Podcasts about Connector

Butyrate, produced by gut bacteria when they ferment dietary fiber, acts as a signaling molecule in the gut-brain axis, influencing stress, pain tolerance, immunity, and brain health Through multiple mechanisms, including specific enzyme inhibition and NF-κB pathway regulation, butyrate reduces neuroinflammation and protects against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease Butyrate influences key neurotransmitters including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, while also increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuronal growth and cognitive function The vagus nerve serves as a communication highway between the gut and the brain, transmitting signals about butyrate levels that affect mood regulation, stress response, and immune function Optimizing gut health through dietary fiber and homemade fermented foods helps promote butyrate production and maintain a healthy gut-brain connection

Find out more about The Art of GrowthTake a free Enneagram Test HERE.Sign up for the “Your Enneagram Starting Point” course HERE. Get Enneagram Certified HERE.Find out more about Teams Training HERE.Order our book on the Instincts: HERESet up One-on-One coaching HERE.www.theartofgrowth.org Email us your thoughts and questions!  Follow us on Instagram at ArtofGrowth for more on this subject this month and let us know what you are doing.© The Art of Growth ™ 2025Support the showhttps://www.theartofgrowth.org/

We unpack why KYC in payments became so heavy and how to make it almost invisible with data orchestration, deep KYC, and thoughtful UX. NABU's approach prefills profiles from trusted sources, uses AI to verify the real world, and gives analysts clear, auditable evidence.• mission to move from onboarding to no boarding • why payments face extra AML and sanctions scrutiny • balancing seamless UX with regulatory obligations • EU AMLD6, UBO access, and national eID schemes • API orchestration across multi-country data sources • deep KYC using unstructured data and storefront checks • analyst-first design with explainable reports and flags • access and fairness gains when onboarding gets easierTo connect and keep up to date with all the latest, head over to www.jointheconnector.com or hit subscribe via your podcast streaming platformThank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

We map how Belgium's e‑invoicing mandate and EU initiatives like VIDA, PSD3, and PSR are changing payments, and why compliance delivered via APIs is now a competitive product. We also unpack AI's impact on onboarding, verification of payee (VoP), and the push for lower, more sovereign fees.Join us for a podcast with Cedric, CEO of Digiteal.• API-based payments, e‑invoicing, QR, and open banking• Belgium's Peppol mandate and fast adoption• VIDA and the road to cross-border e‑reporting• Compliance as a service under PSD2/PSD3 passporting• Aera acquisition and retail card-present synergies• Fintech for good through lower transaction fees• AI-driven onboarding with authentic sources• Verification of pay for IBAN-to-name matching• Expansion across Europe using a repeatable playbook• How to start with GTeal's docs and APIsTo connect and keep up to date with all the latest, head over to www.jointheconnector.com or hit subscribe via your podcast streaming platformThank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Deep Reading Lists can be found at phoebe.substack.com @phoebelovatt @deepread.phoebelovatt @sueperchan @careofchan - Today's guest is Sue Chan, founder of Care of Chan, the hospitality-driven creative agency behind some of the busiest events, dinners and cultural moments you've seen online (or maybe even been lucky enough to attend in person). Sue and I first met over a decade ago back when she was transitioning out of her role as brand director at iconic New York City restaurant Momofuku and beginning to build what would eventually become Care of Chan.   Since then, the world and the way we come together has completely transformed. We talk about that transformation, the loneliness epidemic, the rise of the event economy, and the way in-person experiences have become the new status symbol when so much of our culture is mediated through screens. From influencer trips that break the internet, to why a good dinner can feel more radical than ever, to the psychological barriers that stop so many people reaching out.  

Yet again, I helped one of my clients have the lightbulb moment that publishing a book isn't about selling copies. The benefit of a book is how it opens doors. The moment your book hits the world, it becomes a beacon, drawing opportunities you might never have considered. Many authors find that beyond book sales, their work leads to speaking engagements, networking breakthroughs, consulting roles, and other unexpected ways to grow their influence. Your book can position you as an expert, a thought leader, and a sought-after voice in your industry—all while building meaningful connections with those you can impact most. But you need to be ready to seize these opportunities. It's why I work with authors to develop strategies for maximizing the impact of their books—so every opportunity is met with intention and purpose. Want to talk more about how your book can open doors? Visit www.BookLaunchBrainstorm.com to schedule a complimentary 30-minute book launch (or relaunch) brainstorming session. Now, let's dive into the milestones reached and lessons learned by our panelists … Michelle Tillis Lederman wrote “The Connector's Advantage: 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact” to help guide you in building powerful, inclusive relationships that accelerate success, open doors, and create lasting impact, no matter your career stage or goals. Carlo Mahfouz wrote “Reality Check: In Pursuit of the Right Questions” to help leaders, innovators, and curious minds master the art of asking the right questions at the right time, unlocking clarity, self-awareness, and strategic insight in the face of change. Please join me in welcoming Carlo and Michelle.  In this episode, we discuss the following:

Las Vegas–based connector and Southwest Airlines employee Hanna Pine shares how she built a thriving Gator lending business—leading to her first $1M golf course connector deal in Florida—while offering fast, reliable transactional funding for SubTo members. Hanna breaks down how cold-calling, community, and strong partnerships helped her scale quickly, and how she now collaborates with wholesalers, connectors, and creative closers to fund double closes and Morby Method deals with capital that stays safely in escrow. A must-listen for anyone wanting to take action, build confidence, and create win-win partnerships in creative finance.

