Podcasts about business advisory council

In this great episode of Founder Focus, we are joined by Wayne Gerard.  Wayne is the Co-Founder and former CEO of Redeye, a cloud-based Engineering Drawing Management System that enables organisations to securely store, markup, and collaborate on engineering drawings and documents from any device. Redeye was acquired by Accruent.  Accruent is a global provider of solutions for unifying the built environment. Wayne founded Prtnr Ventures (pronounced Partner) is an investment and advisory company focused on creating a sustainable and vibrant future. Prtnr invests in climatetech and healthtech to enhance the health and longevity of our planet and people. Whilst CEO of Redeye, Wayne appointed as Queensland's 4th Chief Entrepreneur and worked tirelessly to support entrepreneurship throughout QLD.  In 2015, Wayne was named Queensland Entrepreneur of the Year. Wayne has also been a serving member on several boards, including StartUpAus and the Premier's Business Advisory Council. Wayne is authentic and deeply honest of the ups and down of the Redeye journey, and there are many lessons for entrepreneurs and investors in this episode. Wayne give so much to the QLD innovation ecosystem, and we appreciate the time he spent with us.  hello@tribeglobal.vc 

Ken Hersh has served as CEO and President of the George W. Bush Presidential Center since 2016, where he oversees the Bush Institute, Library, and Museum. In 1988 Ken co-founded and became CEO of the legendary private equity fund Natural Gas Partners, an energy focused fund, who went on to earn a 27 year annualized 30% rate of return, making it one of the nation's leading private equity firms. He is co-owner of the Texas Rangers and served on Stanford University's Graduate School of Business Advisory Council from 2009 to 2015. Ken is the author of The Fastest Tortoise: Winning in Industries I knew Nothing About, where he recounts the biggest lessons from business and personal life. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fastest-Tortoise-Winning-Industries-Figuring/dp/B0BJ16T2J1We discuss taking risks, creating an environment of low turn over, feeding your winners, mental health advocacy, and so much more. Please enjoy the knowledge Ken shares and let me know what you think! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org @PermissionToShine_

Join Chuck and Sam on this week's Breaking Battleground episode as they welcome Marc Goldwein, Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and David Harsanyi, senior editor at The Federalist. With expertise in inflation, interest rates, and the national debt, Marc dives deep into the economic challenges facing the nation. Later, David Harsanyi, joins the show, offering bold insights on the Middle East crisis, CBS letting Catherine Herridge go for digging into government corruption, and more. From discussing the looming threat against Israel to the implications of rising inflation, each guest brings a dynamic discussion, challenging perceptions and enhancing understanding of the issues that shape our world. Stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, where she was in a positive mood today and discussed two feel-good stories: one about a rubber duck who traveled 423 miles, and another about five sorority sisters from the University of Georgia who rescued a family from their sinking car.Connect with us:www.breakingbattlegrounds.voteTwitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_BattleFacebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegroundsInstagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegroundsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds-About out guestsMarc Goldwein is the Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he guides and conducts research on a wide array of topics related to fiscal policy and the federal budget. He is frequently quoted in a number of major media outlets and works regularly with Members of Congress and their staffs on budget-related issues. Previously, Marc served as Associate Director of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (The Fiscal Commission) and senior budget analyst on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (The Super Committee).  He also conducted research for the Government Accountability Office, the World Bank, the Historian's Office at the Social Security Administration, and the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley.  In addition to his work at the Committee, Marc serves on Martha's Tables' Business Advisory Council and teaches economics at Johns Hopkins University and the University of California DC. Marc is the recipient of the Johns Hopkins University Excellence in Teaching award and was featured in the Forbes "30 Under 30" list for Law & Policy. He holds a BA and MA from Johns Hopkins University.  Find him on Twitter at @MarcGoldwein. Learn more about Center for Responsible Budget at www.crfb.org. -David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist, a nationally syndicated columnist, a Happy Warrior columnist at National Review, and author of five books—the most recent, Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

In episode 66, we sit down with Ohio House of Representatives member Nick Santucci to talk about his experience as a politician, what he's been able to accomplish for his district, and what's next for him and Mahoning Valley. State Representative Nick Santucci is serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He also serves as the Senior Consultant for Workforce and Community Engagement at VAZA Consulting. Prior to joining VAZA Consulting, Santucci was the Director of Government Affairs and Workforce Development at the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio. He also served as Manager and later Director of Education and Workforce Development at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. He then moved into the economic development department and was promoted to Director of Government and Public Affairs. Santucci received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from John Carroll University. He previously served as the President of the Governing Board for Valley STEM+ME2 Academy. He also has served as a member of the Development Committee at BRITE Energy Innovators and of the Business Advisory Council at the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio. Representative Santucci currently resides in Howland Township with his wife Alexis.Connect with Nick Santucci:InstagramWebsiteOhio House of Representatives WebsiteConnect with USS: United SHE Stands InstagramThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:Website: https://www.kevwyxin.com/Instagram: @kevwyxinIf you purchase from any links to resources or products, the show may make a small commission.

Therese B. Pandl, RN, MN, MBA, FACHEExecutive SummaryTherese is a healthcare executive, with over 35 years of progressive leadership in large, complex health care systems. Successful record of achievement in building integrated systems of care, advancing physician alignment, improving clinical delivery systems as well as developing successful risk-based payment models. She has led strategic growth initiatives including multiple physician integration initiatives, alignment of independent hospitals, development of a provider-sponsored health plan as well as service line expansions. Operationally, Therese drove a division structure to reduce redundancies, increase efficiency and reduce costs across the continuum. Therese is recognized for developing teams that produce significant results while maintaining effective board, physician, and staff relationships. Passionate about coaching to enhance leadership capacity, driving improvements in safety, quality, and affordability.Professional Experiences• HSHS: Eastern Wisconsin Division President and CEO• HSHS: President and CEO St. Vincent Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center• Columbia St. Mary's: Executive Vice President and COO; Executive VP of Hospital Operations; EVP Ozaukee Region• St. Mary's Hospital, Ozaukee: Senior VP and COO.• St. Mary's Milwaukee: Vice President of Operations; Vice President of Patient Services, Director Special Projects, and Education; various clinical leadership positions Key Career Accomplishments• Achieved highest performing division within system as Division President and CEO, drove performance of 4 hospitals including the partner relationship with an integrated physician clinic with over 400 providers (Prevea Health) and minority affiliation with a fifth hospital. Grew revenue and operating margin by over 35% over the 11 years served.• Served on system-wide strategy team and led various system initiatives including clinical and operational improvements.• Developed financial integration and partnership models with large multi-specialty physician group and separately with a progressive medical oncology group.• Led initiative to implement EMR in division, which was later adopted and installed across the system.• Developed strategic partnerships with regional hospitals through minority equity investments and service line strategies to coordinate care in broader market.• Created Division structure for all 4 hospitals to function cooperatively with a single executive team, shared management, spreading expertise to drive highly reliable patient care, providing standardized, high quality support to each facility. Reduced management structure by over 50%.• Implemented service line structure across the division, with vision, strategic plan and dashboards for each line. Growth and performance improvement demonstrated in each line.• Led development of provider-sponsored health plan in partnership with well-respected existing insurer to leverage their infrastructure. Previously served as president of hospital-physician organization, which contracted with managed care to drive appropriate payment protocols.• Developed designated Children's hospital within a hospital, achieving significant community support through a successful multi-million-dollar capital campaign with Aaron Rodgers as Honorary Campaign Chair.• Designed and delivered regional system agenda for performance improvement, including quality & safety, executive sponsor for LEAN program, data- driven efficiency processes and improving patient satisfaction.• Oversaw major facility construction projects including replacement hospital, inpatient tower additions, ambulatory surgery centers, physician clinics, etc. totally over $800 million.• Chaired Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) board, served on multiple committees and received WHA Distinguished Service Award.Education• MBA University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, 1992• MN Master of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle Washington, 1979• BSN University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1976 Certifications, Honors and Affiliations• Fellow American College of Healthcare Executives• American Hospital Association – Regional Policy Board- 2018 to 2020; Governing Council for Metro Areas 2011-2014• Medical College of Wisconsin- Green Bay Campus Community Advisory Board 2015-2019• St. Norbert College Schneider School of Business Advisory Council 2015-2020• Congregation of St. Agnes Sponsorship Board, Fond du Lac, WI.  Jan. 2015-2018• Prevea Health, Board of Directors 2009- 2020• Nicolet National Bank, Board of Directors, 2010- 2016

As CEO of Mega Achievement Productivity Systems (KW MAPS Coaching), Dianna Kokoszka was responsible for building the most powerful coaching and mastermind program in the industry. She led a team of more than 35 coaches, who provided coaching programs tailor-made to help their clients.  In 2009, Dianna created the BOLD (Business Objective: Life by Design) program, which instantly took hold and transformed the careers and beliefs about what was possible for thousands of real estate professionals.Passionately committed to providing a high level of motivation and accountability to her clients, Dianna has over 30 years of real estate experience. Formerly as team leader of the Keller Williams Realty Denver-West Market Center, she pioneered documentation and accountability systems for real estate agents, helping others to draw upon her prior success as a mega agent.Her entrepreneurial spirit and industry renown have resulted in many industry honors and awards, including the Stevie Award for the Best Sales Coaching Program; an appointment to the President of the United States' Business Advisory Council; Denver Entrepreneur of the Year in 1984 and 1991; and Denver Businesswoman of the Year in 1986, 2003 and 2004.Kokoszka's tenacity and ingenious methods have not only brought her press coverage, they've brought her big business. She believes we are all creative, resourceful and whole. May we empower others to actively engage and participate in their own evolving transformations.AWARDS:• Stevie Award for the Best Sales Coaching Program• Appointment to the President of the United States' Business Advisory Council• Business Woman of the Year• Who's who in America• Best of the Best in Real estate• Top 50 Most Influential Women in Real Estate• Realtor of the Year• Top Coach of the Year• Stevie Award• Prism Award Finalist• Denver Entrepreneur of the Year• Denver Businesswoman of the YearShe is a founding member of the John Maxwell Team of Certified Coaches, an author of 19 system books for real estate offices, and loves to add value to others.Dianna is the author to her new book Becoming More - published with the John Maxwell Publishing Company.Despite her impressive achievements, Dianna believes that her greatest titles are wife, mother, and grandmother.  She lives with her husband, Tony DiCello, on Lake Travis in Lakeway TX, where she loves to waterski or sit on the dock and read her Bible. She enjoys a good clean joke, traveling, reading, and spending her time with her 3 boys and 4 grandchildren.Website: https://becomingmorebook.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannakokoszka/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianna.kokoszka/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannak/Connect and tag me at:https://www.instagram.com/realangelabradford/You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel herehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDU9L55higX03TQgq1IT_qQFeel free to leave a review on all major platforms to help get the word out and change more lives!

The China-ASEAN relationship has been a remarkable one, especially in terms of trade. China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner for over a decade. And most recently, ASEAN has taken over the EU as China's largest trading partner. Where is this relationship headed, especially in terms of investment and trade? What are the new opportunities and challenges for investors, businesses, traders and policy-makers on both sides?

Ian King's speaking to Andrew Opie at the British Retail Consortium about today's summit looking at food inflation and supply issues; there's Chris Gray, Director at ManpowerGroup UK, react to rising unemployment figures; Jaeger Glucina, who's the MD of AI company Luminance, talking about law-focused Artificial Intelligence; and there's analysis of the headlines from The Times' Economics Correspondent, Arthi Nachiappan.Also on the show: Arsjad Rasjid from Indonesia's Chamber of Commerce and ASEAN's Business Advisory Council talks about the country's economic growth; and the chief executive of Land Securities, Mark Allan explains why it's had to write down the value of its assets.

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Welcome to the latest episode of 'On the Couch'. This occasional podcast series of chats with fund managers, CEO's and brokers aims to give you an insight into the investing world.In this episode, I am joined by David Tudehope, CEO Macquarie Telecom Group. Absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to chat with him. David quit his banking job some years ago as a fresh faced 25-year old to start MAQ.David co-founded the company with his brother Aidan. He is responsible for overseeing the general management and strategic direction of the Company, and is actively involved in the Company's participation in regulatory issues. He was previously a director of the Service Providers' Industry Association. He is a member of the Australian School of Business Advisory Council and the Australian Government's B20 Leadership Group.In this podcast we look at what MAQ does, why it is worth a look for investors in the tech space, the USP that MAQ has in a competitive IT field, and some lessons that David has learnt along the way to building a $1.3bn company.Great podcast and worth listening to, especially if you are keen on local tech exposure.Disclaimer: This is general advice only and you should consult your financial adviser regarding any of the thoughts, ideas or insights in this podcast.Why not sign up for a free trial? Get access to expert insights and research and become a better investor.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made an appearance at the Apec Business Advisory Council meeting last Sunday evening. Hipkins acknowledged that Auckland was currently going through a hard time due to the impending Cyclone Gabrielle, on top on the flurry of disasters impacting the region. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says that Chris Hipkins' appearance at Sunday's welcome reception was a surprise, as guests were unsure as to whether he would appear. Fran O'Sullivan observed that Chris Hipkins was well received, as he made plenty of jokes and enforced the idea that Auckland needed a boost, as it was the economic powerhouse of the nation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made an appearance at the Apec Business Advisory Council meeting last Sunday evening. Hipkins acknowledged that Auckland was currently going through a hard time due to the impending Cyclone Gabrielle, on top on the flurry of disasters impacting the region. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says that Chris Hipkins' appearance at Sunday's welcome reception was a surprise, as guests were unsure as to whether he would appear. Fran O'Sullivan observed that Chris Hipkins was well received, as he made plenty of jokes and enforced the idea that Auckland needed a boost, as it was the economic powerhouse of the nation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Eric Mower, Chairman, & Chief Executive Officer, Mower.     About Our Guest Eric Mower has guided the privately-held Mower (formerly Eric Mower + Associates) over the past 54 years, growing it from a single location with a staff of four to one of the largest independent, digitally integrated, full-service marketing, advertising and public relations firms in the United States. Mower functions from ten US cities: Albany (New York), Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York City, Rochester (New York) and Syracuse. Earlier this year Mower was named Midsize Agency of the Year for B2B by the Association of National Advertisers. In the last decade, Ad Age magazine twice-named the agency one of the Top-10 “Best Places to Work.” In addition to serving as Mower's chairman and CEO, Eric served the Business Council of New York State as co-chair of the board for two years followed by two years as chair of the board. He and his firm joined the Business Council in 1986. Eric is chair emeritus of the Advertising Self-Regulatory Council (ASRC) and a past director and secretary/treasurer of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's), and he continues to serve in his 30th year as chair of the 4A's Government Relations Committee. 0ther board leadership positions include seven-years as president of the International Network of Advertising Agencies (IN); director of the International Council of Better Business Bureaus; director of the American Advertising Federation; eight years as the Founding Chair of the federal Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. In addition to being inducted into the Association of National Advertisers' B2B Hall of Fame in 2019, Eric has been recognized by Ernst & Young as a Master Entrepreneur of the Year, and by City & State Reports, which bestowed on him the Lifetime Achievement Award and later named him to its “Responsible 100” list. In 2022 City & State Reports designated Mower as number 14 on “The 2022 Political PR Power 50 in New York.” Also in 2022, 100 Black Men of New York honored him with its J. Bruce Llewellyn Excellence in Philanthropy Award. Over many years Eric provided leadership to, and was recognized by, numerous community philanthropic and civic organizations in Upstate New York, including the SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, United Way, Community Foundation of CNY, Centerstate CEO, Syracuse Stage, Everson Museum, Boy Scouts, Junior Achievement, the Syracuse and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. Eric earned a bachelor's degree in English from Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences in 1966 and a master's degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1968. And he serves as a Life Trustee of Syracuse University and sits on several of its committees (Academic Affairs, Advancement and External Affairs, Athletics, and Facilities). He is also a member of the university's Subcommittee for Marketing and Communications. Mower joined SU's board in 1990 and served as Vice Chair from 1997-2001. In 2018 he received the Dritz Life Trustee of the Year Award for outstanding Board service.  His Syracuse University service includes ongoing membership on the Newhouse Advisory Council and he is a former member of the Whitman School of Business Advisory Council. Mower is a 2015 recipient of the George Arents Award, the University's highest alumni honor, and a 2012 co-recipient with his wife, S.U. trustee Judith C. Mower, of the University's Orange Circle Award.  He also received the University's Outstanding Alumni Award in 1995.  

