances on various media outlets including ABC, The Toronto Star, CBC and The New York Post. Website: www.topdogsocialmedia.com Twitter: @meloniedodaro

Mitchell Levy returns to What's The Word? to share about why entrepreneurs should write a book. Levy is an accomplished Entrepreneur who has created 20 businesses in Silicon Valley including 4 publishing companies that have published over 800 books. Currently, Mr. Levy is The AHA Guy at AHAthat & CEO of THiNKaha. He is a bestselling author with fifty six business books and a contributor at Entrepreneur Magazine. In addition to these accomplishments, Mr. Levy has provided strategic consulting to over one hundred companies, advised over five hundred CEOs on critical business issues, and has been chairman of the board of a NASDAQ-listed company.

Daniel Addyson is a data science and analytics consultant in the healthcare space for Aetna.  He has over 10 years of data analysis experience in social media start-ups, small enterprises, large pharma and insurance companies, and the US Military. His work straddles two areas: working with clients to develop evidence-based and data-driven strategies, and solving business problems through advanced data modeling and analysis Mr. Addyson recently spoke at a conference in Singapore. LinkedIn: Daniel Addyson

Meghan Monaghan is the founder of Smart Bird Social, a company which provides content marketing, social media marketing, twitter marketing, etc. Smart Bird Social helps small businesses, non-profits, associations, and large corporations achieve their digital and traditional marketing success stories Meghan spent 20 years in the marketing industry before launching the company in 2016. Website: www.smartbird.net Facebook: Smart Bird Social Twitter: @MeghanMonaghan1    

Dr. Ai Zhang returns to What's The Word? to share about how live video can help brands to stand out in the midst of the noise. Dr. Zhang is the host of the popular facebook live show, "Classroom Without Walls," where she interviews educational professionals, business owners and social media professionals. She taught at Stockton University for many years about public relations and social media before moving to South Korea on academic leave. It was there in South Korea that she began blogging and started her facebook live show. Website: www.aiaddysonzhang.com Facebook: Ai Addyson-Zhang Digital Learning Consultant Twitter: @AiAddysonZhang

Hear about Alex Tachalova here on What's The Word?

Sarah Stahl is a digital media strategist at Avant Creative, a collective of artists and engineers who balance functionality and style seamlessly, and can serve as a cost-effective alternative to in-house departments in Marketing, Advertising, Creative, and Information Technology. Sarah is also an Army veteran and has many years of marketing experience. Website: www.avant-creative.com Twitter: @mrsdstahl

Twitter Chats are very important because it brings like minded people together around a hashtag. Hear how participating in a twitter chat prepared me for an unexpected error with my business website.

Social media changed the way we communicate with each other. It has given many an opportunity to build a loyal tribe around a cause and a brand. With that power comes responsibility and people need to know how to be true on social.  

Jenn Herman is the founder of Jenn's Trends, a blog which was recognized as a Top Ten Blog by Social Media Examiner in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Jenn helps small businesses stand out from the crowd with social media. She is the author/co-author of three books including Instagram For Business For Dummies. Jenn has been feautured in media outlets including Inc Magazine, Fox News, CBS Radio and Yahoo Finance  Website: www.jennstrends.com Instagram: Jenns_Trends Twitter: @jenns_trends

Beth Frates, M.D. is the founder of Wellness Synergy which provides the knowledge, skills and tools needed to empower individuals and groups to reach their optimum health and wellness. She graduated from Harvard University, as a double major in psychology and biology. Dr. Frates attended Stanford University Medical School where she chose the specialty of Physiatry. She came back to Boston for her internship in internal medicine at MGH and her residency at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in the Harvard Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Frates co-authored a book, titled Life After Stroke: The Guide to Recovering Your Health and Preventing Another Stroke (2006) Johns Hopkins University Press. Website: www.wellness-synergy.com Twitter: @BethFrates

Jen Oleniczak Brown is the founder of The Engaging Educator, a company committed to helping others find their best, most unapologetic and confident voice, communication style and self. The company has served 30,000 people in thirty states. She is the author of the book, "Improv(e), Using Improv To Find Your Voice, Style, And Self" which was self-published this year. Website: www.theengagingeducator.com Twitter: @jenoleniczak