We dig into how AI changes the risk surface for banks and fintechs and why identity must be designed from the start. Sutton Maxwell of Curity shares how to set API guardrails, balance friction with trust, and choose hybrid architectures that meet regulation without killing speed.• What Curity does for API security and identity• Why AI pilots fail without early security design• Common mistakes when teams bolt on controls late• How to balance UX with risk‑based friction• US speed vs EU regulation on AI adoption• Hybrid, multi‑cloud, and cloud exit strategies• Practical advice for fintech founders on KYC, OAuth, OIDC• Turning compliance into a growth advantageTo connect and keep up to date with all the latest, head over to www.jointheconnector.com or hit subscribe via your podcast streaming platformThank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

We sit down with Xavier Corman to unpack how Finrack turns inventory into financeable collateral using real-time pricing and a sale-and-buyback model. The conversation spans EU cross-border advantages, practical AI, and why better inventory KPIs drive both growth and sustainability.• founding story and links to FinTech Belgium and EDFA• the SME financing gap when inventory is the asset• how real-time pricing enables flexible funding• case study of an organic bakery scaling seasonal output• regulation via sale and buyback rather than loans• cross-border VAT mechanics inside the EU• integrations with WMS and ERP for daily data• operational KPIs that reduce waste and warehouse size• practical use of AI for data cleaning and analysis• broker-led go-to-market and market expansion• client testimonials and rising demand across Europe• where to enquire and how to qualifyIf you want to know more, go to finrack.com, fill in the three fields, and we will contact you back.Thank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

We explore how fintechs can move fast without breaking compliance, turning frameworks like DORA, NIS2, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and PCI DSS into a shared foundation for resilience. Copla's blend of automation and expert guidance shows why continuous audit readiness beats fire drills and how vendor risk can be managed at scale.• origin story and why compliance pain inspired Coppla• mapping across frameworks, including DORA, NIS2, ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, MiCA• automation plus expert support for clarity and speed• vendor risk management and the DORA third‑party register• continuous audit readiness and always‑on evidence• cybersecurity link to compliance via resilience and exercises• cautious, guardrail AI for evidence verification• global applicability and rapid framework onboarding• roadmap: deeper vendor risk, risk management, awareness training• who should contact Coppla and where to find themIf you have any compliance issues, I'm sure many companies do. If Dora, Mika, PCI DSS, or ISO 2701 are on your radar, contact us. If you have already sold those things, or to some extent, you can still contact us because we can help you recertify and so on. We can still automate some stuff you probably do manually in Excel or similar tools. If that's on your radar, then let us know. Well, the best thing would be to go to our website, www.copla.com, and they can reach out to us there. To connect and keep up to date with all the latest, head over to www.jointheconnector.com or hit subscribe via your podcast streaming platform.Thank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

We explore with Alexander from Solanteq, what makes a payments platform truly modern: cloud-native, modular, API-first, and regulation-ready, with the ability to scale from small pilots to global volume. We share a vision for “payment autopilot” and how multi-rail orchestration and AI can make payments feel invisible.• Cloud-native, modular architecture for issuing, acquiring and settlement• API-first integration with legacy and new systems• Compliance by design and predictable audits• Data streaming for analytics and added-value services• Managing legacy tails while moving to future rails• Multi-rail strategy for cross-border and instant payments• Payment orchestration across simple and complex flows• Practical roles for AI in risk, routing and efficiency• Vision for a consumer and merchant “payment autopilot”• How to contact the team to start modernisingTo connect and keep up tonight with all the latest, head over to www.join theconnector.com or hit the client on your podcast orThank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

BRX Pro Tip: Be a Connector  Stone Payton: Welcome back to Business RadioX Pro Tip. Stone Payton and Lee Kantor here with you. Lee, you are so good about keeping you and I on task in this regard. You’re just wired this way. But if I’ve heard you say it once, I’ve heard it a […]

Send us a textWhat if the most powerful growth strategy in business was not marketing, ads, or cold outreach but genuine one-to-one relationships done the right way? In this episode of Shine On Success, host Dionne Malush sits down with Phil “The Connector” Herrington, a sales veteran with over 40 years of experience who transformed traditional networking into a scalable referral engine that produced more than 600 referrals in just 18 months. From doing 500 one-to-ones in a single year to mastering the art of long-term follow-up, Phil breaks down how relationship-driven growth truly works and why most people waste the real power of networking without realizing it.Phil also opens up about resilience, rebuilding after divorce, starting over multiple times, and how faith reshaped his purpose from salesperson to mentor and connector of people. Together, Dionne and Phil explore mindset, consistency, referrals versus introductions, and why staying connected matters more than ever in business today. This episode is a masterclass in turning conversations into collaborations and relationships into sustainable success.Connect with Phil here:Website: https://www.skool.com/@phil-the-connectorFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/phil.herrington.313/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philtheconnector/Support the showConnect with Dionne Malush Instagram: @dionnerealtyonepgh LinkedIN: /in/dionnemalush Website: www.dionnemalush.com Facebook: /dmalush LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/dionnemalush

LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ In this raw Dropping Bombs episode, Air Force veteran and elite relationship specialist Timothy "TK" Klund reveals how dying four times in a car crash rewired his entire approach to business. After walking away from a six-figure mobile home career, TK rebuilt his life around relationships that matter—connecting pro athletes, celebrities, and corporations through powerhouse branding deals. From founding Verve Systems to creating the Celebrity Softball Classic charity event, TK exposes the difference between contacts and real relationships.   TK breaks down why most people have thousands of contacts but zero leverage, the Jerry Maguire moment that changed everything, and how mentorship from philanthropic boards unlocked his network. You'll also hear his unfiltered take on the veteran suicide epidemic and why America is waking up to good versus evil. If you're ready to stop chasing shallow connections and start building relationships that actually create opportunities, this conversation is your blueprint.  