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Eric Mower, Chairman, & Chief Executive Officer, Mower.     About Our Guest Eric Mower has guided the privately-held Mower (formerly Eric Mower + Associates) over the past 54 years, growing it from a single location with a staff of four to one of the largest independent, digitally integrated, full-service marketing, advertising and public relations firms in the United States. Mower functions from ten US cities: Albany (New York), Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York City, Rochester (New York) and Syracuse. Earlier this year Mower was named Midsize Agency of the Year for B2B by the Association of National Advertisers. In the last decade, Ad Age magazine twice-named the agency one of the Top-10 "Best Places to Work." In addition to serving as Mower's chairman and CEO, Eric served the Business Council of New York State as co-chair of the board for two years followed by two years as chair of the board. He and his firm joined the Business Council in 1986. Eric is chair emeritus of the Advertising Self-Regulatory Council (ASRC) and a past director and secretary/treasurer of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's), and he continues to serve in his 30th year as chair of the 4A's Government Relations Committee. 0ther board leadership positions include seven-years as president of the International Network of Advertising Agencies (IN); director of the International Council of Better Business Bureaus; director of the American Advertising Federation; eight years as the Founding Chair of the federal Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. In addition to being inducted into the Association of National Advertisers' B2B Hall of Fame in 2019, Eric has been recognized by Ernst & Young as a Master Entrepreneur of the Year, and by City & State Reports, which bestowed on him the Lifetime Achievement Award and later named him to its "Responsible 100" list. In 2022 City & State Reports designated Mower as number 14 on “The 2022 Political PR Power 50 in New York.” Also in 2022, 100 Black Men of New York honored him with its J. Bruce Llewellyn Excellence in Philanthropy Award. Over many years Eric provided leadership to, and was recognized by, numerous community philanthropic and civic organizations in Upstate New York, including the SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, United Way, Community Foundation of CNY, Centerstate CEO, Syracuse Stage, Everson Museum, Boy Scouts, Junior Achievement, the Syracuse and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. Eric earned a bachelor's degree in English from Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences in 1966 and a master's degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1968. And he serves as a Life Trustee of Syracuse University and sits on several of its committees (Academic Affairs, Advancement and External Affairs, Athletics, and Facilities). He is also a member of the university's Subcommittee for Marketing and Communications. Mower joined SU's board in 1990 and served as Vice Chair from 1997-2001. In 2018 he received the Dritz Life Trustee of the Year Award for outstanding Board service.  His Syracuse University service includes ongoing membership on the Newhouse Advisory Council and he is a former member of the Whitman School of Business Advisory Council. Mower is a 2015 recipient of the George Arents Award, the University's highest alumni honor, and a 2012 co-recipient with his wife, S.U. trustee Judith C. Mower, of the University's Orange Circle Award.  He also received the University's Outstanding Alumn...

Twenty-five years ago, Tony Capullo founded a national consulting firm that provided regulatory, compliance, audit, and cutting-edge, web-based training solutions to healthcare organizations across the country. His company, PPS, developed, implemented, and evaluated corporate compliance programs for healthcare organizations and also served as the Independent Review Organization (IRO) for the Office of Inspector General imposed corporate integrity agreements. From 2005 to 2008, PPS served as a MEDIC contractor for CMS. As an integrity contractor, PPS was responsible for promoting the integrity of the Medicare program by helping to address fraud, waste, and abuse by identifying problems, internal control gaps, and potentially fraudulent activity. Mr. Capullo is a lifetime member of Cambridge Who's Who in the National Register of Honored Professionals, Executives, and Entrepreneurs. He has been an expert witness on Medicare issues in TN, NC, MS, and AL. He has been featured in several business magazines and periodicals and was nominated by the Business Advisory Council for Florida Businessman of the Year in 2003, 2004, and 2005. He served nine years as a member of the Editorial Board for Report on Medicare Compliance and has contributed articles to the Aspen Publishers' Physician Practice Compliance Resource Manual and Strategies for Healthcare Compliance Officers. He was featured in CNN Radio's "The Innovators"​in February 2012 and on "Mind Your Own Business," Radio for Entrepreneurs, in 2014. He was nominated for Entrepreneur Magazine's "Entrepreneur of the Year"​ for 2012.In this episode, Tony and Jay discuss everyday advice Tony has received and given and his approach to what a true consultant is, Tony explains explicitly that there are leaders in all of us.

Vanessa Nazario is Corporate Director, Chief Diversity Officer of Memorial Healthcare System. Vanessa was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Trenton, NJ. She has worked in the field of Community Development, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for over 27 years. In 1996, she joined PNC Bank's Community Development Department where championed equity and inclusion in throughout her 20-year career, concluding her tenure as VP, CDB Operations. In 2017, she began her role as Diversity Director with RWJ University Hospital, where she was responsible for diversity and inclusion and healthcare equity initiatives. Vanessa launched the Hospital's first Diversity & Inclusion Council and provided oversight for seven Business Resource Groups. She was also a key leader in the creation of the PROUD Gender Medical Center Program. In 2021, she joined Memorial Healthcare System as Director of DEI to create and lead the System's inaugural diversity, health equity, and inclusion strategy. In June 2022, she was promoted to Corporate Director, Chief Diversity Officer to further MHS's commitment to DEI. Vanessa serves on several committees including Florida Diversity Council's Advisory Council; Human Resources Association of Broward County's (HRABC) DEI Committee; Rider University's Women in Leadership Council; HISPA's South Florida Advisory Council; and ARC of Broward's Business Advisory Council. She has been recognized by several organizations for her leadership including South Florida Business Wealth's Diversity Executive Leadership award; DEIB Health Consortium's Top Healthcare Diversity Officer; Diversity Global Magazine 2022 Top 15 Champions of Diversity; and Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce's 2022 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award. Vanessa received her MBA from Rider University and has a master's in science degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-nazario-ms-mba-9473735a/ MHS website: https://www.mhs.net Shout-out: Today's Diversity Leader Shout-out goes to Brenda E. Snipes at Jefferson Health and Monica Diaz, at Royal Caribbean Music: Vente by Mamá Patxanga is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License Amor Y Felicidad by SONGO 21 is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/si-suite/message

Vanessa Nazario is Corporate Director, Chief Diversity Officer of Memorial Healthcare System. Vanessa was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Trenton, NJ. She has worked in the field of Community Development, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for over 27 years. In 1996, she joined PNC Bank's Community Development Department where championed equity and inclusion in throughout her 20-year career, concluding her tenure as VP, CDB Operations. In 2017, she began her role as Diversity Director with RWJ University Hospital, where she was responsible for diversity and inclusion and healthcare equity initiatives. Vanessa launched the Hospital's first Diversity & Inclusion Council and provided oversight for seven Business Resource Groups. She was also a key leader in the creation of the PROUD Gender Medical Center Program. In 2021, she joined Memorial Healthcare System as Director of DEI to create and lead the System's inaugural diversity, health equity, and inclusion strategy. In June 2022, she was promoted to Corporate Director, Chief Diversity Officer to further MHS's commitment to DEI. Vanessa serves on several committees including Florida Diversity Council's Advisory Council; Human Resources Association of Broward County's (HRABC) DEI Committee; Rider University's Women in Leadership Council; HISPA's South Florida Advisory Council; and ARC of Broward's Business Advisory Council. She has been recognized by several organizations for her leadership including South Florida Business Wealth's Diversity Executive Leadership award; DEIB Health Consortium's Top Healthcare Diversity Officer; Diversity Global Magazine 2022 Top 15 Champions of Diversity; and Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce's 2022 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award. Vanessa received her MBA from Rider University and has a master's in science degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-nazario-ms-mba-9473735a/ MHS website: https://www.mhs.net Shout-out: Today's Diversity Leader Shout-out goes to Brenda E. Snipes at Jefferson Health and Monica Diaz, at Royal Caribbean Music: Vente by Mamá Patxanga is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License Amor Y Felicidad by SONGO 21 is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/si-suite/message

The list of what women were allowed to do in the professional world sixty years ago is limited to secretarial duties. Fortunately, there were those emboldened and audacious few who ignored all the limitations of the time to carve new inroads for their own fulfillment, and leave doors open behind them to give access to the women who would follow.  Jane Bradley was raised on a sprawling, working ranch in New Mexico and empowered by her cowboy father to go places no woman of her time had ever gone. You can't command those prices for your paintings, you're a woman. But she did. You can't open a gallery on the world-famous Canyon Road in Santa Fe, you're a woman. But she did. Tired of having to drive all the way to Dallas for art supplies she opened an art supply store, that in its first year became the anchor store in what was then, Santa Fe's newest outdoor mall. From being one of the earliest Executive Directors of Genesis Business Incubator, University of Arkansas, to moving to Russia to manage a Russian football team, to remaining in Russia during perestroika and working with technology transfer, to returning to New Mexico to found a series of successful businesses, Jane has always made her own rules and done it her own way. Along the path she has spent many years sharing the wisdom gained as a serial entrepreneur by mentoring those who would come up behind her. Join Lesley and Jane for a fascinating conversation into everything from the power and necessity of mentoring to daring to create new pathways.      Jane Bradley is a third generation New Mexican.  The love of art and a natural talent made a BFA  a natural choice.  After success as a studio artist and gallery owner in Santa Fe, Jane became intrigued by the process of business. This interest led to additional education followed by other varying   and successful business endeavors. The ability to teach and share has been ongoing and a constant in Jane's life.   Curiosity is the one word that most clearly defines Jane's life. This curiosity has led to many personal and professional successes.  From moving to a small hamlet in Arkansas with prince charming -  to becoming the Executive Director of the Genesis Business Incubator at the University of Arkansas  - to moving on to Russia during perestroika and working with technology transfer - to returning to the much loved and missed New Mexico, each new challenge was attacked with enthusiasm and determination  .  Jane was honored and humbled to be named one of the Most Influential Women in New Mexico in 2016 and to have been awarded the governor's award for Outstanding woman - 2009 Certified Mediator for the Municipal court system working with Juvenile offenders and Parent/teen conflict resolution. Appointments: National Small Business Administration (SBA) Advisory Council  Chamber of Commerce of the United States. Business Advisory Council  Santa Fe County Housing authority City of Santa Fe Plaza use committee Latest Business Startup:  2017 - Smartspider. PROS, Inc DBA Smartspider.net Paintings and “Jewelry by Jane” can be seen and purchased at leading galleries and museum gift shops.   Watch video version HERE Janeabq@gmail.com Website: www.Smartspider.net   CEO/Founder: Smartspider.net

During a time of rapid digital transformation brought on by the pandemic, Xero recently established its new product and tech hub in Toronto and has been working to support small and medium businesses with its intuitive cloud accounting solutions. We recently got the chance to chat with Anna Curzon, As the Chief Product Officer at Xero, Anna Curzon leads a global product team across product development, design, management and marketing to make a macro impact on the lives of small business owners and their advisors around the globe. Driven by the power and potential of technology to solve real-world problems, Anna leverages more than 20 years of experience in finance and technology to deliver strategies that enable a more inclusive and resilient economy through digital technology. Before becoming a member of the APEC Business Advisory Council for New Zealand, Anna served on the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Council from 2018 to 2020. In 2017, Anna was named among the Top 25 Women Leaders in SaaS by the global SaaS Report.In this podcast, Anna discussed the distributed future of work, the Benefits of Open Banking and Xero experience, more opportunities to increase diversity and how it benefits the business and why our educational systems will have to adapt to the pace of technological change.

We all know that adaptability is one of the core needs of businesses today, and with adaptability comes innovation and creativity. But we want to innovate in a way that is still based on the foundation of our business. My guests today are Adria and Aaron Bagshaw of W. H. Bagshaw, a family business since 1870. There is a lot of great insight in this conversation into why it's important to clarify your core values, how to use them to navigate with purpose, and how to keep a business in the family in a way that encourages creativity and innovation. We also talk about the vertices they have built out in their business and the mindset they hold around opportunity and risk.   What You'll Learn:   How Bagshaw navigates serving many different industries Weaving your core values into your business as a daily navigator Why it's important to have a Founder mindset even generations later How to honor your companies legacy while continuing to move forward Creating a culture where individual passions are supported The benefit of challenging set parameters The responsibility of leadership to support their employees health Owning the mindset that nothing is a failure How to positively include younger children in the business Why you need to get out of of your business to work on your business Resources: https://www.whbagshaw.com/ Aaron Bagshaw proudly serves as the 5th generation to run the W.H. Bagshaw Company, which he co-owns with his wife, Adria. While he serves as the President, his business card reads “Chief Visionary Officer”.  He oversees Sales, Marketing and Technology.  He's passionate about manufacturing and innovation, which is evident visiting their 150+ year old business that feels more like a start-up.  As Vice President, Adria's main areas of focus are Workforce and Finance, but her title is “Chief Validation Officer.”  While the couple maintains their own realms of responsibility, they work together on Quality and Strategic Planning.  They're proud to provide meaningful jobs to 40+ employees and preserve the family business legacy for a 6th generation.  Aaron received a degree in Sports Management from Springfield College and his MBA in Strategic Management from USIU (now Alliant International University). Adria graduated from UNH's Whittemore School of Business & Economics (now the Peter T. Paul School) with a BS in Business Administration in 1996. Both Aaron and Adria sit on U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen's Small Business Advisory Council in addition to other boards they serve on including the Precision Machined Products Association, the UNH President's Business Advisory Council, and the NH Small Business Development Center's Advisory Board.   Since 1870, the WH Bagshaw Co has provided specialty pins as a job shop manufacturer, and expanded to swiss-style machining in 2005.  Covid-19 is not the first pandemic the company has weathered, as it was in operation during the Spanish Flu of 1918.  They credit their survival to many things, including having a diverse base of customers they serve. With each major  decision and at any crossroads, they rely on their core values:  Family, Empowerment, Courage & Perseverance and “Make it Happen”.   

Paul Nelson, Esq. is recognized throughout Orange County as an expert in Family Law Litigation. As Managing Partner at Nelson Kirkman, Paul has built an excellent reputation in the legal community and has been quoted as a legal expert by Fox News and Forbes. Paul's many honors and awards speak to his expertise: AV Preminent® & Judicial and Bar Highest Possible Rating (Martindale Hubbel®), two-time Super Lawyers Honoree (2021 & 2022), Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council (2009), OC's Most Talked-About Lawyers (2008), Premier Attorneys of Orange County (Orange Coast Magazine, 2008), as well as a National Leadership Award from the National Republican Congressional Committee. With a strategic approach to high-stakes cases, Paul handles roadblocks by utilizing outside-the-box thinking to get it done, believing that there is always a way. In his work, Paul is guided by the principle that being a successful attorney is like playing a game of chess: it's all about the long game. He joins host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to share more about his industry leadership in Orange County, as well as his professional philosophies! -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County.

Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen has a conversation with Kristy Venne, the District's K-12 Career Education Coordinator. They talk about preparing our community's workforce, the four E's of possibility after graduation and about the District's Business Advisory Council.