Dr. Joyce Knudsen is the founder of The ImageMaker, Inc ® Communications Group, which offers the most up-to-date courses in Image Management approved by AICI and DETC.  She prides herself on updating all the course information every six months and researching the latest research in the field of Image and Impression Management. She works side-by-side of every client to clarify what students are seeking in their careers, so they can focus on becoming the success they deserve to achieve.  Dr. Joyce  produces the 12 Minute Inspiration & is heard on many radio outlets, including iHeart Radio. She is also the author of ten books and since 2009, her social site status became at the top 1% of users worldwide–with over 24,000 connections on LinkedIn, 6,000 on Instagram and 1.12 Million Followers on Twitter. Website: www.drjoyceknudsen.com  Twitter: @drjoyce_knudsen

Jessica Ann is the Founder and Creative Director of Jessica Ann Media {JAM}, a content marketing agency that develops compelling content for top-tier brands. With a Master’s Degree in Communications from Johns Hopkins University, Jessica inspires advocates for Fortune 500 companies through shared emotions and experiences, driving hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue in a way that’s authentic and fun. Jessica is an experienced news producer for national media outlets such as NBC Newschannel and XM Radio in Washington, D.C. Jessica’s writing and podcast have been featured in The Huffington Post, Elephant Journal, The Good Men Project, and Apple’s “New and Notable” and “What’s Hot” lists. She is also the author of the book, "Humanize Your Brand: How to Create Content that Connects with Your Customers" and is the host of "The Art of Humanity" podcast Website: www.jessicaannmedia.com Twitter: @itsjessicann

On the fifth anniversary of What's The Word?, you will hear from Kate Frappell, design lead at Manage Flitter, an Australian based tech startup. Kate has also written, edited and published content for Manage Flitter. She is the production manager and co-host of "It's A Monkey Podcast, which covers news in technology and interviews thought leaders in the tech world. Kate made the bold decision of living in a foreign country while working full time for Manage Flitter. She is also the co-creator of #socialroi, a twitter chat which has celebrated it one year anniversary. She has made appearances on many podcasts. Website: http://katefrappell.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/katefrappell  

Chelsea Peitz is a realtor and a Snapchat influencer.  She has written a book called "Talking In Pictures," which describes about snapchat changing the way people communicate with each other. Chelsea also host "Chelschat," a weekly show that shares about the in's and out's of social media and the latest tools that can help a professional in managing social. Website: https://about.me/chelseapeitz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelschats/?pnref=lhc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChelseaPeitz Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/chelsea.peitz

Bobbie Byrd and Lisa Stauber are the co-founders of Quirky Owl Media, an agency which helps businesses with social media strategy. The company is the parent organization of Blog Elevated, a conference which brings the top bloggers together to share tips and resources about building an audience through blogging. They also host the weekly Twitter chat by the same name, #blogelevated, that expands on the conference theme on social media. Bobbie and Lisa has spoken at Social Media Day Houston and their twitter chat has been featured in Hootsuite's blog. Website: http://www.blogelevated.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blogelevated Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlogElevated    

Chris Strub is the author of "50 States, 100 Days: The Book" which documents the journey of live streaming and volunteering at non-profit organizations in all of the 50 States in the United States of America. Mr. Strub also formed the I Am Here, LLC, which was the publisher of the book and also worked with the Salvation Army in the fight for good tour in 25 states late last year. He has made many appearances on local and major media including "The Today Show" on NBC , "The Never Settle Show," and Cheddar. Website: http://www.teamstrub.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisStrub    

Michelle Muenzler is an author of many books and has spoken at conferences around the state of Texas. She spoken at Houston Comicpalooza, one of the most anticipated events which brings some of the past and present celebrities in the entertainment industry. Michelle has made a brand for herself as she has made it a habit of bringing cookies to each convention she attends or speaking at. Website: http://www.michellemuenzler.com/