"Keep having conversations that drive people to more and better." – Bridget HomToday's featured bestselling author is a wife, mompreneur, motivational speaker, award-winning business life coach, philanthropist, and the Operating Partner of Bridge To Freedom Coaching, Bridget Hom. Bridget and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “Stuck On Ready: Master the Entrepreneur Mindset, Break Free from Self-Sabotage, and Access Your Limitless Potential”, how aligning your thoughts can lead to inevitable success, the importance of memorable brand language, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:What it means to be “Stuck on Ready”The difference between desire and deserve-abilityWhat Bridget learned from writing her book and the process that helped her get it doneHer three criteria for investing time and energyWhat setback helped her create more successBridget's Site: https://bridgetofreedomcoaching.com/Bridget's Book: https://stuckonready.com/Bridget's Audiobook: stuckonreadyaudiobook.comThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 583 – How to Be the Face of Your Business with Tonya Eberhart (@brandfacestar): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-583-how-to-be-the-face-of-your-business-with-tonya-eberhart-brandfacestar/983 – How Neuroscience Can Fuel Your Book & Life Success with Sara Connell (@saracconnell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/saracconnell/1002 – Why Living With Intention Is The Key to Mastering Life with Bianca D'Alessio: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1002-why-living-with-intention-is-the-key-to-mastering-life-with-bianca-dalessio/835 – Turn Words Into Wealth with Aurora Winter, MBA (@AuroraWinterMBA): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-835-turn-words-into-wealth-with-aurora-winter-mba-aurorawintermba/306 – Be The SPARK with Simon T. Bailey (@SimonTBailey): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-306-be-the-spark-with-simon-t-bailey-simontbailey/147 - The Connector's Advantage with Michelle Tillis Lederman (@mtlederman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/147-the-connectors-advantage-with-michelle-tillis-lederman-mtlederman/113 - Business, Faith & Empowering Women Over 40 with Jen Du Plessis (@JenDuPlessis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/113-business-faith-empowering-women-over-40-with-jen-du-plessis-jenduplessis/1015 – How One Woman's Harrowing Beginning Led Her to God, Grace, and Growth with Dr. Shanea Clancy: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1015-how-one-womans-harrowing-beginning-led-her-to-god-grace-and-growth-with-dr-shanea-cla/810 – You Are Worthy with Katherine Norland (@katnorland): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-810-you-are-worthy-with-katherine-norland-katnorland/1025 – How To Become a Vessel Leader and Produce Genuine Impact with Alison C. Jones: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1025-how-to-become-a-vessel-leader-and-produce-genuine-impact-with-alison-c-jones/309 – Home Worthy with Sandra Rinomato (@SandraRinomato): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-309-home-worthy-with-sandra-rinomato-sandrarinomato/477 – P.S. You're a Genius with Kelly Trach (@kellytrach): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-477-ps-youre-a-genius-with-kelly-trach-kellytrach/670 – The Bestselling Book Formula with Honorée Corder (@Honoree): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-670-the-bestselling-book-formula-with-honoree-corder-honoree/

  If you've ever walked into a team meeting or strategy session and felt like the stories being shared weren't shifting anything…this episode is your reframe. Today I'm talking with David Hutchens, storyteller, author, organizational consultant, and creator of some of my absolute favorite tools for leaders who want to use narrative to build alignment in their teams.  David has worked with global organizations to help them move from merely telling stories to making meaning together, and that's exactly what we dive into today. David breaks down why: Storytelling is humanity's oldest sense-making technology The story itself is not the end, but the beginning of a deeper team conversation Alignment doesn't happen when one person tells a great story… it happens when the team talks about what that story means Groups who make meaning together actually become a community Story circles can transform a team's connection, coherence, and creativity "Emotional data" is just as real as any spreadsheet—and storytelling can reveal it He also introduces his beautiful "geography of meaning" framework, which helps teams explore a story from three different orientations: Behind the text – What did we notice about the storyteller, ourselves, or the room? Within the text – What images, moments, or messages stood out inside the story? In front of the text – What wisdom can we pull forward into our team's future? And the three listener roles that bring this alive: Witness. Harvester. Connector. This episode is the perfect companion to my earlier conversation with Brett Davidson, where we explored the shift from storytelling to storylistening, and how individual stories can accidentally silo us unless we build a collective narrative. If David gives you the "how" of sense-making, Brett gives you the "why" of collective storytelling for strategy. Together, these episodes are your starter kit for Reframe to Create 2.0, moving from "me" to "we," from solo creating to community sense-making, and from personal story to shared story. Because if we want to create together, we must reframe together.   About my guest:  David Hutchens has been exploring the intersection of narrative, leadership, and complex systems change for more than 20 years. A bestselling author, business writer and learning designer, he creates solutions for Accenture, Harvard Business Review, The Coca-Cola Company, Wal-Mart, IBM, The US Olympic Committee, and many others. His partnerships include a recurring instructor position with the globally renowned INSEAD School of Business in Fontainebleau, France. He speaks to organizations and leadership teams all around the world on the topic of storytelling as an organizational capacity. His new book is "Story Dash", was published August, 2021. It is his ninth book.  He is the author of "Circle of the 9 Muses: A Storytelling Field Guide for Innovators and Meaning Makers," (Wiley & Sons 2015). He created the innovative Leadership Story Deck — an innovative, card-based resource for developing narrative driven communications. The popular resource is now available on Amazon.com.  A nationally recognized developer of innovative learning products, David's work has been recognized with distinctions such as Training & Development's "Training Product of the Year" award; ASTD's prestigious "Excellence in Practice" award; Brandon Hall Gold award, and more.   Contact David:  Email: David@DavidHutchens.com Resources: www.StorytellingLeader.com/resources  Website: www.DavidHutchens.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhutchens/ About: The Reframe to Create podcast is hosted by Joy Spencer, an Executive Leadership and Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Development Consultant working with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations.  Joy leverages over 17 years of experience she gained while working to champion change in social justice movements, including those related to global access to essential medicines and consumer advocacy for online privacy.  This work required a dogged commitment to not merely challenging the status quo, but to reimagining and working towards creating an ideal future.  It is this commitment to creating that has shaped Joy's coaching philosophy and approach today. Using her signature C.R.E.A.T.E. framework, Joy guides her clients through a process to become incomparable in work so they can get paid to be themselves.   Follow Joy on LinkedIn  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/ Geography of Story Download