Networking Shouldn't Feel Icky | An Interview with Mieko Ozeki Episode 139 Today's podcast episode is the sixth in the Breaking Money Silence® with Your Younger Self series. I interviewed Mieko Ozeki, co-founder of Vermont Womenpreneurs about being a small business owner and why she decided to provide women in Vermont with a different networking experience.  Mieko is a mompreneur, born and raised in New York City, and currently residing in Burlington, Vermont. She is the owner of a small business called Radiance Studios LLC, a marketing firm offering website and content strategy, digital marketing and personal branding, project management, and event production for small businesses and individuals. She is also the co-founder of the Vermont Womenpreneurs and serves on several boards including the Vermont Farmers Market Association, Governor Scott's Future of Agriculture Commission, Intervale Community Farm, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, and recently joined Congressman Welch's Business Advisory Council.  Here are 5 things you will learn by listening to this episode: How a mentor helped Mieko launch her business  Her favorite and least favorite parts about owning her enterprise The importance of having a good relationship with your bookkeeper How the pandemic created a new wave of entrepreneurs The advice she would give her younger self Want to connect with Mieko? Here's how:  Radiance Studios Website  Vermont Womenpreneurs Website  Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: Mieko_Ozeki RadiantCareer   A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Plan Well. Be Well.     Plan well. Be Well is a place that connects your financial well-being to your personal well-being. It's a place to inspire and learn. To define aspirations. To begin articulating what well-being looks like for you. And a place to provide the financial tools needed to achieve your financial goals and live your intended life. Because when you plan well, you can be well. Now and in the future. For more information, visit PlanWellBeWell.com  Apply for the Master Class on Negotiating: Join me for this small group coaching experience and learn how to remove psychological roadblocks to earning your true worth. A new group starts January 2022. Space is limited so register today. Click here to register. .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_content { background-color: #146a7d !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_container .et_bloom_form_header { background-color: #146a7d !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_content button { background-color: #f58023 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_content .et_bloom_fields i { color: #f58023 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_content .et_bloom_custom_field_radio i:before { background: #f58023 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_content button { background-color: #f58023 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_container h2, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_container h2 span, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_container h2 strong { font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; }.et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_container p, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_container p span, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_container p strong, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .et_bloom_form_container form input, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_1 .

If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?“Society needs to talk about the state of homelessness for older people, especially women over 50. Many of whom find themselves without superannuation or even a fair deal when a marriage breaks down if they haven't had visibility over the family finances or everything they own has been run through the ‘company'. ___________ Marina Go is as dynamic as they come. Such an impressive human and we had so much to talk about when I first interviewed her - we decided to do another episode!   Marina has a lot going on! She's currently the Chair of Netball Australia, Ovarian Cancer Australia and The Walkley Foundation, and a non-executive director on the boards of Energy Australia, 7-Eleven, Autosports Group, Pro-Pac, Adore Beauty and Booktopia. She was recently appointed to the board of Transurban.  She is a member of UNSW's Business Advisory Council and ANU's Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership (CAAL) Advisory Board, and author of the business book for women, Break Through: 20 Success Strategies for Female Leaders. Boss magazine named Marina as one of the 20 True Leaders of 2016.  Marina has over 30 years of leadership experience in the media industry, having started her career as a journalist. Her media exec roles are extensive and she was also the former chair of the West Tigers NRL Club - which we'll get more into today.  Marina's media executive roles included Private Media CEO and Head of the Hearst JV at Bauer Media and held leadership roles at ACP, Fairfax and EMAP Australia. Marina is also a former Chair of the Wests Tigers NRL Club, Chair of the Super Netball Commission and was the inaugural Chair of the UTS Centre for Media Transition Advisory Board.  She is a member of O'Connell Street Associates, Chief Executive Women (CEW) and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).  Marina has been actively progressing equitable outcomes for women and culturally diverse Australians in her working life and as a volunteer for more than three decades.  If you can't tell, you're about to hear from one incredibly impressive lady. Our conversation is real, authentic and interesting as Marina has had one phenomenal career. But what I hope you also hear is that she's a really lovely person. Genuine, articulate about her values and such an advocate for women. It's an absolute pleasure to have her on the show - please enjoy this wonderful conversation with Marina Go.  Connect and find out more about Marina here;-We talked about Marina's new publication, a collaboration with some of her mates - find it here: https://tonicmag.com.au/Links and Social Media LInkedin: linkedin.com/in/marinagoTwitter: @marinasgoAnd for more information about the Wabi Sabi Series, please find us here:-Website - The Wabi Sabi Series Connect with us on Instagram here:- @thewabisabiseriesConnect with us on Facebook here - @thewabisabiseriesIf you have a burning topic you'd love society to talk more about, or know someone who'd be great to come on our podcast, drop us a line at  hello@wabisabiseries.com

This is an abbreviated version of the full podcast, also available here! Why do ACCREDITED INVESTORS get access to investments that rest of us don't have access to? WHAT is an accredited investor? Why do ACCREDITED INVESTORS make greater returns with LESS RISK. We've got the guy to answer those questions!!! Frederick is an accomplished entrepreneur with more than 25 years of success spanning financial services and technology. He is responsible for founding Creative Capital Wealth Management Group, growing the firm to 15 states, and building a unique retainer-based wealth management program. He also president of Retainer-based Academy LLC, a coaching and intellectual property firm. Frederick is an innovative leader with a keen eye for unique solutions and vast knowledge in alternative wealth creation strategies. He received his Behavioral Financial AdvisorTM, BFATM for short, certification as of July 2018. As a seasoned board member Frederick has held board positions with Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation, Rotary, Kiwanis, LGBT Equality Alliance, the Phoenixville Senior Center, Cornerstone for Hope, Phoenixville Area Community Services, and the West Chester School of Business Advisory Council. He is married to Elizabeth, has nine-year-old twins James and Abigail. His hobbies include technology, cigars, eagles' football, and cars (mostly Tesla). Why do Ivy League Universities need to invest? The investments in colleges go toward their foundations and scholarship programs, and also the investments keep their accreditation status. There are only a few business that qualify to be in an upper tier of status, and many of these colleges sit in this category. WHAT is an ACCREDITED INVESTOR? For a person to be accredited, you need to have a certain amount of income or net worth to qualify. Once you qualify for accreditation, the world of investing really opens up to you. As Frederick explains, it's like being in the same restaurant but you get a different menu when it comes to investing. What is retainer based planning? What does your company do that makes it unique from other investment companies? Scott clarify's exactly what Fredericks company does and he puts it into simple terms. Learn about the advice they give to their clients, which help them invest their money properly while keeping their current investments in themselves active. Things like your business and 401K remain the same, but other income can be dispersed more effectively for passive investment. When you bring an accredited investor idea to a client, what exactly are you referring to? What are these investments and why haven't most people heard of them yet? Who can access them? How does inflation play a role in investing these days? It seems everything is at an all time high, so how do you decide what to invest in? It's hard to ‘buy low' these days so where do you find your in? Frederick provides some examples on how the rich are investing their money to remain in the upper tier of society, and how they can infinitely increase their holdings based on making the right investments. Frederick further explains the benefits of being a AAA accredited investor, and what you can and can't invest in UNLESS you're in this group. Frederick explains the concept behind the (so far non-existent) “Debt Jubilee.” Frederick goes over some life stories that led him to the conclusion to always say Yes when provided with an opportunity. ------------ Quickly- I'm Scott Groves - Husband, Father, Loan Officer, Coach, Author, Podcaster, and Recent Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This podcast is paid for and brought to you by.... by me, Scott Groves :-)

Why do ACCREDITED INVESTORS get access to investments that rest of us don't have access to? WHAT is an accredited investor? Why do ACCREDITED INVESTORS make greater returns with LESS RISK. We've got the guy to answer those questions!!! Frederick is an accomplished entrepreneur with more than 25 years of success spanning financial services and technology. He is responsible for founding Creative Capital Wealth Management Group, growing the firm to 15 states, and building a unique retainer-based wealth management program. He also president of Retainer-based Academy LLC, a coaching and intellectual property firm. Frederick is an innovative leader with a keen eye for unique solutions and vast knowledge in alternative wealth creation strategies. He received his Behavioral Financial AdvisorTM, BFATM for short, certification as of July 2018. As a seasoned board member Frederick has held board positions with Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation, Rotary, Kiwanis, LGBT Equality Alliance, the Phoenixville Senior Center, Cornerstone for Hope, Phoenixville Area Community Services, and the West Chester School of Business Advisory Council. He is married to Elizabeth, has nine-year-old twins James and Abigail. His hobbies include technology, cigars, eagles' football, and cars (mostly Tesla). 3:00 - Why do Ivy League Universities need to invest? The investments in colleges go toward their foundations and scholarship programs, and also the investments keep their accreditation status. There are only a few business that qualify to be in an upper tier of status, and many of these colleges sit in this category. 5:00 - WHAT is an ACCREDITED INVESTOR? For a person to be accredited, you need to have a certain amount of income or net worth to qualify. Once you qualify for accreditation, the world of investing really opens up to you. As Frederick explains, it's like being in the same restaurant but you get a different menu when it comes to investing. 12:00 - What is retainer based planning? What does your company do that makes it unique from other investment companies? 17:00 - Scott clarify's exactly what Fredericks company does and he puts it into simple terms. Learn about the advice they give to their clients, which help them invest their money properly while keeping their current investments in themselves active. Things like your business and 401K remain the same, but other income can be dispersed more effectively for passive investment. 25:00 - When you bring an accredited investor idea to a client, what exactly are you referring to? What are these investments and why haven't most people heard of them yet? Who can access them? 46:45 - How does inflation play a role in investing these days? It seems everything is at an all time high, so how do you decide what to invest in? It's hard to ‘buy low' these days so where do you find your in? Frederick provides some examples on how the rich are investing their money to remain in the upper tier of society, and how they can infinitely increase their holdings based on making the right investments. 46:45 - Frederick further explains the benefits of being a AAA accredited investor, and what you can and can't invest in UNLESS you're in this group. 50:00 - Frederick explains the concept behind the (so far non-existent) “Debt Jubilee.” 1:00:00 - Frederick goes over some life stories that led him to the conclusion to always say Yes when provided with an opportunity. ------------ Quickly- I'm Scott Groves - Husband, Father, Loan Officer, Coach, Author, Podcaster, and Recent Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This podcast is paid for and brought to you by.... by me, Scott Groves :-)

In this episode, Eric speaks with Robert C. Davidson, Jr; successful entrepreneur, art collector and philanthropist. He and Eric discuss his experience as a young boy; growing up in the Jim Crow era of the 1950s in Memphis, Tennessee and how his parents were both entrepreneurs and great inspirations to him: His mother opened a restaurant for black patrons in 1944 after seeing that African American soldiers had nowhere to eat in public. His father opened the first and only black-owned bank, Tri State Bank. They discuss his education and entrepreneurial journey and how, after investing thirty years in business, he turned his attention to art and philanthropy. Mr. Davidson talks about his and his wife's mission in building their art collection; one which Eric deems as one of the greatest African American art collections in the country! Eric and Mr. Davidson delve into the collection; and take us on a journey where they discuss works by Palmer Hayden, Jacob Lawrence, Charles White, Betye Saar, Joshua Johnson, Elizabeth Catlett and Meta Warrick Fuller while offering valuable insight and expertise on purchasing art and building a collection. For more visit: www.ericsperspective.comGuest Bio: Robert C. Davidson, Jr. formed Surface Protection Industries, Inc. (SPI) in 1978. Under his leadership, SPI became one of the largest African American-owned manufacturing companies in California, ranking in the top 100 on the Black Enterprise list of America's top black-owned industrial/service companies.Davidson has a strong entrepreneurial résumé. In the early 1970s, he headed his own management consulting firm and, prior to that, served as chief executive officer of Avant Garde Enterprises, a Los Angeles-based entertainment holding company.In Boston, Davidson co-founded and served as vice president of the Urban National Corporation, a private venture capital company that was established to increase mainstream industry's investment in minority-controlled businesses. The organization raised $10 million in capital from many Fortune 500 companies.The entrepreneurial spirit of Davidson's career path is also reflected in his commitment to community involvement. He is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Ray Charles Foundation and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the following organizations: Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. (NYSE); Broadway Federal Bank (NASDAQ); Cedars-Sinai Hospital Los Angeles; University of Chicago Graduate School of Business Advisory Council; The Huntington; and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He is also Chairman Emeritus at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1998, Morehouse College honored Davidson, one of its most distinguished alumni, by naming the President's home and its executive center Davidson House. Davidson was the 1997 recipient of the Ronald H. Brown Award and the 1990 recipient of the Raoul Wallenberg Save the Children Award from the Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem. He was also named Black Businessman of the Year by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Black MBA Association and Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Association of Investment Companies. Davidson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College and his MBA from the University of Chicago. He is a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Morehouse College. In 2007, Davidson received the distinguished Benjamin E. Mays Award, which is named in honor of Morehouse College's famous former President. Davidson and his wife, Faye, are parents of three sons, one of whom is an ArtCenter alumnus. The Davidsons are art collectors and Faye is a member of the Pasadena Art Alliance. Davidson joined the ArtCenter Board of Trustees in 2004 and served as Chair of the Board for five-terms (2010-2020). He is the first African American to serve in this role at ArtCenter, and among the first African Americans to assum

If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?“It's time that male sporting codes had targets for female leadership to sort out some of the poor behaviours. As a former Chair of Wests Tigers NRL club, I've got a lot to say on this topic and believe it's time sporting codes start viewing their Clubs more like a business.”_____________ Marina Go is as dynamic as they come. Such an impressive human and it was just wonderful to reconnect with her once again. Marina is one busy lady! She's currently the Chair of Netball Australia, Ovarian Cancer Australia and The Walkley Foundation, and a non-executive director on the boards of Energy Australia, 7-Eleven, Autosports Group, Pro-Pac, Adore Beauty and Booktopia. She was recently appointed to the board of Transurban. She is a member of UNSW's Business Advisory Council and ANU's Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership (CAAL) Advisory Board, and author of the business book for women, Break Through: 20 Success Strategies for Female Leaders. Boss magazine named Marina as one of the 20 True Leaders of 2016. Marina has over 30 years of leadership experience in the media industry, having started her career as a journalist. Her media exec roles are extensive and she was also the former chair of the West Tigers NRL Club - which we'll get more into today. Marina's media executive roles included Private Media CEO and Head of the Hearst JV at Bauer Media and held leadership roles at ACP, Fairfax and EMAP Australia. Marina is also a former Chair of the Wests Tigers NRL Club, Chair of the Super Netball Commission and was the inaugural Chair of the UTS Centre for Media Transition Advisory Board. She is a member of O'Connell Street Associates, Chief Executive Women (CEW) and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Marina has been actively progressing equitable outcomes for women and culturally diverse Australians in her working life and as a volunteer for more than three decades. If you can't tell, you're about to hear from one incredibly impressive lady. Our conversation is real, authentic and interesting as Marina has had one phenomenal career. But what I hope you also hear is that she's a really lovely person. Genuine, articulate about her values and such an advocate for women. It's an absolute pleasure to have her on the show - please enjoy this wonderful conversation with Marina Go. Connect and find out more about Marina here;-We talked about Marina's new publication, a collaboration with some of her mates - find it here: Tonicmag.com.auLinks and Social Media LInkedin: linkedin.com/in/marinagoTwitter: @marinasgoAnd for more information about the Wabi Sabi Series, please find us here:-Website - The Wabi Sabi Series Connect with us on Instagram here:- @thewabisabiseriesConnect with us on Facebook here - @thewabisabiseriesIf you have a burning topic you'd love society to talk more about, or know someone who'd be great to come on our podcast, drop us a line at hello@wabisabiseries.com