Behdad Jamshidi is the Founder of CJAM The Marketing Connector, which has vetted over 1,000 marketing agencies to identify those most qualified to deliver on their promises. The idea of a single agency handling all political and advocacy campaign needs is no longer realistic, as there are an increasing number of channels to reach voters and supporters. We talk about: The vast majority of agencies are execution focused while clients often expect high-level strategic thinking Red flags of agencies noted during the vetting process and from their work with clients The need for constant testing and adjustment to messages in this rapid response environment If a marketing firm is not using AI, it is falling behind the competition #CJAMMarketing #PolitcalCampaigns #Advocacy #MarketingAgencies #DigitalPolitics #CampaignStrategy #PoliticalMarketing #MarketingROI #DigitalStrategy #CampaignManagement #PoliticalConsulting #MarketingPartners #ElectionMarketing CJAMMarketing.com

In this heartfelt and deeply meaningful wisdom conversation, I sit down with Kathleen Walker—a trusted friend of more than 25 years, a respected leadership consultant, an entrepreneur and one of the most compassionate people I know. Kathleen works with leaders, teams, and organizations to strengthen communication, clarity, and performance. But beyond her professional expertise, Kathleen brings a rare blend of empathy, insight, and lived wisdom that has shaped countless lives—including mine. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, look inward, and lead differently. Lead With Love – Leadership, Relationships & the Choice That Changes Everything We explore Kathleen's powerful "main thing" wisdom—lead with love—and how it applies in both leadership and personal life. From hiring and workplace communication to parenting, grief, friendship, and everyday relationships, Kathleen reveals how love can become a conscious, transformative choice instead of a reaction driven by fear or frustration. You'll be moved by stories of her father's influence, her journey as a leader and mother, and the simple daily practices that help her choose love again and again. This conversation is filled with encouragement, perspective, and practical insight you can apply immediately. What You'll Learn from Our Wisdom Conversation How love transforms leadership, feedback, and workplace culture The difference between reacting in fear and responding in love How relationships directly shape fulfillment, health, and longevity A Bit More About Our Wise Guest Kathleen Walker is the cofounder of Epiphany Consulting, a leadership and assessment firm serving individuals, teams, and organizations. Her professional background spans telecommunications, transportation, healthcare, law, and personal services. She specializes in communication, leadership alignment, hiring, and personal development. Kathleen is a South Charleston native, a devoted wife and mother of two daughters, and a lifelong encourager. She joins us from Charleston, West Virginia. Podcast Resources Learn more about Epiphany Consulting Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg   Stay Connected with Us on Social YouTube @themainthingpod Twitter @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook  @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn   Help Support and Sustain This Podcast Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding. Episode Chapters [00:02:45] - Why hiring & onboarding are frustrating; Kathleen's keys to success [00:04:48] - Kathleen's elevator pitch; why she loves what she does [00:05:21] - Understanding our communication styles; generational differences [00:06:15] - What she wanted to be when she grew up [00:07:05] - Assessments: key to understanding ourselves and personal impact [00:08:10] - One morning at the bagel shop; how Kathleen & Skip are connected [00:09:37] - Inviting you to support our mission of delivering wisdom to the world [00:10:40] - Kathleen reveals her Main Thing [00:11:11] - The impact of a mentor - Kathleen's father; wisdom + love in action [00:13:30] - Humanity; three things every human needs (and craves) [00:15:20] - Choosing love over fear [00:18:40] - Seasons of life, friendships and community [00:20:11] - Kathleen shares a parting thought; the butterfly effect [00:22:45] - Skip's final reflection on Kathleen's wisdom lesson  

We connect the dots between KYB, UBO rules, and open data, showing how structured official records cut risk and speed up onboarding. We also explore agentic commerce, the rise of perpetual compliance, and why human oversight remains essential. Join Toon Vanagt, founder and CEO of Data.be. • data.be's single view across Belgian registers• KYB across onboarding, credit, and ongoing checks• UBO transparency, purpose, and new access limits• moving from reactive to perpetual monitoring• scoring deltas between claims and official data• Europe's mixed openness and paid registers• guardrails for AI agents and accountability• banks insourcing cores, vendors handling edge cases• hybrid workflows with human in the loop• contact paths for KYB solutions and integrationsTo connect and keep up to date with all the latest, head over to www.jointheconnector.com or hit subscribe via your podcast streaming platformThank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

We explore how Hong Kong serves as a precise, high‑density launchpad for European fintechs, combining global finance access with practical, domain‑based regulation. Paula Kent and Fernando from Invest Hong Kong share tactics, sectors with pull, and concrete wins founders can model now.• Hong Kong's financial hub status and market density • Differences between the EU scale and the Hong Kong focus • Domain‑based regulation for virtual assets and stablecoins • Common law familiarity and clear licensing scope • Follow‑the‑customer entry strategy for faster wins • Accelerators, events, and investor access in the city • Cross‑border capital flows via Stock, Bond, and Wealth Connect • High‑opportunity areas: payments, crypto, e‑commerce, insurtech • Science Park links to the Greater Bay Area for trials • Case studies: DePAM asset management, Fineos, CurrencyFair • Near‑term trends and how to reach Invest Hong KongTo connect and keep up to date with all the latest, head over to www.jointheconnector.com or hit subscribe via your podcast streaming platformThank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

We explore how AI and behavioural science can make debt collection more humane, more effective, and easier to scale across Europe. PAIR Finance explains reinforcement learning, a single international platform, and why recovery and retention go hand in hand.• AI-driven collections with behavioural science• Reinforcement learning optimising tone, timing, channels• One platform operating in 11+ European markets• Compliance with EU AI rules and local licenses• Recovery rates improved while protecting retention• Inbound automation with a generative AI agent• Human support for complex and sensitive cases• Event strategy for partnerships and education• Unified dashboards and transparency for clientsTo connect and keep up to date with all the latest, head over to www.jointheconnector.com or hit subscribe via your podcast streaming platformThank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

We explore how Europe's fragmented credit data blocks fair lending for people who move across borders, and how Mifundo connects bureaus and banks to make financial identities portable. We share progress to 17 countries, the mindset shift lenders need, and how to use AI under EU high‑risk rules without black boxes.• fragmentation of European credit data and its impact on borrowers• difference between cross‑border credit and financial mobility• historical and regulatory reasons for national silos• access barriers to registries and legal limitations• mindset and cultural inertia within banks and supervisors• Mifundo's coverage of 17 countries and 70% of population• bank partnerships across Spain, Greece, Romania, Scandinavia and the Baltics• ecosystem goal serving bureaus, banks and consumers• AI usage with transparency under the EU AI Act• practical endgame: seamless lending regardless of bordersPlease find me on LinkedIn. You can contact me there or via email as well.To connect and keep up to date with all the latest, head over to www.jointheconnector.com or hit subscribe via your podcast streaming platformThank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Amy Forsythe, Strategic Impact Advisor and Non-Profit Connector (retired U.S. Navy LCDR Public Affairs Officer), Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.Amy discusses her journey from a 32-year military career to her current role. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, courage, and volunteering in personal and professional growth. Amy serves on various boards, including the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial and the Oceanside Community Television Station, and advocates for veterans. She highlights the significance of maintaining a positive outlook, balancing work and life, and overcoming barriers as a female leader. Amy plans to spend time with family, continue her work in the veteran space, and mentor others, particularly in public service and storytelling.We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage. Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community!  Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.

Self-Proclaimed Breaker of Molds and Builder of Bridges | Growth Engineer, Nonprofit Founder, and Podcast Host, Graham Skidmore chats with James Lott Jr about the "algorithm" of you! He is all about connection. engensolutions.com

Find out more about The Art of GrowthTake a free Enneagram Test HERE.Sign up for the “Your Enneagram Starting Point” course HERE. Get Enneagram Certified HERE.Find out more about Teams Training HERE.Order our book on the Instincts: HERESet up One-on-One coaching HERE.www.theartofgrowth.org Email us your thoughts and questions!  Follow us on Instagram at ArtofGrowth for more on this subject this month and let us know what you are doing.© The Art of Growth ™ 2025Support the showhttps://www.theartofgrowth.org/

After being laid off, Michelle Tillis Lederman landed a new job in just three days, thanks to her mindset of intentional relationship-building, not luck. That experience inspired her to create the “Connector's Advantage,” a framework for building authentic connections that drive faster and better results. In this episode, Michelle reveals how organizations struggling with team building can foster genuine human connection, especially in remote or hybrid workplaces. She also breaks down the seven mindsets of “connectors” alongside practical networking strategies that really pay off. In this episode, Hala and Michelle will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:00) Why Connection Is the New Superpower (06:31) How to Evolve From Networker to Super Connector (11:15) How Openness Builds Trust and Connection (20:44) Emotional Intelligence as a Core Leadership Skill (24:25) The Power of Vision and Intentional Connection (30:24) How to Ask for What You Want (44:26) Networking Tactics to Add Real Value (48:37) Staying Connected in a Hybrid Workplace Michelle Tillis Lederman is a nationally recognized expert in workplace communication, networking, and leadership. She is a keynote speaker, author, corporate trainer, and the CEO and founder of Executive Essentials, a company that provides customized communication and leadership programs. Her book, The Connector's Advantage, teaches how building strong relationships leads to faster, easier, and better results in both business and life. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.  Quo - Get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/PROFITING  Revolve - Head to REVOLVE.com/PROFITING and take 15% off your first order with code PROFITING  Merit Beauty - Go to meritbeauty.com to get your free signature makeup bag with your first order.  DeleteMe - Remove your personal data online. Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans at to joindeleteme.com/profiting  Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host  Resources Mentioned: Michelle's Book, The Connector's Advantage: bit.ly/ConnectAdvantag  Michelle's Book, The 11 Laws of Likability: bit.ly/LawsofLikability  Michelle's Website: michelletillislederman.com Michelle's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/communicationexpertspeaker  Michelle's Instagram: instagram.com/mtlederman  Michelle's YouTube: youtube.com/user/michellelederman  YAP E165 with Daniel Goleman: youngandprofiting.co/EI  YAP E194 with Michelle Lederman: youngandprofiting.co/GrowUrNetwork  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Goal Setting, Time Management, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Leadership Skills, Strategic Planning