This week on The Millionaire Choice Podcast, Tony talks with Eric Brotman, host of Don’t Retire…Graduate!, about empowering families through financial planning. Raising a family isn’t easy, but it can be easier with the right financial planning and decisions! About EricEric D. Brotman, CFP®, AEP®, CPWA® is Chief Executive Officer of BFG Financial Advisors, an independent firm assisting clients with wealth creation, preservation, and distribution. Mr. Brotman began his financial planning practice in Baltimore in 1994, and founded Brotman Financial Group in 2003, which later changed its corporate identity to BFG Financial Advisors. He provides investment, retirement, estate, insurance, and comprehensive financial planning services for families, professionals, executives, and business owners, all of whom enjoy extraordinary client service from working with multiple CFP® Practitioners and a team of specialists. Mr. Brotman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) certification in 1998, and completed his Master’s Degree in Financial Services (MSFS) at the American College in 2003. He is also an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®), a Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®), a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), a Chartered Advisor in Senior Living (CASL), and a Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®). Mr. Brotman is a Registered Representative with Kestra Investment Services and an Investment Advisor Representative with Kestra Advisory Services. Mr. Brotman is serving a four-year term on the Board of Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement & Pension System as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan. He is a champion for financial literacy education, serving on the Business Advisory Council for the Comptroller of Maryland. He is a 2009 alumnus and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Maryland. Additionally, Mr. Brotman serves on the Board of Trustees and is the Chairman of the University Advancement Committee at Stevenson University, where he previously served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching financial planning and investment planning courses to CFP® students. He is a 2006 alumnus and former board member of Leadership-Baltimore County, the Past-President and Chairman of the Board of the Financial Planning Association of Maryland, and a member of the Baltimore Estate Planning Council. Mr. Brotman is the host of the “Don’t Retire… Graduate!” podcast, available at www.dontretiregraduate.com, and recently published “Pay Less Taxes Now! Four strategies to Help Reduce Your Taxes Legally,” available for free download at www.lowtaxbook.com. His most recent book, “Retire Wealthy: The Tools You Need to Help Build Lasting Wealth – On Your Own or With Your Financial Advisor,” was published in 2014 and is available at most online book retailers. A sought-after speaker, he frequently gives seminars and workshops for companies, membership organizations, and fellow financial advisors. Mr. Brotman appears regularly on television on 11 News Sunday Morning on WBAL in Baltimore, and has also been interviewed by WMAR Baltimore / ABC2 News. He has appeared in print in Wall Street Journal, The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal,The Daily Record, Smart CEO, Investment Advisor, Fidelity Investor’s Weekly, Investment News, Journal of Financial Planning, Crain’s Baltimore, and numerous other publications. He has been featured on various websites, including Yahoo! Finance, ChiefExecutive.com, Reuters.com, Financial-Planning.com, and Forbes.com, and has appeared on a variety of radio programs, including the Marilu Henner Show and KGO News in San Francisco. Mr. Brotman was named as one of the “Maryland Power Players” by The Gazette of Politics and Business in 2010 and one of the “Very Important Professionals” by The Daily Record in 2011.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This interview featured Beth Cobert, Chief Operating Officer, Markle Foundation. JB and Beth discuss the importance of skills-based hiring, training, and education practices through innovative cross-sector collaboration in the digital economy. Much like the Partnership's Capital CoLAB, it seeks to bridge the skills gap between employers and educators.Hosted by JB Holston.  Produced by Jenna Klym, Justin Matheson-Turner, Christian Rodriguez, and Nina Sharma. Edited by Christian Rodriguez. Learn from leaders doing the work across the Capital Region and beyond. These conversations will showcase innovation, as well as history and culture across our region, to bridge the gap between how we got here and where we are going.About our guest:Beth Cobert is the Chief Operating Officer of the Markle Foundation and the Chief Executive Officer of Skillful, a Markle Foundation initiative, to create a skills-based labor market that empowers all Americans to succeed in the digital economy. Cobert is leading Skillful's efforts to convene employers, educators, workforce centers, state government, and others to help job seekers and workers keep pace with the transformations automation and technology are bringing to the workforce landscape.Her deep experience in talent management and partnership development, as well as her acumen for harnessing the constructive potential of new technologies, uniquely positions her as an ideal leader for Skillful as the initiative seeks to foster skills-based hiring, training, and education practices through innovative cross-sector collaboration in the digital economy.Previously, Cobert served as Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under President Obama. During her tenure, OPM not only embraced new technology to improve customer service and cyber security but also championed recruiting, development and advancement practices to support a talented and diverse federal workforce amidst rapid technological advancement. Before joining the Federal government, Cobert worked for nearly 30 years at McKinsey & Company as a Senior Partner in their New York and San Francisco offices, where she worked with clients across a range of sectors, including financial services, health care, real estate, telecommunications, and philanthropy. Cobert is currently a member of the Board of Directors of CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) and the Princeton University Board of Trustees. She has served as both board member and board chair of the United Way of the Bay Area, and as a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council. Cobert received a bachelor's degree in economics with high honors from Princeton University and an MBA from Stanford University with honors.

In this episode of Sounds of the Rail Park, elevate your senses on a walk through Phase One with Suzanne Erb. Listen to Suzanne and Friends of the Rail Park Executive Director, Rebecca Cordes Chan, as they chat about the sounds, scents, and textures of the Rail Park as they travel through the space together.  Suzanne Erb is a Center City, Philadelphia resident with a career dedicated to diversity inclusion. From the time she left the Overbrook School for the Blind at the end of her freshman year in 1971, and entered her local high school as the first totally blind student, she has demonstrated her belief that inclusion not only brings diversity of values and ideas to organizations, but it can also be easily accomplished with some forethought and planning. In her role as an Accessibility Advisor, she shows, by example and knowledge sharing, how you can design your meetings and conferences to be universally inclusive. As an advocate, she sits on boards and commissions including the Tenants Union Representative Network, where she holds the office of Secretary, Disability Rights Pennsylvania, where she also serves as Secretary, and the City of Philadelphia's Mayor's Commission on People with disabilities. She also serves as a member of various advisory boards, including the Business Advisory Council for the Philadelphia Job Corps, and chairs the Philadelphia Citizens Advisory Council of the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. She is also knowledgeable about assistive technology for people who are blind, which she uses both personally and professionally, and has helped people to make informed decisions regarding the purchase of assistive technology for their personal use. In her spare time, Ms. Erb is a professional musician, as an organist and choir director for 25 years. She enjoys visiting Philadelphia's parks and green spaces.   Phase One is open. Plan your next visit. Don't wait. Become a member today.   Special thanks to our partners: Center City District Foundation, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, William Penn Foundation, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The 1830 Family Foundation, Wells Fargo Community Giving, The Philadelphia Cultural Fund, The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Board of Directors and many members of the Friends of the Rail Park. This podcast is produced by Studio D Podcast Production for the Friends of the Rail Park.

Listen and learn with Angela Sutton Furniss, Account Executive with Dexcom and vice-chair of the COB's Business Advisory Council. Angela talks about how a positive attitude, regardless of your circumstances, can help you navigate any of life's transitions, professionally and personally. Some of Angela's favorite inspirations include: Brian Tracy https://www.briantracy.com/ Alex Carter https://alexcarterasks.com/speaking/ Vince McMahon https://www.wwe.com/superstars/mr-mcmahon Anne Sweeney https://www.influential-women.com/business/anne-sweeney/ COB students Dejah McManus, accounting major graduating Fall 2021, and Olivia Cottrell, junior finance major, are your host for episode 3, Words to Live By with Angela Sutton Furniss.

Stephanie Battaglino talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ about her new memoir “Reflections From Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling: Finding My True Self in Corporate America” published by L’Oste Vineyard Press. After many years in the corporate world struggling to find her true self Battaglino went on to become New York Life’s first transgender officer. Her memoir delves into her journey to fulfillment both personally and professionally highlighting her efforts in fighting for gender equality and calling to attention the work that still needs to be accomplished. Stephanie now leads Diversity & Inclusion workshops, presentations and trainings sharing over 40 years of professional experience working with and within Fortune 100 companies. Retiring in 2019 from her position as Corporate Vice President at New York Life Insurance Company she is well versed in the ways of corporate America and has become a leader in the conversation surrounding workplace equality for transgender and non-binary people. Unfortunately the reality still remains that many of our LGBTQ community must make a choice between coming out in the workplace and assuring their job security. “Reflections From Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling: Finding My Authentic Self in Corporate America” is part memoir and also part cautionary tale of what it is like to experience a career on both sides of the gender divide. Stephanie's honest and vulnerable storytelling paints a vivid picture of what the intersection of gender and gender identity looks like from a decidedly unique point of view. We talked to Stephanie about her inspiration for writing this book and her spin on our LGBTQ issues.  Stephanie Battaglino is a major voice in the LGBTQ workplace equality movement focusing specifically on transgender and non-binary individuals. She currently sits on the Board of PFLAG National and is the Chair of their Business Advisory Council. Actually Brian K. Bond PFLAG National Executive Director wrote the forward to “Reflections From Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling: Finding My Authentic Self in Corporate America”. Battaglino has proudly served on the boards of the LGBT Community Center of New York and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF). She is also a past member of the Transgender Advisory Committee of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates. Stephanie resides in Palm Desert, California with her wife Mari. For More Info... LISTEN: 500+ LGBTQ Chats @OUTTAKE VOICES 

Deanna M. Mulligan is CEO, PURPOSEFUL, a CEO Advisor, former Fortune 250 Chairman and CEO, Board Director, Entrepreneur, and Best Selling Author. She was a Principal at McKinsey and Company and has held senior positions at AXA Financial, New York Life Insurance Company, and ChannelPoint. Active across the industry and in the community, Ms. Mulligan is a Board member of Vanguard, the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), the Partnership for New York City, the Economic Club of New York, the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), and the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT. Ms. Mulligan was appointed to, and served on, the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans from 2014 to 2015, was Chair of the Board of the ACLI from 2015 to 2016. She is currently a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council, and served as a Director on the Board of Arch Capital. Fortune named her one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” and Crain’s New York Business recognized her as one of “The 50 Most Powerful Women in New York,” five times each. https://deannamulligan.com Guest Co-host: Pranay Agrawal -Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Fractal Analytics Pranay has led Fractal to be one of the most respected analytics company in the world. Fractal is working with over 50 Fortune 500 companies helping them drive better business outcomes by embedding analytics in their decisions and processes. Fractal is well recognized for its client-centricity with a Net Promoter Score of over 75. https://fractal.ai

Episode Notes Ep.020 - Episode Notes: This interview was recorded on February 25, 2021. Mr. Morgan is an EKU 2009 graduate, completing his BBA degree with a major in Accounting. He has worked as an Accountant at both UK and Perdue Universities and now works as a Finance and Investments Analyst for the Lexington Fayette County Urban Government.  Dale is also a graduate of Henry Clay High School and LCC, both in Lexington, KY. He joins us for a 5Q session in celebration of Black History Month as our Executive Speaker. Mr. Dale Morgan has been appointed to the Eastern Kentucky University, School of Business Advisory Council where he will serve as a resource of guidance and support to the School of Business. In his free time, Dale enjoys working with young people and giving back to his community.  He began Foundation47 as a life-development, leadership organization focused on improving the lives of under-served and under-represented youth. Learn more here: https://www.wtvq.com/2020/12/04/foundation47/ Dale is described as dedicated, approachable, reliable, personable, and motivated!  He is a highly accomplished professional with commendable hands-on leadership experience.  He comes to us today with the lovely Adrienne Bowles. He especially appreciates a handful of his former professors, including Dr. Oliver Feltus, Dr. Richard Fern, Dr. Maurice Reid, and Dr. Richard Chen. He recognizes the important role these, and all of his professors had in his education, and how important that education is in his successes. Quote: Advice to new grads… Break a problem down into manageable blocks, then persevere – and don’t let someone else define what success means to you.                                                                                     Mr. Dale Morgan

This week, Ami sits down with James Beckwith, President & CEO of Five Star Bank, to discuss what his bank has done during the pandemic, lessons learned, and opportunities that have arisen. James Beckwith is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Five Star Bank and its holding company, Five Star Bancorp. With more than 20 years of experience, James joined Five Star Bank in 2003 after serving as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at National Bank of the Redwoods, in Santa Rosa, California. James works with those who share his mission to improve the Capital Region and was a driving force behind the creation of the Five Pillar Program, an economic development initiative where cities, counties, and districts direct funds to local community banks for the purpose of reinvesting that money into local small-to-medium-sized businesses. James is a Private Sector Director with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, a Board member and Chair Elect of Western Bankers Association, a Board member of the California Community Banking Network, a Board member of Crocker Art Museum, and a member of the Sacramento State University College of Business Advisory Council. James is the past Board Chair of KVIE, Past Board Chair of Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, and Past Board Chair of Valley Vision. James' professional leadership and extensive community outreach includes support of numerous organizations, and especially, the vision and mission of Cristo Rey High School Sacramento and Make-A-Wish, among many others. James graduated from San Francisco State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. He is also a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. James was recognized by the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce as the Businessman of the Year in 2020. He was also named among the Most Admired CEO's of 2020 by the Sacramento Business Journal. Recorded 12/07/2020.

Business Is Boring is taking a break over the summer holidays. We'll be back in the new year, but until then we're we're republishing some of our favourite interviews of 2020. This week: Simon talks with Rachel Taulelei, CEO of Kono. First released June 4, 2020.While the full and lasting effects of Covid-19 are still to play out, and things are looking pretty fractious, there are some companies making the very best out of the current situation. One of these is Kono.Demand for New Zealand produce overseas is currently up. Our country's careful and healthy management of the pandemic has shone a light on our products internationally as people want high quality food and beverage, made with Papatuanuku in mind.That is exactly what Kono does. It's a whānau-owned Māori food and beverage business led by CEO Rachel Taulelei. They sell food, wine and produce brands all around the globe, from wines you know like Tohu, to Annie’s fruit bars.Before this role, Taulelei founded Yellow Brick Road, a company selling the best seafood to top hospitality operators, and was NZ Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles. Today she is on the prime minister’s Business Advisory Council, and you might have seen her on one of the Conversations on Covid-19 that the PM was running. To talk about what being whānau owned means and her hopes for the rebuild post-Covid-19, Taulelei joined us on the podcast.Business is Boring is presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Deanna Mulligan discusses her book "Hire Purpose" and how smart companies can close the skills gap. One of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business,” Deanna is the Fortune 500 CEO of Guardian Life Insurance, one of the largest mutual life insurance companies in the United States. She is a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council.  Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest? Do you want to be a sponsor?

Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Koata) is the CEO of Kono, a whānau-owned food and beverage company that boasts horticulture, seafood and of course, award-winning wine. Guided by Te Pae Tawhiti, a 500 year plan for success, Rachel is at the helm of a unique business model with kaitiakitanga at its core. With a career that has spanned law, international trade and enterprise, business and, governance, you can understand why she is highly sought after in roles like the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council. In this episode we talk with Rachel about what it means to build an innovative international brand. We talk about wāhine in leadership, appropriation and the realities of working for your people.

Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Rarua, Ngāti Koata) is the CEO of Kono, a family-owned Maori food and beverage producer and exporter. A seafood aficionado, her business Yellow Brick Road supplies seafood to restaurants throughout the country. She is a former US Trade Commissioner, who sits on the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Council, and chairs New Zealand's APEC Business Advisory Council. You might have caught her Zoom chat with the PM over lockdown too.

Vahan Yepremyan is a business attorney, speaker, author, and an avid entrepreneur and philanthropist.   He believes that all the big problems faced by humanity today, including climate change, world hunger, pollution, access to health care and clean water, and many others, will not be solved by governments or politicians, but rather by entrepreneurs. Vahan's passion and mission in life is to empower and support such conscious humanity plus entrepreneurs and ventures who are making our world a better place for this and many generations to come. Vahan has spoken around the world on topics like achieving entrepreneurial success by removing the beliefs that block us, business fundamentals, conscious entrepreneurship, mindful entrepreneur, etc.  Vahan was the winner of the Business Freedom's Speaking Academy Idol held in Calgary, Canada, where he competed with speakers from around the world.   Vahan is co-authoring a book with Shelly Lefkoe of Lefkoe Institute on the topic of Entrepreneurship and Limiting Beliefs, due to be out this summer. Vahan is also a serial entrepreneur, his current ventures include a law firm, film production and distribution company, and a real estate investment and development company. Education:Vahan graduated from UC Berkley, Magna Cum Laude, with High Departmental Honors (top 4%), and his Senior Honor Thesis received Highest Honors and was published by the University.  He earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from University of Southern California, where he served as the Editor of the Executive Board of Hale Moot Court Honors Program, and represented USC Law School as a member of Jessup International Law Moot Court Team.  Vahan has continued his studies at Harvard Business School, HBX, completing the CORe Program,  and has earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship from Cambridge University, Judge Business School in United Kingdom, where he currently guest lectures, serves as an Ambassador and mentors Cambridge University business management students. During his studies, Vahan received numerous awards and was recognized by many organizations.  Such awards included: Distinguished Man of the Year Award; Letter's and Science Dean's  Honor's List (multiple years); National Dean's List Award (multiple years); Kiwanis Club Award  for Leadership and Academic Excellence; Associated Student Body Leadership and Academic  Award; AGS Honor Society Academic and Service Awards; Robert J. Taylor Scholar's Award;  Gulbenkian Scholastic Achievement and Leadership Award, and many others. Work Experience:During President Bill Clinton's administration, Vahan worked at the White House think-tank,  Economic Strategy Institute, where he researched, analyzed and wrote reports on various issues  of US trade relations.  His reports were distributed to the White House and the Congress, and  used in drafting US economic policy. Subsequent to this, Vahan was recruited and worked on Al  Gore's Presidential campaign, assisting with fundraising efforts in California.   Vahan returned to Washington, DC to clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice, at the U.S.  Attorney's Office, where he worked on prosecuting major criminal cases in US Federal Courts,  including major international money laundering and drug trafficking cases. He also assisted the  FBI and DEA agents in on-going investigations and case-preparation for prosecution.   In 1998, Vahan founded his own law firm in Los Angeles, specializing in business, corporate and  transactional law.  For the past 20 years, Yepremyan Law Firm has been a trusted legal and  strategic business adviser to a wide range of clients, from start-ups to well established businesses,  American and foreign companies and individuals. Yepremyan Law Firm represents a very diverse  client base from over 20 countries, from small start-ups and charitable organizations to multi-billion dollar projects, such as a $2.7 billion dollar eco-friendly real-estate and tourist development in Mexico. The mission at Yepremyan Law Firm is to support and empower the conscious entrepreneurs and game-changers in their entrepreneurial journey.   Vahan has received numerous awards and recognitions. Some of the most recent awards include Entrepreneur Magazine naming Yepremyan Law Firm as #101 Best Entrepreneurial Company in America in 2019. In 2018 and 2019, Inc. Magazine included Vahan on the list of Greatest Entrepreneurs in America and Yepremyan Law Firm to Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in U.S. Amongst law firms, Inc. Magazine ranked Yepremyan Law Firm #11 Fastest Growing Law Firm in US and #7 Fastest Growing Law Firm in California.  In the same year, Los Angeles Business Journal named Yepremyan Law Firm #25 Best Company to Work For in Los Angeles.  In 2016 Top American Lawyers recognition reserved to 1% of the nation's lawyers, 2015 Lifetime Membership in Rue Ratings' Best Attorneys of America (top 1%), 2014-2015 AVVO's Client Choice Award, 2013 Top Lawyers In California Award, 2013 Trusted Adviser Award, 2013 Innovation Leadership Award, American Medal of Honor. Governing Board of Editors of the American Biographic Institute awarded Vahan the prestigious American Medal of Honor, the Business Advisory Council awarded him with the National Leadership Award which was featured in Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Political Involvement:Besides his busy legal and business career, Vahan has continued his political involvement and service.  Vahan was asked by President Bush and served on his Presidential Business Committee, as one of the California representatives.  He promoted pro-business agenda, and represented California's business interests, advising on issues California businesses  face and proposed various solutions.   Vahan was also appointed as the Honorary Co-Chairman of the Presidential Business Advisory Council, and received a National Leadership Award by the Chairman of the National Congressional Committee for assistance and leadership in promoting pro-business agenda including tax reform and fiscal responsibility.   Other Ventures:  Vahan is a co-owner and co-founder of several other companies, including Ketchup Entertainment.  Vahan's company has produced and/or distributed over 20 films starring such high caliber actors as Emma Tompson, Pierce Brosnan, Kate Bosworth, John Lucas, Paul Walker, Eddie Izzard and many others. He has won an International Emmy Award, TV Guide Award and received BAFTA (UK Oscars) and Broadcast Award nominations. (www.ketchupentertainment.com). Ketchup Entertainment has recently partnered up with 20th Century Fox film studios for co-distribution of motion pictures.   Charitable Work:  Vahan is actively involved in a number of charitable organizations, including Unstoppable Foundation (Sustainable Education for kids in Africa), WeJourney, World Vision(Children's Rights Organization), Wells of Hope(Clean Water Initiative) and Miracles in Action. He has travelled to Nicaragua and Guatemala building homes for the families in need, and to Cambodia, exposing and assisting in efforts against child labor and child sex trafficking. He has also helped raise funds for scholarships for students in financial need, and travelled to orphanages in Mexico, Armenia and Ukraine providing food and supplies.   Other Interests:  Vahan is also a published travel photographer, having travelled to over 67 countries, capturing their essence and beauty. (http://vahanphotography.weebly.com/)    

In this heartfelt conversation, Pamela Everhart shared her insights and wisdom on resilience and how to thrive by letting go. Through stories and insights, we examined the importance of relationships, and Pamela gave innovative strategies for building relationships during the pandemic. As a 25-year Fidelity Investments veteran with financial services expertise, Pamela Everhart is a senior vice president and head of Regional Public Affairs and Community Relations in Fidelity's Communications, Public Affairs and Policy Group. In this role, Pamela oversees the firm's state and local government relationships, public affairs and community relations activities at its Boston Headquarters and across Fidelity's regions in the U.S. Prior to joining Fidelity, Pamela was an associate with the global law firm of Ropes & Gray LLP, concentrating in employee benefits and corporate tax matters. She also practiced as a certified public accountant and senior tax manager with EY. Pamela received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School, where she was an Asst. Managing Editor on the Harvard Women's Law Journal, and was a Class Marshall. She is admitted to practice law in MA and before the Supreme Court. Pamela worked on the campaigns for former MA Governor Deval Patrick and President Barack Obama, and as a leader in the community, Pamela is active in a number of community service organizations and sits on several not-for-profit boards, including the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Law School Alumni Association, Association of Corporate Counsel Foundation, Bentley University Business School's Business Advisory Council, The Roxbury Latin School, the Neighborhood House Charter School (life trustee), and the Boston Symphony Orchestra (overseer Emeriti)."

Business is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand. This week he talks to Rachel Taulelei, CEO of Kono.While the full and lasting effects of Covid-19 are still to play out, and things are looking pretty fractious, there are some companies making the very best out of the current situation. One of these is Kono.Demand for New Zealand produce overseas is currently up. Our country's careful and healthy management of the pandemic has shone a light on our products internationally as people want high quality food and beverage, made with Papatuanuku in mind.That is exactly what Kono does. It's a whānau-owned Māori food and beverage business led by CEO Rachel Taulelei. They sell food, wine and produce brands all around the globe, from wines you know like Tohu, to Annie’s fruit bars.Before this role, Taulelei founded Yellow Brick Road, a company selling the best seafood to top hospitality operators, and was NZ Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles. Today she is on the prime minister’s Business Advisory Council, and you might have seen her on one of the Conversations on Covid-19 that the PM was running. To talk about what being whānau owned means and her hopes for the rebuild post-Covid-19, Taulelei joined us on the podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lawyerist Lab leader and coach Stephanie Everett discusses why you need a business advisory council for your law firm and how to create one.  If you’d like to learn more about investing in support for your professional development and law firm growth, check out our resource page on law firm coaching.  If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Thanks to First Place Legal, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and LawPay for sponsoring this episode. 

Lawyerist Lab leader and coach Stephanie Everett discusses why you need a business advisory council for your law firm and how to create one. If you’d like to learn more about investing in support for your professional development and law firm growth, check out our resource page on law firm coaching. If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Thanks to First Place Legal, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and LawPay for sponsoring this episode.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern talks with Rachel Taulelei. Rachel is CEO of Māori food and beverage producer, Kono, and also sits on the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Council. Rachel brings insights from a business that has already had to adjust to working in a COVID environment, as well as her hopes for the future.

Cecil Cummins and Fred Hubler discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the Financial Markets and on Real Estate Markets, specifically on a 1031 Exchange he is working on, and how it was impacted. Tune in for insights on the potential short and long term implications of this massive Black Swan event! Frederick is an accomplished Senior Executive with more than twenty-five years of success spanning financial services and technology. He is responsible for founding Creative Capital Wealth Management Group, growing the firm to eleven states, and building a retainer-based wealth management program. Frederick is an innovative leader with a keen eye for unique solutions and vast knowledge in alternative wealth creation strategies. He received his Behavioral Financial Advisor TM, BFATM for short, certification as of July 2018. Frederick built a framework to allow third-party experts to collaborate with and assist his clients, a practice now spreading throughout the industry. He is an inspiring leader who draws from a breadth of knowledge in market leadership, business development, goal execution, and wealth management. Frederick attained his MBA from the University of Phoenix and his BS in Business Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. As a seasoned board member Frederick has held board positions with Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation, Rotary, Kiwanis, LGBT Equality Alliance, the Phoenixville Senior Center, Cornerstone for Hope, and the West Chester Schools of Business Advisory Council. He is married to Elizabeth, has eight-year-old twins James and Abigail, and loves Eagles football. His hobbies include technology, cigars, and cars.

Sarah Perriam chats to trade commentator Stephen Jacobi, on Sarah’s Country to find out how the APEC Business Advisory Council are collaborating to ensure international trade is still able to operate under a global lockdown. To watch the interview, find out how to watch/listen to Sarah's Country live weeknights or contact the show visit www.sarahperriam.com

Andrea Saia is a Miami University alum, member of the school’s Business Advisory Council and a must-listen. She has had a wealth of business success yet she credits the most important decision and job to her first at Proctor & Gamble – learning the consumer and satisfying the customer need. It’s this statement that has guided much of her career. We jump from business challenges (like a product recall as a company CEO) to the power of mentorship and paying forward. Andrea shares plenty of tips for college-age and others in the work force, especially about getting a job in sales or marketing to learn about the customer journey. Thank you Andrea for the time. Your continued commitment to Miami is fantastic and our conversation re-focused my attention to the customer journey. See you all at Skipper’s real soon.

We got to ask the queen of questions, Dianna Kokoszka, our questions!!! We had so much fun and we learned so much from Dianna in this interview. Watch and learn what makes a great leader, lead and inspire those around them. Dianna was the CEO of Keller Williams MAPS Coaching for many years and has inspired 1,000s of people with her story.     As CEO of Mega Achievement Productivity Systems (KW MAPS Coaching), Dianna Kokoszka is responsible for building the most powerful coaching and mastermind program in the industry. She leads a team of more than 100 MAPS coaches, who provide coaching programs tailor-made to help their clients build on the Keller Williams business models. In 2009, Dianna created the BOLD (Business Objective: Life by Design) program, which instantly took hold and transformed the careers and beliefs about what was possible for thousands of real estate professionals. Passionately committed to providing a high level of motivation and accountability to her clients, Dianna has over 30 years of real estate experience. Formerly as team leader of the Keller Williams Realty Denver-West Market Center, she pioneered documentation and accountability systems for real estate agents, helping others to draw upon her prior success as a mega agent. Her entrepreneurial spirit and industry renown have resulted in many industry honors and awards, including the Stevie Award for the Best Sales Coaching Program; an appointment to the President of the United States' Business Advisory Council; Denver Entrepreneur of the Year in 1984 and 1991; and Denver Businesswoman of the Year in 1986, 2003 and 2004. Kokoszka's tenacity and ingenious methods have not only brought her press coverage, they've brought her big business. She believes we are all creative, resourceful and whole. May we empower others to actively engage and participate in their own evolving transformations. AWARDS: • Stevie Award for the Best Sales Coaching Program • Appointment to the President of the United States' Business Advisory Council • Business Woman of the Year • Who's who in America • Best of the Best in Real estate • Top 50 Most Influential Women in Real Estate • Realtor of the Year • Top Coach of the Year • Stevie Award • Prism Award Finalist • Denver Entrepreneur of the Year • Denver Businesswoman of the Year 

Episode #65 Gluten-Free Philadelphia with Michael from Gluten-Free Philly   I'm excited to feature Michael Savett, from Gluten Free Philly, for this episode of Travel Gluten Free! I've been hearing about Gluten Free Philly any time I mention I'm traveling to Philadelphia to another friend or acquaintance who is gluten-free.    My guest Michael is the father of an 18-year-old son with Celiac Disease who was diagnosed at age 3. He is an attorney practicing law in New Jersey and a member of the Business Advisory Council of Beyond Celiac.   He began publishing Gluten Free Philly in March 2009, with the mission of creating and maintaining a comprehensive reference for gluten-free-friendly restaurants, bakeries, stores, and events in the Delaware Valley. In addition to his blog, he also shares weekly features on items of interest to local and national readers.   Given the reader's interest in finding safe gluten-free options in the Philadelphia area, he decided to develop a mobile app, Gluten-Free Philly, which has more than 1,700 business listings throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and all of Delaware. This is the best resource I've found if you're gluten-free and eating in these areas. He is a fantastic resource to use if you are traveling to Philadelphia or the surrounding tri-state area: Delaware, New Jersey, and southeast Pennsylvania.   In this episode, we chat about our favorite places to eat in Philadelphia, which offer gluten-free or dedicated gluten-free menus. One of my favorites, which we talk about, is Wawa, a convenience store in the Philadelphia area which not only has gluten-free offerings but a variety of paleo food choices as well! As a kid, I would ride my bike to Wawa at least once a week to buy - what else - candy! Besides candy, they offer a range of healthy snacks and foods for all types of diets. Michael gives us the 411 about Wawa beta-testing a gluten-free sandwich!    Gluten-Free Reading Terminal Market   Another one of our favorite places to eat is Reading Terminal Market. RTM is an authentic Philly experience and offers a variety of dishes that are not only gluten-free, but the eating establishments are also from many different food cultures, which I love! When you're there, definitely check out Fox & Son. The owner, Rebecca, created a dedicated gluten-free restaurant that features such delicacies as funnel cake, fried Oreos, gluten-free corn dogs, and white birch beer. Birch beer is a northeastern beverage, similar to root beer, but on a more mouth-awakening level.    While you're at Reading Terminal Market, check out these other restaurants which have safe gluten-free options Bassetts Ice Cream, Flying Monkey Bakery, Hatville Deli, Kamal’s Middle Eastern Specialities, and the Tea Leaf. So much variety in this small space! You can eat a gluten-free cheesesteak (BYOBun) at Spataro’s Cheesesteaks!   Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels at the Italian Market in Philadelphia   If you're in Philly, definitely stop by the Italian Market on 9th street in Philadelphia. Like Reading Terminal Market, the Italian Market offers a variety of food establishments in Italian food! There are fabulous gluten-free finds at the marketing, including the traditional Philadelphia foods such as gluten-free soft pretzels! Get your fill of gluten-free soft pretzels at Taffets, who also carry a variety of gluten-free baked goods such as baguettes.   If you're looking for gluten-free soft pretzels in New Jersey, head over to Bleu Bear in Haddonfield for soft-pretzel bites! Dedicated gluten-free and delicious, you'll find a variety of baked goods at Bleu Bear. When you're there, check out their gluten-free breakfast, including waffles, gluten-free doughnuts, and crepes.    Gluten-Free Subs and Hoagies    When you're a native to Philadelphia, such as Michael and I, you most likely also love another Philly native food item, the hoagie. For those of you who do not live in the northeast, a hoagie is similar to a sub but stuffed with much more meat, cheese, and other toppings. Hoagies are a veritable feast in a roll.    If you're looking for a safe hoagie or gluten-free sub sandwich, check out Jersey Mike's Subs. This is a franchise chain that has adopted safe for celiacs practices after one of the owner's children had celiacs disease, and they tested out a gluten-free bun. They now offer gluten-free sandwiches at all their locations using Udi's gluten-free bread! Michael and I chat about their process for cleaning their machines for celiacs.   Show Resources   Grab the Guide to Traveling Gluten Free https://amzn.to/2NlZugf   Share Travel Gluten Free with a Friend! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-gluten-free/id1353825723?mt=2   Looking for a Great Travel Deal? Visit my Travel Deals page on my website! It's packed with deals for discount airfare, car rental, airport parking and much more, including discount trips to Italy.    Support Travel Gluten Free! For as little as $3 a month, become a show sponsor through Patreon.com Support the podcast which supports you, Travel Gluten Free!   Journey with Travel Gluten Free on Social Media Twitter      Facebook    Youtube      Pinterest    Instagram    On the Web   Connect with Michael from Gluten Free Philly Email On the Web Twitter Instagram YouTube   Spread the love of Travel Gluten Free podcast and share this episode with a friend!