Black Friday! It's like Black Francis, but with more enthusiasm! Ehem. Look, here's a big list of stuff I found that's for sale on Black Friday. Some normal stuff, some weird stuff. Not a lot of great bargains, but I'll bet some of them will give you ideas. Normal episode next time    VEVOR   VEVOR RV Air Conditioner, 13500 BTU Non-Ducted Rooftop RV AC, 65 dB Quiet Design, Highly Compatible with Air-conditioning Unit for Replacing https://www.vevor.com/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-c_13649/rv-air-conditioner-13500-btu-non-ducted-rooftop-rv-ac-65-db-quiet-for-replacing-p_010874325798?lang=en¤cy=usd&utm_source=inhouse&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=42492674&shortkey=20251128pi6 VEVOR Diesel Heater, 8KW, DC 12V/24V, All in One Portable Diesel Air Heater with Remote Control and LCD Display, Fast Heating Low Noise, 1.3 Gal Fuel Tank for Vehicles, RVs, Vans, Tractors and Trucks https://www.vevor.com/diesel-heater-c_10321/vevor-fuel-pipe-hose-line-kit-196-9-replaceable-parking-heater-fuel-line-kit-p_010209133120?lang=en¤cy=usd&utm_source=inhouse&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=42492674&shortkey=20251128pi6o   5% Off Anything at VEVOR http://www.vevor.com/utm_source=inhouse&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=42492674&utm_format_creative=114&shortkey=20251128pi6q SOLAR Traver Force 100W 12V 10BB Monocrystalline Solar Panel, Up to 25% High Efficiency Module with Grade A+ Cells, Waterproof for RVs, Motorhomes, Cabins, Marine, Boat https://amzn.to/48rGlRP   30A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V 24V Dual USB Solar Panel Battery Intelligent Regulator with LCD Display, Auto Parameter Adjustable, Timer Setting, Multiple Load Control Modes https://amzn.to/3Xjlxa6   Solar Cable Entry Gland, 0.33ft 10AWG Soft Solar Extension Cable and Connector, UV Resistance Dual Cable Entry Gland Housing on Rv, Boat, Camper (10cm, Black) https://amzn.to/4oZDtTg   Dicor BT-1834-1 Butyl Seal Tape - 1/8" x 3/4" x 30' Repair Tape for RV, Trailer, Motorhome, Window, and Vent Sealing https://amzn.to/4opdi7A   12V 100Ah Lithium Battery,12V LiFePO4 Battery Built-in 100A BMS Protect, Group 31 Deep Cycle Portable Power,Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery for Trolling Motors, Yacht, Marine, RV, Home Energy https://amzn.to/4ioaSV7 WATER Portable Intelligent Electric Pressure Washer Pump 100W 160 PSI 12V Portable Pressure Powerful Washing Kit with 21.3 Feet PVC Hose for Home, Car, Garden, Projects (100 W-Black Hose) https://amzn.to/4onbrQv   Fanttik NB8 Nano Portable Cordless Electric Sprayer w/2.1Gal Tank, Retractable Spray Head, 2600mAh Lithium Battery, IPX5, 72-98PSI, Portable Pressure Washer for Garden, Camping Shower and Pet Cleaning https://amzn.to/3M6xBZV   LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness https://amzn.to/43Ye7wB   Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water Purifier Survival for Travel, Backpacking and Emergency Preparedness, 1.5 gal Bag, 0.1 Micron, Light Blue https://amzn.to/4pFRcPa KITCHEN   5 Pieces Kitchen Gadgets Set - Space Saving Cooking Tools Accessories Cheese Chocolate Grater, Fruit Vegetable Peeler, Bottle Opener, Pizza Cutter, Burlap Bags with Drawstring Gift Set https://amzn.to/3KrXenu   Kaskawise Upgrade Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket,31.5"x21.6" Double-Layer Car Roof Storage Organizer,Overhead Net for Truck,SUV & Van Camping,Travel Road Trips,Van Life Essentials https://amzn.to/4okYwi0   Portable Camping Cooking Utensils Set, Camp Kitchen & Campfire Cooking Equipment, RV Essentials, Camper Must-Haves Accessories, Outdoors Cookware, Christmas Stocking Stuffers Gifts https://amzn.to/4p7DXqH   Kamenstein Round Multi Spice Container, Filled with Spices, 3.07 x 3.07 x 4.02 Inch https://amzn.to/4p7w4l2 ground pepper, fine sea salt, granulated garlic, paprika, cumin, and chopped onion Small enough to put in a ziploc bag with those DO NOT EAT silica gel packs   Mirai Clinical Magnetic Soap Holder for Shower Wall - Stainless Steel Savers for Bar Soap - Easy Clean Magnetic Soap Bar Holder Self Draining - Wall Mount Soap Tray for Shower Bathroom Kitchen Sink https://amzn.to/3MtKMUI 2sets Wood Magnetic Bar Soap Holder for Shower Wall,Magnet Air Dry Soap Saver Self Draining, Eco-Friendly Wooden Soap Dish for Soaps & Beard Shampoo Bars https://amzn.to/4peMuYY   Propane or Butane Stove Dual Fuel Stove Portable Camping Stove with Carrying Case&Windblocker, 10,000 BTU Butane Propane Stove, Automatic Ignition for Emergency Preparedness Kit (Fuel Not Included) https://amzn.to/3Kfvpig   Smart & Safe Butane Fuel Canister - Self-Sealing Nozzle - 28 Pack for Outdoor Cooking, Camping, and Emergency Use  https://amzn.to/4ipNir7   COMFORT Sealy 12-Volt Heated Car Blanket, Portable Electric Blanket with 3 Heating Levels & 4 Hours Auto Off for Car, Truck, SUV, RV or Camping, Machine Washable, 59" X 43", Navy https://amzn.to/4akWGdv   Gaiatop Mini Portable Stroller Fan, Battery Operated Small Clip on, Detachable 3 Speed Rechargeable, 360° Rotate Flexible Tripod Better Cooling for Car Seat Crib Treadmill Travel Black https://amzn.to/3KaI5H7   FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.    