Ep.009 - Episode Notes: Dale Cooper was interviewed on November 20, 2019. He graduated EKU in 1980 with BBA in Mgt. Dale is on campus today as the MMIB Department Distinguished Alum, speaking to faculty, staff, and students. He is currently the President & CEO of Xact Communications out of Lexington, KY, with customers worldwide. As a student, Dale lived in Todd Hall. He now lives in nicer accommodations. Dale also serves the School of Business as a member of the Business Advisory Council. Thanks Dale for taking the time to be with us and giving us a day of your time - and thanks for giving back to your EKU Community!Find out more at https://business5q.pinecast.co

Zach speaks with Tamara Fields, the Austin Office Managing Director at Accenture. She details her career journey to this point and offers her perspective on how organizations can make conversations and examinations around gender more intersectional and inclusive.Connect with Tamara on LinkedIn and Twitter!Search open positions at Accenture.com.Check out Accenture's Inclusion and Diversity Index!Connect with Accenture on the following platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, IG, Facebook, YouTubeTRANSCRIPTZach: What's up, y'all? It's Zach with Living Corporate. Now, look, I've got some good news, I've got some great news, then I've got some sad news, okay? So if you didn't know, Living Corporate has been partnering with Accenture to present to y'all a leadership series, okay? These are the most experienced North American black and brown managing directors, okay? This is what I'm saying. If you look at North America for Accenture, and you were to say "Hm, where are all the executive leaders who are black and brown and, like, who is the most senior in that group, and what are their stories?" Living Corporate would be able to say, "Oh, you mean these people right here? We got 'em." So that's the good news. That's the great news. The sad news is this is the last entry for now of this leadership series, okay? And my hope is that you--first of all of course you listen to this one, but [that] you'll listen to all of them, because we've been honored to have some amazing guests, and our last guest is no less amazing - Tamara Fields. Tamara Fields is the Austin Office Managing Director at Accenture, where she is responsible for bringing innovation to clients, recruiting and retaining top talent, and strengthening Accenture’s relationship with the community. She has over 20 years of experience in the health and public service sector, driving creative, strategic, and transformative solutions for federal and state government clients via multilateral project management, contract management and HR and financial transformation. My goodness, gracious. Sound Man, give me the Flex bomb. Just give it to me right here. [Flex bomb gets dropped] My goodness, gracious. An advocate for inclusion and diversity, Tamara serves as the U.S. co-lead for Accenture’s women’s employee resource group and the inclusion and diversity lead for the Accenture office in Austin. Tamara also serves as a coach and mentor in and outside of Accenture, helping people find their voice and preparing them for career advancement. She speaks at conferences and summits, like Culturati and Texas Conference for Women, and was recognized with the 2018 Central Texas DiversityFIRST award for her commitment to I&D. She is Accenture’s executive recruiting sponsor for her alma mater, the University of Texas, and sits on the Red McCombs School of Business Advisory Council as well as the boards for the Texas Conference for Women and Paul Quinn College, a historically black college in Dallas. So shout-out to our historically black colleges in Dallas. So I'ma go ahead and put the air horns right here [they drop], and I'ma give you that Cardi B "ow" right here as well [Cardi B “ow”], because shout-out to y'all. Love y'all. Now, look, with that being said, the next thing you're gonna be hearing is the interview that I had with Tamara Fields.[pause]Zach: Tamara, welcome to the show. How are you doing?Tamara: I'm doing great. Thanks very much. I appreciate being on.Zach: Oh, yeah. No, no problem. Look, for those of us who don't know you, would you mind sharing a little bit about yourself?Tamara: Of course. I'm just a Texas girl. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, which I feel like [?] is a unicorn--[both laugh]--with how Austin has grown, but yeah, I'm from Austin, Texas, and I currently work for Accenture. I am our Austin office managing director, so I'm responsible for our Austin office, and I'm also a key executive and managing director in our health and public service practice. So that means I spend quite a lot of work working with non-profits and higher education and with states. I went to the University of Texas at Austin, so I am a Longhorn - to all those proud Longhorns out there. And I think that's probably my quick summary on myself.Zach: Well, you know I gotta go ahead and give you some air horns for all of that, 'cause that's an amazing profile. [I drop 'em]Tamara: Ooh, I like the air horns. Can we have more?Zach: Oh, yeah.Tamara: [?]Zach: Oh, I got way more sound effects. I was trying to say--'cause this is what I'm trying to do. So as a side-note, Tamara--so, you know, Living Corporate has been around for a little over a year, and we add sound effects on the backend, but what I'm trying to do--we've got a soundboard now, so I'm over here trying to, you know, mix it up, add a little pizzazz. I was telling Rah that the last interview [that I was], you know, just trying a few different things out. So, you know, you may hear a few different things as they are appropriate in this conversation, okay?Tamara: Well, appropriate is always very important, so I appreciate that.Zach: Timing is everything.Tamara: And I will not be alarmed by your sounds, all right? Because I believe in disruptive innovation, so let's see what we can do.Zach: Oh, look at you. Look at you flexing. I see you now. Okay, all right. All right, now I'm activated. I appreciate that. [both laugh] So you've been with Accenture for over 20 years. Two sets of 10. Two.Tamara: Yeah. Are you trying to make me feel old? What exactly--[laughs] Yes, yes. Two sets of 10. Thank you, Zach. [both laugh]Zach: No. Well, the reason I bring it up--not to make you feel old. Can we talk a little bit about your journey and what it's looked like for you not just to survive but thrive in consulting, right? Because I've seen--in my experience in consulting and outside of consulting, black professionals--black and brown professionals, a lot of times they will get right up to either that manager or senior manager level and just kind of stay there for a while, and so it's rare--that I've seen, in my experience--many of us break into, like, the true executive-level leadership, and so--you know, it just seems like such a hyper-political space. I'd love just to hear about what your path has been.Tamara: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I think it's very interesting. I mean, I think one of the very first reasons why I came to work for Accenture, which at the time was interested in consulting when I graduated, was because I saw people who looked like me. It's really that simple. I initially had a marketing background, so I wasn't even in the technology space at all, or the consulting space. I wasn't focused on that. And one of my friends signed me up, and I went to an interview, and as I was going through the interview process, I started to run into individuals and greeters that they had there, and a couple of people who were friends of mine, who had graduated a couple of years before, were like, "Come on, Tamara. Come try this out." So I did, and it's been interesting to me, because I think that that aspect is what's really helped my career. I think that consulting can be intimidating. There's a lot of work associated with it. You're always having to spend time to stay up on trends and skills and capabilities and technology, and you're always in learning mode at the same time as you're guiding your clients, but what I found most intriguing about it is the fact that it's not a product, it's about people, and it's a team-based activity, and I think, for me, that was important, because I like connection with people. And so I think what's really helped me navigate my career, to be honest with you, has been relationships, right? It's a diverse world, and I think you have a lot of opportunity to own your path and own your career, but you have to do that with having the right people with the right opportunities with your right skill set, and those three things have to match up, and early in my career I didn't really understand that. I thought if you just worked hard, surely you're gonna get patted on the back and get promoted. [laughs] So very quickly you realize that's not the case, and so I really had to learn a couple of key points that I'll share. One is advocacy. It is important, right? And understanding your contribution and what you bring to the table and being able to articulate that, not in a boastful way, but in a way that helps everybody understand the work that you're performing and how you're contributing. That's important, and that was [anti?] to my culture and my world, right? I was raised in a very--in a background that believed in servant leadership. You know, if you do a good job, that's good enough, right? And so it was really hard for me to advocate and really to tell my story and be able to represent my story. And the second thing that was important is you need relationships at all levels - those that work for you and above you, and understanding the ecosystem that you work in, the organization structure that you work in and understanding the key players in that are important, and you need to take the time to understand where you work, how you work, who you're working with. You need to understand how they contribute and leverage that network, and I know people utilize "network" very freely, but it's exceptionally important. Like, you have to have sponsors or a key sponsor, and that sponsor is only a sponsor if they are well-positioned in the company to be able to advocate on your behalf. So that goes back to that first statement of advocacy, and so I had to learn how to navigate that, and I had to learn how to navigate that with individuals who didn't look like me, right? Because when I first came into the company there were a lot of African-American females, and even now, right, that's something that we're committed to, and I'm really thankful to work for a company that's committed to inclusion and diversity, but overall in the technology space, the percentages of African-Americans or Hispanics or women, right, that's still a number that has to grow, right? And so the reality of that means I have to have mentors and sponsors who may not be my makeup, but they're still committed to my success, and I had to learn how to get past my own unconscious bias to reach out and to leverage them and leverage those relationships in telling my story to navigate my career to success. And that was hard for me on multiple levels, one because we all suffer from impostor syndrome at some time. We all doubt ourselves. I wasn't used to talking about myself in that way. Learning how to establish relationships differently, at different levels and in different ways, and so I really had to embrace that in order for me to see, you know, my career path grow.Zach: Wow. So look, you know, it's been a theme, right? I've been talking to y'all, and when I say y'all I'm talking about y'all Accenture MDs. And so I keep on dropping this Flex bomb, but I gotta do it again. [Flex bomb sfx] You know what I'm saying? 'Cause golly. You're dropping real stuff. But, you know, jokes aside, it all boils down to vulnerability, and that's hard, right?Tamara: So hard. [both laugh]Zach: It's hard to practice vulnerability with folks that look like you, let alone folks that don't look like you, especially if you've been burned a couple times by some of those folks who don't look like you. Then it's like, "Well, dang, okay. Not only are my feelings kind of hurt, I also need to figure out a way to preserve myself. So what does it look like for me to just exist here," you know what I mean? So I definitely understand, 100% agree, with every point you made, and I just--[coin sfx]--you know, I just want to--I really do appreciate you sharing those points, because it is true that a lot of times, like, we--I'll speak for myself, 'cause your point around servant leadership resonated with me. That's definitely, like, my background as well. It's, like, the whole just "Okay, look, lead with humility. Look out for those before you look out for yourself," and that framework, while I'm not saying it isn't--I still believe in it, but it creates challenges in spaces where everyone is so very much so looking out for themselves. So what does it look like to practice servant leadership, but at the same time tactfully, professionally, honestly advocate for yourself? Like, those are--that's a hard balance to find, you know what I mean?Tamara: It is, and I think what we think is sometimes they have to be mutually exclusive, and that's not the case, right? What I had to learn was--and I was actually coached on this. And this was hard, right? I was very used to always saying "we did this," and "we did this," and "we did that." What they really want to understand [is] "What did you do, Tamara, as part of this collective," you know, success or project that you're talking about. Because they understand that you didn't deliver the project by yourself. [both laugh] [?] leadership, right? What they're trying to understand is what piece of the pie did you have, and how did you influence that? What ingredients did you add into that pay to help that pie taste wonderful, right? And so I had to learn how to use the word "I," which was hard, and at the same time use the word "team." So I would have to say things like, you know, "I directed the team to do this, and this is how the team executed this." You know, "We set up this collaboration method or this design session," you know, and "I facilitated that, and the team came up with some really innovative ideas. I helped the team work through how to deliver that." You know, "I delivered these pieces of the effort, and I honed this client relationship, and I helped the client interact with these team members in this way." But it was really about making sure that we clarified how I personally contribute, and then at the same time also talk to the team objective. So you can do both, and I don't--and I think that's where people miss, right? It's not to negate what the team does, but that team is working for you. [coin sfx] They're helping you be high-performing. Absolutely give them credit for that, and you need to definitely talk about that, but you're a part of that team. You're directing that team. You're providing leadership to that team. Those aspects of what you're doing shouldn't be ignored, and you can share that and still share in that team's success, because your success is the team's success and vice versa. And so recognizing that fact I think was key in my ability to start understanding how to speak to how I contributed and how the team contributed and how we did it together.Zach: Amen. Come on, now. You know what? And something else can we talk about for a second is--'cause you talked about using the word "I" and, like, what it is you did. Can we talk a little bit about--in terms of looking to progress and thrive in these corporate spaces as a leader, as a person of color, as a--let me be more specific, because sidenote--and we're gonna get to this later in the questions--Tamara, does it ever annoy you when people use, like, the term "person of color," like, as a catch-all as opposed to being more explicit and saying, like, "black and brown?" And it's okay if--I'm just curious.Tamara: That doesn't bother me so much. I just think that what--what probably bothers me even more than that is I think that people should not be afraid to use terms, right? I am an African-American, and if you're concerned about what to ask, then ask me what my preferred term is and I'll share it, right? Because I think it's important to put out. It's just in the same way that when people say "I don't see color." I don't understand what that means, right? Because the reality is I am a person of color. I am an African-American, I am a woman, and I don't want to ignore these facts. They bring uniqueness to my personality, being a female, being an African-American, being a Texan, being a UT grad. They're all just aspects and characteristics that I bring to the table that I think is unique, and that's what brings that innovation to the conversation. So you don't need to ignore it, and a lot of times, if I'm presenting at an I&D conference or any type of meeting, I will say that just right off the bat, because sometimes you just need to take out the concern, the tension, the fear around these conversation points. I think it goes back to being authentic. You know, early in my career, it was hard for me to fully embrace some of these topics courageously, right? And I had to come to my own place of "This is who I am at 100%," and I had to represent me, and if I'm going to be an authentic leader--and I really think when I made that shift is when I actually started to see a lot more success a lot faster in my career, because I fully embraced who I was. And that doesn't mean everybody has to like it, but they need to respect it and understand what I bring to the table. And so I thin kit's really about the fact that you need to know who you are, fully accept who you are, bring that fully all-in from an authentic point of view, and you're gonna have success when you do that.Zach: I love it. So I paused and asked you a side question before I got to my real question. So my real question is can we talk a little bit about, as a leader, why it's important to make sure you're doing the right kind of work, and I share that because for me--I'm a newer manager. I've been a manager, like, maybe two years or so. I think this will be my second year just being a manager. I was coming from another firm. Now I'm at a new firm as a manager, and coming into this new firm, I've been--I've got the feedback that, like, "Look, Zach, as a manager--as a leader, your job is not to quote-unquote get things done. Your job is to actually lead the team." And so I know for me, I think just the way that I--maybe just my background, how I've been coached, I've felt like there's always been a pressure to prove myself and show that I'm actually doing something, as opposed to what does it look like to actually facilitate the team and drive results through the team that I'm leading. Can you talk a little bit about, like, your journey in pivoting from being, like, a person who just got a lot of tasks done very well to really influencing and driving results for a group of people?Tamara: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I think I've had-- I think I've had two major what I would call crossroad points where that occurred, right? So just like you, when you, you know, made that point, from consultant to manager, you're--you know, and those are terms we utilize in my Accenture consulting world. It's that difference of you're part of the team and you're doing the work to you need to direct what the work and strategic vision needs to be, and you need to own that and direct the team and manage that, and manage the deadlines, the deliverables, et cetera. And I think really what that is about is understanding that you can't do all things and you need to prioritize your time and be effective, and it's hard for you to provide proper oversight to the team and manage the quality deliverables they're generating if you don't do that. What really helped me is, you know, we have various trainings, right? And we talk about what it really means--what are the expectations of a manager versus a team member, right? And I think that a lot of times we get these promotions, we don't always spend the time to understand what are the requirements and the new expectations for that new role. And so the first thing I would tell people is you need to just be straight up with your boss. "Help me understand what you expect." [laughs] "What do you expect me to do?" And when you start to write that down, then you've got to th ink about how you're gonna deliver that, and if you start to deliver that and you're at 80 hours a week, then you know somewhere there's a problem.Zach: You're absolutely right.Tamara: It's that practical at times, right? The other thing I would say is you--I believe in this mentorship concept and having people above you who can see how you're working and what you're doing, because sometimes we don't see, and you need to constantly be getting the 360 feedback, right? I believe in the 30/30, right? 30 days and 30 minutes, right? And you need to ask your leadership, right, "Am I operating at the level you expect? Where do you see those changes? What do you want me to do less of and more of," right? And you need to be asking those questions on a regular basis so that you're learning through that, and then you need to observe those above you, what they're doing, how they're doing it, and how they're working, right? It's a natural inflection point that when you switch to leadership you've got to delegate more. You've got to trust your team, and you've got to be able to balance when you dig in and when you don't, and you need to have the time available to dig in on the real issues and ignore the rest, and you can't do that if you're not at that right level of ownership, oversight, and digging in, right? But if you're always in the weeds you can never see--you know, if you're always in the trees you can never see the forest, right? And so you have to work on that strategic view. The second inflection point, which was really a bigger one for me, was really when I switched to becoming a managing director, and what was interesting about that was not so much about the work, because as a senior manager at Accenture, you're already managing pretty large teams and pretty large efforts, and they did a good job in giving us trainings. We even have special inclusion and diversity trainings for African-Americans and Hispanics. You know, we're very committed to that, and so, you know, I felt like I had plenty of exposure and understanding and coaching and development and leadership training, right? What I hadn't always understood is that [soft?] skill change that has to happen as you move up that ladder, right? [laughs] By nature I'm very direct, and, you know, how you have conversations at one level versus how you have to the conversation when you are truly in charge, leading an entire portfolio or a set of work or a set of people's shifts, and sometimes you do need to be more sensitive about how you share and communicate information and how you interact with individuals, because there's an expectation there of leadership that comes with that. And so, you know, when I first kind of made that transition, I was still somewhat operating in my previous, you know, method of operation. And I had a sponsor come set up a meeting with me, and I didn't know what--I thought we were gonna talk about this one thing and he was like, "Hey, Tamara, I've noticed something," and what was good about that is we already had the relationship. We already had the relationship, so he already knew he could setup the meeting. And because we had the relationship and because he was one of my sponsors, he just really wants me to be successful, and he knew--and because we had that established relationship, he knew he could have a direct conversation and say, "Hey, I don't think you handled this meeting correctly. You're now X. This is how I would expect you to handle the meeting. You need to think about that." And it was really hard, it was really impacting, but it was right, and so it really helped me to make that soft skill adjustment that I didn't even realize needed to happen. And when you have the right people in your world, and the right relationship with them, they're gonna help you be successful in that way.Zach: No, I love it. And it goes right back to what you were saying at the top, right, about relationships and trust and vulnerability, right? Like, if there wasn't a focus--if there wasn't that time spent in the beginning building those and practicing vulnerability and building those relationships, then you may not have had that conversation.Tamara: That's exactly right, and I think that hurts a lot of people because vulnerability is important, and you have to be willing to be humble. You have to be willing to be [?], to receive constructive feedback, and you have to have the kind of relationships where you are allowed and able to do that exchange. You know, I think that what people would say about me is honesty and authenticity matters to me 100%, and I tell them from the get-go, like, "I want to know. I can take it. I want to hear. Help me to understand, help me to grow, help me to be better," because the reality is I don't know all the answers. I don't know how to execute always and always in all positions, and I don't [?]. I need to still--you should always be in learning mode, and you should always recognize there's someone to learn from and something to learn about.Zach: Absolutely. So I think this is actually a really good transition point to my next question. You know, in your Essence Magazine feature--[Cardi B "ow" sfx]--you share a bit about how you've made it a part of your role to champion diversity.Tamara: Oh, yeah.Zach: Okay. So now, Tamara, so--you know, you don't know me, I don't really know you like that, but I'ma tell you - I'm a pretty gregarious person, and in a part of that gregariousness comes an ability to build relationships and have a lot of real talk sessions with black and brown senior leaders, right? So I've spoken to quite a few of them, and they're nervous about championing diversity because they don't want to be pegged as the "black person whisperer," or pigeon-holed in a space that is like, you know, away from business. So what are your thoughts on that, and how do you combat that perception?Tamara: Yeah. I mean, I think it's a fair concern, and I think you always have to [?] for the company you're in. You know, for myself--let me just tell you straight up that I am passionate about inclusion and diversity period, and it doesn't matter what everybody thinks about it or how they--you know, if there's gonna be a negative or positive perception. I think that you have to do what is right for you and what is your moral code, and I believe that I have that responsibility, right? I was the, you know, first African-American female to be an OMD, right? The first female to be an OMD in the Austin office, right? I was one of the first black females to be promoted in Texas even, into a managing director role. I absolutely have a responsibility to represent and push I&D so that other people can see me, and if I'm not out there, you know, present for them to see, then they may not believe that that's an opportunity in this company, and I want them to know that it is, right? Because if I can get there, so can you. And so I just feel like--I feel very passionate about that. I'm not blind to that concern, right? And so I think the difference for me is I am in the business, right? I'm still managing a large portion of our business. I have a responsibility for a large, you know, P&L revenue responsibility, profitability responsibility, and I feel like I can do that job and still manage my career success and be committed to inclusion and diversity. Now, I will say that it's easier for me because I work at a company that is committed to I&D period, right? We were the first company to publish our numbers out there in the market in our space, and that was a pretty big deal. So we believe in it. We have accountability around it. You know, I have a CEO for North America who is female who has made a commitment to, you know, gender parity across our industry groups, right? I work in an industry group where we've already hit gender parity, in health and public service within the U.S., and that's a big deal. So this is not something they shy away from. It's a part of our responsibilities as managing directors, right? We have accountability for it, and so I feel that. So I feel like I am in a position to champion something that's important to me and at the same time deliver on the business, but I think you've got to do both. In the same token, right, I have an I&D role in my public service entity group, because I want people to know that this is important to me and I feel I need to represent that conversation. Equally however, I have just as many conversations about the business, my skill areas, around my clients, around technology trends. So people know me for an expert in so many different ways that I'm not just I&D. That's never going to be the conversation for Tamara, because Tamara has put herself out there around innovation and back office and front office and public service and--do you know what I mean? So my thing is you need to have more than just that dialogue. You need to have multiple dialogues absolutely, but you can do that. Incidentally though, there was a role that was offered to me that I chose to not take that was a +1 role in I&D, because I said, "You know what? We need to give back to someone else, 'cause I'm going to be doing I&D no matter what," right? I'm going [?]--I used to be the [?] sponsor of special, you know, trainings and learnings. I'm gonna show up at the conferences I think I need to show up. I will do that. I will make the extra time in my schedule to do that 'cause I'm passionate about it. Let's make sure other people are going down that path. I wasn't interested in being an I&D practitioner, 'cause that's not that I believe my role was. I wanted to be a managing director in the business, and I did that. [laughs] And so now that I've done that, I see it as an opportunity to be a strong influencer about where we move in that space, how we move in that space, how we're successful in that space, and I can influence that on my teams and in every way and be courageous enough to have those conversations. And I believe we have to be courageous about what's important, because the reality is we don't have enough brown and black people, so to speak, in this space, in technology. I want to change that, right? And so, you know, that's a decision I made. I think you have to make personal decisions. But what I would challenge people is, you know, "Why would you want someone else's path to be harder or more difficult than your own path? You should want it to be better and easier."Zach: Right. No, you're absolutely right, and, you know, I love your point around the fact that having multiple specialties--you know, not that you're gonna be a jack of all trades and a master of nothing, but if you have a handful of things that you're very, very skilled at--because let's say if you are passionate about I&D, and then you also have these other specialties, well, then you can then weave I&D into your domain, because I&D is ultimately focused on making sure that everyone feels involved, included, and empowered, and whatever you're talking about, especially in the tech space, is gonna involve people. So it's--I&D really isn't, like, sequestered over to something on the side. If you have a specialty, some type of depth of knowledge in something else, it's easy to then infuse that with I&D.Tamara: That's correct. I think that's right, and I think that you can have a huge impact on this space by just getting to a place of leadership, right? You can have a huge impact on the conversations that are being had and making sure that, you know, the right decisions are being made and the right opportunities are being offered for all people. At the end of the day, what we believe in is inclusion, right? We have this "Inclusion Starts With I" video that I absolutely love, 'cause it's not just about gender and ethnicity. It's about so many different aspects. It's about everyone having a voice at the table, and I think that's what's most important.Zach: Absolutely, and that's, again, a really good segue. So last year you were featured on The Daily Texan, where you gave your perspective on gender equality. Now, taking a step back, what I often see is when we look at--we really do look at gender in, like, binary terms, right? We don't really consider race as an intersect between gender, and we don't often include trans identities in these discussions. What is your perspective on how organizations can make conversations and examinations around gender more intersectional and inclusive?Tamara: Oh, absolutely. So I'm a huge fan of employee resource groups. [laughs] So we have a--so it's interesting that you say that, right? So again, it's about your personal choice to get involved, but I'm the co-lead for our United States Women employee resource group for all of the United States, and it's an awesome opportunity, right? 'Cause it really gives me a landscape to do so many different, interesting things, and I have a full team underneath me as the executive sponsor. And it's so interesting that you bring this up, because this year we talked about "What are the topics out there that we want to have," right? And one of them was around this concept of intersectionality with various groups and topics that don't come up, and interestingly, like, we just scheduled a Women of Color Voices of Leadership call in July, right? And I'm gonna sit down with our North American inclusion and diversity lead, and we're gonna talk about some of the metrics that we see women of color in corporate America and what does that mean. What does that mean, and how do we address some of the gaps that we see in corporate America? What are the key concerns that are impacting them that might be different from other groups? And what can we do about it? How do we help everybody be successful? And so I think it's really about leveraging your employee resource groups to bring the conversation to the table, whether you're doing that through a national kind of Voices of Leadership call or whether you're doing that individually in your cities, 'cause we're fortunate in that we also have employee resource groups at every city location. And so we have them dial into the sessions. Sometimes they host their own sessions. We do leadership panels around these topics, and we've done them around all of these dimensions that you're talking about. And, you know, we have LGBTQ employee resource groups. We have men's. We have military. And people are really active in them, and they're very important. We do cross-pollination across our employee resource groups, with our African-American one and our Women one, because we think that's important, to have this dialogue and talk about what it means. You know, there was some really interesting national-scale stories going on last year that were impacting people, and we will do calls on them. And they're voluntary. People don't have to join in. And we can talk about "How are people feeling about that? What did it mean to come to work when that news story broke last night? How are you feeling?" Right? We think it's important to have courageous conversations and put that dialogue out there, and we do that through the employee resource groups so that 1. you recognize there's legal and HR concerns and you want to do that appropriately--excuse me--but it's the right forum, because that's where the people are and that's where the conversation should occur.Zach: No, 100%. And to your point around--I believe you're talking about some stories--you're alluding to death by police of black people and other, like, stories around--just tragedy and loss regarding black and brown folk in the media?Tamara: Yeah. Like Black Lives Matter or things around immigration, right? These are things that impact certain cultures in a very strong way and impact, you know, how they feel about--because we can act like we can completely ignore that, but we bring our whole selves to work, right? And we don't know what people are dealing with in relation to that, no different than when we talk about those who are having to provide elderly care, right? Or they're the main provider for their children, or, you know, they're dealing with sickness or illness, right? All of these matter--all of these things matter, and so we think it's important that those conversations be out there to deal with, because that helps people cope, and that's important.Zach: It is. It's really important, and I think one thing I'm really curious about--I'm certain that some organization is going to do some research and make it, like, a formal report, but there's a certain level of just emotional labor that goes into being a non--a member of the non-majority, right, in the workplace. Like, there's--you know, we've [seen], you know, on The Root and other articles in the past. We've called it, like, "Calling In Black," and we've kind it made it, like, a joke, but also there's a lot of realness behind that in that just existing in some of these spaces, existing as you are, seeing some of the things on the news, interacting in these spaces where you're one of few can be exhausting. And so I 100% agree that ERGs are a really strong help, and then also having leadership that looks like you is a help, but I'm also really just--I'm personally curious, like, just from a health perspective, what the mental toll is for black and brown folks in the workplace, because it's a--when you see some of these things in the media, folks that look like you or that remind you of a family member or remind you of yourself, that has to have some type of impact on you, you know what I mean?Tamara: Yeah. I mean, I think that all of us have these additional +1 emotional labor situations, emotional things, but I think that for myself, right--I feel like this has been our world before I even came into corporate America. So I feel like, right or wrong, people can think what they think about it. I believe this additional layer that you're speaking to, this additional burden, however you want to call it--that extra understanding that comes when you are the non-majority in a world. And I especially feel that in Austin, because--you know, African-Americans in Austin right now is, like, 6%, right? [laughs] So it's a very small percentage, and so, you know, I always went to, you know, schools that did not look like me, and I was the only one. And so, you know, and then the conflicts of that versus my weekend world with my family and my church that might be all-majority African-American, for example. I think that we always have that emotional toll, and, you know, just like anything, I leverage my family and my friends to manage against that, right? And what I have to be careful with is to make sure I'm reading situations correctly and not putting something in there that isn't, and then sometimes it really is what I think it is and how to best navigate that with either courageous conversations or raising it up through the chain, right? And we have to do that, and we can't be afraid to do that.Zach: 100%. No, 100%. Okay, so I've got a couple more questions for you. This has actually gone really well. I appreciate you. This is one of our longer conversations in this series, and this has been great. A large part of your role involves talent recruitment. Can you share your predictions about what organizations will need to do to attract talent in the next 10 to 15 years?Tamara: Oh, my goodness. Absolutely. I mean, I think--for one thing, if they haven't already, they should be spending time--there's a lot of new companies out there that consult around the new generations and what's important to them, so the millennial generation, Generation Z, Generation Y, and what's important to them and how they operate and how they make decisions around company culture, and we've already done a lot of adjustments, and we're still doing that. I mean, we're pretty fortunate in that we're a consulting firm, so it's our nature to disrupt and understand trends for the future, right? We do that with [?] trends and our technology vision, but what we have found--and we've already gotten--I've gotten a lot of training around this already, but some of the ideologies, for example, for the millennial generation is very different than a baby boomer generation or even a Generation X, and so people need to spend time in understanding that. So for example, millennials are very civic-oriented, right? The percentage that they give, whether in time or money, is a lot higher, right? Sometimes they're more concerned with short-term versus long-term benefits. So example, in the past, right, if you were talking to a baby boomer generation, you would have spent a lot of time talking about pensions or talking about retirement and profit sharing or matching and all those things. Those same type of conversations don't immediately appeal to millennials. They really want to understand how they're gonna be valued, how they're going to move through the organization. They also want to know how the organization is giving back. They want to understand the corporate culture of the organization. And that's new, right? In the past, you didn't really spend so much time talking about corporate culture, culture fit or culture add, right, but these are terminologies that are gonna be utilized today, and so, you know, that organization has to spend time figuring out what is their culture, and what is the key messaging that they're presenting in that, so that people can make an interpretation of whether or not that's a good fit for them. You know, they're gonna want to see that that company is moving and changing with the world, you know? I think--when we presented as part of--a couple of years back, our technology vision that every company was a digital company, people were like, "What? What are you talking about?" Right? But the reality of today, I think everybody understands every company--it doesn't matter who you are or what you're doing, from oil and gas to higher education, you're digital, right? Because people interact today from a digital point of view in every regard, from payroll to, you know, those who are in the service industry to those who are not, right? And so you have to have a presence socially. You have to have a presence from a web perspective. You have to have an internal presence for how you communicate, chat, with individuals. So every aspect matters, so companies have to understand that. They're gonna have to take a strong perspective on their work schedule and their flex schedules, you know? We have fully embraced truly human at Accenture, and I think that that's important, right? It's important for us to have flex schedules. It's important for us to have paternity leave. It's important that we have, you know, extended [?] maternity leave considerations. These things matter to the millennial generation, and they ask. They want to know, as a company, what are we sponsoring at a national level from a corporate perspective? What are we doing on the local level from a corporate perspective? They want to understand how you're going to train them and keep them up to date on skills, and so what are you offering around that? So I think, like, companies today have to be exceptionally dynamic. They're gonna have to spend time leveraging profiles, and again, what's gonna be a good profile that would fit and learn and do well in their environment. You're already seeing that with artificial intelligence. You're already seeing people trying to leverage AI as a way to do screenings initially on what is the right candidate pool for a company. So they have to adapt digitally, right? Because it's already starting, and that's going to be the path longer-term, right? So just--and having a really strong, you know, recruitment cycle from where they're pulling in and how it goes through that automated process. The time frames by which people get through the cycle has to be faster, because people aren't gonna wait, and the market is really demanding right now. What are they gonna concentrate on from a higher institution? What's the type of profile? So, you know, I think today companies really have to be on it. It's really competitive, and it's really hard, but my recommendation is they need to spend some time at first just studying who it is they're hiring. The largest work generation today is the millennial generation already, right? And so they need to understand that profile.Zach: All right, now, companies. Y'all hearing Tamara talking to y'all, okay? And we gave this to y'all for free. Y'all gonna be over there trying to get everything--y'all gonna be out here thinking y'all's company is all set up, you know, that y'all got everything going on, y'all got the latest and greatest, you know, DOS computer, and us millennials, we're looking at you like [haha sfx]. You know, you need to pay attention. That's all I'm trying to say. Tamara, this has been great. This has been great. My heartfelt thanks goes to you for just being here.Tamara: Oh, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to have my voice out there on stuff that I'm really passionate about. I really appreciate that.Zach: Oh, no, no. This is dope, and I know the people, they're gonna love this. Before we go--and you've been dropping jewels this entire conversation, but I want to just give you one more spot to wax poetic if you need to. Any parting words or shout-outs?Tamara: Yeah. You know, what I would tell y'all out there is to be you and fully accept who you are, and spend some time knowing who you are. You know, early in my career I spent so much time on my insecurities, and I allowed that to direct my actions, my communication, my lack of communication with people. If people didn't invite me to lunch, I just sat there being depressed versus being like, "Hey, do you want to go to lunch with me?" Right? And a lot of that centered around impostor syndrome and being uncomfortable in a space because it didn't look like me and with people who didn't look like me. When I really embraced who I was and that I was proud of who I am and what I represent and really understood what I brought to the table, then I recognized I can control that dialogue. I can control the stories that are out there about me, and I want to own those stories, and that, you know, fully embrace you. Be your authentic self and be all of you, from your hair to your clothes into the environment into the story, into the conversation, and do that unapologetically, at the same time with a spirit of humility and respect.Zach: [straight up sfx] Tamara, this has been incredible. We consider you a friend of the show. Again, we thank you for your time, and we hope to have you back.Tamara: I would love to come back, absolutely.Zach: All right, we'll talk soon.Tamara: Thank you.Zach: Peace.