Fierce Grace Series: Feminine Leadership Archetypes - (#3 of 8)  "Insight drops in when we create space. Possibility reveals itself when we stop pushing." In this episode, we welcome in the Weaver Connector — the feminine leadership archetype who sees the patterns, possibilities, and connections that open pathways for wisdom, insight, and co-creation. She is the part of you who helps you move through the world not by pushing or over-efforting, but through resonance, relational intelligence, and spacious presence. Here's a partial transmission of the Weaver Connector ... notice what resonates...  "I see the connections between people, possibilities, and things. I make connections others don't always see. I move through the world best when I'm connecting with others — and connecting others with each other. Part of my creative power and success comes from my ability to connect with those I'm truly here to connect with." (Full transmission in episode & on website here.) Why this matters now We live in a world that glorifies productivity, speed, metrics, and constant output — and undervalues the relational and creative "fields" and "invisible" work that actually makes meaningful results possible. The Weaver Connector illuminates that nothing meaningful is created alone. Insight, timing, synchronicity, and possibility arise when we create from spacious presence, resonance, and connection — not force, toxic pressure, or over-efforting. We'll explore: • Intuitive superpower of Weaver Connector — pattern-seeing and the "overview channel." • Power Spectrum of Connection Competition that rises us into Conscious Collaboration  • Resonance as a compass for discerning aligned - and mis-aligned - collaborations. • Relational + creative energy fields - how they work and what's needed to bring synchronicity, insight, and opportunity into form. • Tender spots & "love cracks" that make us resist or chase connection and our desires   • Cultivating your web of connection + support for sustainable, easeful creation. P.S. ✨ Get the full transmission, inquiries, practices and other other episodes in this series here on the Feminine Power Time Wisdom Library. *** Making this real and practical in your life:  INVITATION: Invite one person to join you for season 10 and this podcast. Conversate on the inquiries and practices to make it practical & poweful in your life.  ELEVATION PRACTICES  Play with your Overview Pattern-Seer 4 Points of Connection to Re-Center Resonance Check - right fit vs wishful thinking  ILLUMINATION INQUIRIES:  What's a project/intention/desire that seems stuck?  What's the pattern or internal interference holding it back? What action can I take to open the flow? How do I discern whether I'm drawn to a connection or collaboration from true resonance… or from an old wound, love crack, fear or shadow frequency What's the  web of connection +support I need in this next cycle? Where's my resistance? What action would create flow?  CONNECT:  Subscribe to Christine's Monthly Wisdom Letters Connect with Christine on LinkedIn Join us in the Feminine Wisdom Cafe, a private online community Watch on YouTube

Host Keola Keala sits down with Corey Ganim—Charlotte-based e-commerce founder turned Gator connector—to unpack how he pivoted from IBM's corporate track to creative real estate. Corey shares the moment that sparked his exit from 9-to-5, why he joined Gator in March, and the exact system he used to land his first connector deal in under 60 days

In this episode I chat with Hannah Miller about how a midlife pivot can become a powerful reorientation toward purpose. Hannah is the founder of Sidekick and creator of The Purpose Pursuit™ course and book. An award-winning speaker, author, podcast host, and accredited coach, she helps people and organisations uncover strengths, navigate change, and pursue purpose. With a background in teaching and business, Hannah combines practical insight with a personal approach to leadership and self-development. Join us as we unpack Hannah's journey from teaching to running her own business, the strengths-based framework at the heart of The Purpose Pursuit, and practical tools like the seven personality types and the walk–talk values framework. We explore how the pandemic sparked a digital pivot, the importance of boundaries to avoid burnout, and how small, incremental shifts can steer life toward greater alignment.    What You'll Learn - How to pivot gracefully: with lessons about not needing a master plan and being open to opportunity. - The core of Hannah's approach: a strengths-based lens that helps people understand what energizes them and how to use those strengths effectively. - The seven strengths-based types: Achiever, Thinker, Connector, Impactor, Believer, Explorer (and how your top three types shape your approach to work and life). - Hannah's walk–talk values framework: a practical way to assess whether your values are aligned with your actions  - How burnout can be tied to overusing strengths: recognizing overdrive and building boundaries to protect energy. - The role of small, consistent shifts: tiny daily changes compound over time and move you toward your desired destination. - Practical, reader-friendly tools: exercises and a roadmap in The Purpose Pursuit to coach yourself—and even help others—through transition moments.   Practical Takeaways - Start with your top three strengths and carry them through your daily decisions and projects. - Choose up to five core values and use the walk–talk axis to assess how well you live them out. - Embrace small, consistent changes; they compound into meaningful life shifts over time. Resources and Links The Purpose Pursuit by Hannah Miller https://dk.com/products/9780241756331-the-purpose-pursuit  The book hits bookshops on December 4; pre-orders are open now Hannah's Website: hellosidekick.co @hellohannahmiller on Instagram   If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review. You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org / www.managingthemenpause.com / www.holdingupthesky.com  connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/  follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/ or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/ 