Will the refusal to build 12 major roading projects send the Coalition lose the 2020 election?The Business Advisory Council, chaired by Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon, last week presented a damning indictment of New Zealand's infrastructure regime saying there is "no overarching vision or leadership in New Zealand for infrastructure development"."This means there is no nation-building narrative upon which to build a strategic direction," it says.They want the Government to proceed with 12 roading projects that are on hold or under review, and open them to private investment, saying that public sector does not have the funding mechanisms to properly run these projects. However, while Transport Minister Phil Twyford dismissed the report when he appeared on Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive later that day.du Plessis-Allan in turn wrote an opinion piece disparaging the response.  "When Phil Twyford out-of-hand dismissed the advice to resurrect 12 crucial highways, the texts and emails flooded in to me on the radio. Business lobbyists and roading advocates asked for a chance to respond. All wanted to make a case for why we need those roads."She says that "refusing to build these roads is an election loser"."It might not lose the entire country, but it can lose electorates for sure. Labour's dying to steal Hutt South from National's Chris Bishop. Good luck to them given how angry Hutt South voters are about the Melling Interchange being put on ice."du Plessis-Allan joined The Weekend Collective to discuss the piece and what can be done about public transport. 

Will the refusal to build 12 major roading projects send the Coalition lose the 2020 election?The Business Advisory Council, chaired by Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon, last week presented a damning indictment of New Zealand's infrastructure regime saying there is "no overarching vision or leadership in New Zealand for infrastructure development"."This means there is no nation-building narrative upon which to build a strategic direction," it says.They want the Government to proceed with 12 roading projects that are on hold or under review, and open them to private investment, saying that public sector does not have the funding mechanisms to properly run these projects. However, while Transport Minister Phil Twyford dismissed the report when he appeared on Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive later that day.du Plessis-Allan in turn wrote an opinion piece disparaging the response.  "When Phil Twyford out-of-hand dismissed the advice to resurrect 12 crucial highways, the texts and emails flooded in to me on the radio. Business lobbyists and roading advocates asked for a chance to respond. All wanted to make a case for why we need those roads."She says that "refusing to build these roads is an election loser"."It might not lose the entire country, but it can lose electorates for sure. Labour's dying to steal Hutt South from National's Chris Bishop. Good luck to them given how angry Hutt South voters are about the Melling Interchange being put on ice."du Plessis-Allan joined The Weekend Collective to discuss the piece and what can be done about public transport. 

Will the refusal to build 12 major roading projects send the Coalition lose the 2020 election?The Business Advisory Council, chaired by Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon, last week presented a damning indictment of New Zealand's infrastructure regime saying there is "no overarching vision or leadership in New Zealand for infrastructure development"."This means there is no nation-building narrative upon which to build a strategic direction," it says.They want the Government to proceed with 12 roading projects that are on hold or under review, and open them to private investment, saying that public sector does not have the funding mechanisms to properly run these projects. However, while Transport Minister Phil Twyford dismissed the report when he appeared on Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive later that day.du Plessis-Allan in turn wrote an opinion piece disparaging the response.  "When Phil Twyford out-of-hand dismissed the advice to resurrect 12 crucial highways, the texts and emails flooded in to me on the radio. Business lobbyists and roading advocates asked for a chance to respond. All wanted to make a case for why we need those roads."She says that "refusing to build these roads is an election loser"."It might not lose the entire country, but it can lose electorates for sure. Labour's dying to steal Hutt South from National's Chris Bishop. Good luck to them given how angry Hutt South voters are about the Melling Interchange being put on ice."du Plessis-Allan joined The Weekend Collective to discuss the piece and what can be done about public transport. 

Jerry Vascocu, Acadiana Market President of IberiaBank, sat down with Discover Lafayette host, Jan Swift to discuss his banking career. A Ruston native, Jerry graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in economics. Married to Julie Hiatt Vascocu, they have two children. Jerry joined IBERIABANK’s Baton Rouge commercial banking division in 2005 at a time of explosive growth for the bank. When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, the organization decided to diversify its geographic footprint to minimize future risk. Under the leadership of CEO Daryl Byrd, the bank's first expansion occurred in January 2007 with the purchase of Arkansas based Pulaski Bank and Trust. From there, the bank moved into other community banking environments which fit its business model. Jerry served as the bank’s Market President in Little Rock in 2007 before moving to Lafayette in 2010 and has served as Acadiana Market President since then. Today, IBERIABANK has 325 combined locations, including 190 bank branches and three loan production offices in 12 states primarily throughout the South. The company has 16 wealth management locations in five states, and one Iberia Capital Partners office in New Orleans. Founded in 1887 originally as a Savings & Loan, the bank has come quite a long way in its growth and ability to serve its large client base. Since this original podcast was taped, IBERIABANK announced its planned merger with First Horizon National Bank to be finalized in 2020. IBERIABANK has stepped up to meet the challenges presented by the Covid-19 crisis. For more information, please visit https://www.iberiabank.com/landing-pages/covid-19.  Active in the community, Jerry served as Chair of One Acadiana’s Board of Directors in 2016. He also served as a Board Member of Upper Lafayette Economic Development, on the leadership teams of United Way of Acadiana and the Community Foundation of Acadiana, Ascension Episcopal’s Board of Trustees, and University of Louisiana - Lafayette’s Business Advisory Council. Community involvement is important to Jerry, as well as all IBERIABANK employees throughout the organization. Charged with giving back to the community, the bank gets involved in a selective way with organizations who make a difference. In lieu of television ads, they become engaged in the community and partner strategically. Jerry shared that its mission is to be a top-notch corporate citizen. They strive to blend a community bank feel with large bank capabilities. IBERIABANK believes that the healthier the community in which the bank is located, the healthier the bank will be. IBERIABANK Civic Impact Partners evaluate the bank's footprint throughout the Southeast U. S  to determine where the bank can best invest their lending dollars as well as its own equity dollars to improve housing opportunities in moderate to low-income areas. Just recently, IBERIABANK invested in the new, 192-unit, affordable apartment community, called Brook Pointe Family Apartments, which is situated behind North Lafayette’s Walmart at 504 N. Pierce Street. This is one of the bank's largest investments to date. Jerry is a big proponent of Project Front Yard and he has consistently encouraged locals to work together to improve our community's gateway, especially on the drive into town on I-10. He discussed how the initial impression upon entering Lafayette Parish doesn't quite capture the many great things about living here, and the work of Project Front Yard and other organizations is worth the investment in time and labor. A man of faith, Jerry reiterated several times that one’s prayer life, family, and friends are crucial to maintaining balance in one’s life. He counsels his team, whether its his family or bank employees, to be a positive, shining light, rather than allowing darkness to pervade. His manner of being has always exemplified this philosophy. Thank you, Jerry Vascocu, and IBERIABANK for all you contribute to Lafayette! ...

Bram Kleppner has been CEO of Danforth Pewter since 2011 and has successfully turned around what was a loss-making business and led the company to seven straight years of growth and profitability. Under his direction, Danforth has expanded its network of company-owned retail stores and has enjoyed dramatic growth in its online businesses. Bram has successfully acquired and integrated three other companies into Danforth. He has instituted company-wide profit-sharing and partially paid maternity leave. In 2015 he converted the company’s electricity use to 100% solar power and has recently committed to moving the company to zero fossil fuel use. This year, Bram led the Board of Directors in adding an employee seat to the Board, now filled by an employee elected to that position by all the permanent employees of the company. He has reduced and refinanced the company’s debt, engineered a partial liquidity event for the company’s founders, and put the company on a path to provide the current shareholders full liquidity in the next four or five years. Prior to Danforth, Bram spent 10 years leading international marketing at Ben & Jerry’s, contributing to growth in Ben & Jerry’s international business from less than $5 million/year to over $40 million/year. He co-led Ben & Jerry’s first campaign against global warming and led the creation of Ben & Jerry’s first non-GMO ice cream. At different times, he served as General Manager of Ben & Jerry’s Russian joint venture and as Marketing Manager for Ben & Jerry’s France and also worked in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. His tenure at Ben & Jerry’s included three years as part of Unilever’s global ice cream group. In addition to his day job, Bram serves as Chairman of the Board of Population Media Center, working to promote the rights of women and girls in the developing world and to preserve the environment by stabilizing global population at a level that’s sustainable by the planet’s renewable resources. As Chair, Bram has led PMC through a process of strategic transformation at all levels of the organization as it has grown and expanded the scope of its activities and influence around the world. PMC’s programs have been seen by over 500 million people. Bram recently finished five years of service as Co-chair of Vermont’s Medicaid & Exchange Advisory Board, providing guidance on various aspects of healthcare policy to several state agencies, the Governor, and the legislature, and is a former member of the Governor’s Business Advisory Council on Health Care Financing. Bram also serves on the Health Care Working Group at Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. Bram earned an MBA from the University of Vermont, where he served as President of the MBA Association; a BA from Middlebury College, from which he graduated with high honors; and a Certificate of Achievement in Lean Manufacturing from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

Jason Macaluso '96 is a symbol of what dedication and hard work can get you when you are focused on your goals. He details his fascinating journey from finance major and struggling young professional to vice president of wealth management at Boone Macaluso Partners at UBS, member of the Providence College's Business Advisory Council, and accomplished triathlete. You can contact him at www.ubs.com/team/boonemacaluso

Special guest Vince August not just your everyday comedian. Credits "Heckler" a Jamie Kennedy documentary. "Vinsanity" Independent Film starring Vince August won BEST COMEDY at the Los Angeles premiere of the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. Written, starring and directed by Vince August. "As The World Turns" Hacks" "4Th & Goal" "Hopewell" staring Treat Williams and numerous Commercials. Vince also headlines at the top comedy clubs all over the Country. http://www.vinceaugust.com/ also on Today's show Scott M. Bloom President/Managing Member Bloom Real Estate Group www.bloomreg.com Currently, Bloom Real Estate Group's six professionals handle transactions in Office, Medical, Retail and Industrial spaces. Mr. Bloom is a member of the Real Estate Board of New York (Grand Central Committee Executive Board) and the Young Men's/Women's Real Estate Association (multiple committees); he is a World Wide Children's Foundation Board Member, Most Valuable Kids Board Member, an active member of the NY Blood Center, the Young Leadership Cabinet of Israel Bonds Real Estate Division, serves as Vice President and Board member of ETA-SAM Foundation and as a City Athletic Club board member, is Principal For A Day at the High School for Leadership and Public Service, a Friend of High School for Leadership and Public Service, Worldwide Basketball League Board Member, as well as The Friars Club of New York (Finance Committee), Brighter Futures Society and Business Advisory Council of YAI National Institute for People with Disabilities, and more. Tune in for surprise Friars club guest! don't miss this