In this special memorial episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen honors the extraordinary life and influence of Larry Cassidy—Marine Corps officer, corporate leader, Vistage Master Chair, mentor, and friend. Drawing from multiple past interviews, Sorensen reconstructs Larry's story, weaving together personal history, powerful coaching moments, signature questions, and original tribute songs written in Larry's honor. Born in 1937 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Larry excelled academically and showed an early aptitude for public speaking. He later served as a Marine Corps Lieutenant and Captain, leading Marines in the Pacific region with discipline, courage, and “bark on the wood” truthfulness—a philosophy that shaped his entire coaching career. After a distinguished corporate career at General Mills, Quaker Oats, and Wilson Sporting Goods, Larry became a Vistage/TEC Chair in 1987. Over 38 years he earned numerous Vistage awards—including the Robert Nourse Chair of the Year Award and multiple Master Chair Awards—and became one of the most respected leaders in the Vistage global community. Sorensen pays tribute to his friend through archival dialogue, reflective commentary, and two original songs: “Bark on the Wood – The Unvarnished Truth” and “He Learned to Listen to Understand.” Larry discovered his true calling—guiding leaders through curiosity-driven, truth-seeking, deeply human conversations. He built a reputation for: piercing, soul-searching questionsempathetic listeningcourageous truth-telling (“with the bark on”)community-building (“The Romper Room” chair gatherings)and an unwavering belief in each leader's potential The Arete Coach Podcast continues to explore the art and science of executive coaching at the highest levels. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on the 23rd day of November, 2025. Portions were previously recorded on January 4th, 2021, December 22nd, 2022, and December 12th, 2024, Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this powerful episode of Rolling Real with Ranard, host Ranard Brown sits down with Bill Wilder, founder of 6 Sides of You™ and creator of the assessment available at https://6sides.org/ , to peel back the layers of Ranard's inner world. Together, they explore the results of Ranard's 6 Sides of You™ psychological assessment—a 15-minute test that revealed insights years of self-reflection hadn't uncovered. Listeners will hear Ranard in one of his most vulnerable and illuminating conversations yet. He and Bill walk through the six core “sides” of his personality—Adventurer, Life Enthusiast, Conscientious One, Connector, Leader, and Mediator. These aren't traits; they're six internal intelligences that shape how we face fear, make decisions, relate to others, create, stabilize, and regain emotional balance. Bill Wilder draws on 25+ years of clinical and personal development experience to break these internal forces down with clarity and compassion. He explains why certain sides become overextended, how others fall dormant, and how misalignment can quietly sabotage confidence, clarity, and success. As the creator of the 6 Sides of You™assessment, Bill helps Ranard uncover whether his life has been guided by any overcompensating sides of his psyche and unlocks a new perspective on his war between his narcissistic and empathic dimensions of his psyche. The conversation becomes a roadmap for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their direction. Key themes include self-discovery, mental health, leadership, and the courage to explore who you really are beneath your habits and defenses. Ranard opens up about his fears and motivations—proving that even coaches, leaders, and high performers wrestle with internal conflict. Bill helps him (and listeners) identify which “side” may be overworking, underworking, or fighting against the others. This episode is both personal and universal. You'll learn how instinct, emotion, discipline, creativity, connection, and internal leadership work together—and how misalignment among them creates friction, anxiety, and self-doubt. You'll also learn how integrating these six sides can unlock calm, confidence, and a renewed sense of who you really are. If you want to improve your emotional balance, mental performance, relationships, or sense of direction, this conversation is a must-listen. By the end, you'll understand your own “six sides” more clearly and feel equipped with the first steps toward a more grounded, aligned, purposeful life.  To learn more and take the assessment visit https://6sides.org/ for more information. Episode Sponsor: Beyond Jiu-Jitsu Performance Training Center (Mooresville, NC)—Unlocking potential on and off the mat through world-class coaching rooted in discipline, resilience, and growth.    

In this episode of Get Creative with Pace Morby, host Justin Tuminoski welcomes Edgar “The Connector” Salgado, a SubTo, Gator, and Owners Club powerhouse from Houston, Texas. When a zero-down real estate deal flipped on its head at the closing table, Edgar didn't panic—he pivoted. Tune in as he shares how he overcame a last-minute lender change, came up with $10,000 out of pocket, and still walked away with a cash-flowing fourplex generating $600 a month. You'll learn how Edgar and his partners leveraged creative financing tools like the Morby Method and Gator lending, worked through DSCR loan challenges, and turned a duplex into a fourplex that's now housing veterans and contributing to affordable and sober living solutions.

Welcome to today's episode with Jon Pruitt of Nutrabolt, live at the LTNA ( Logistics & Transportation Networking Association) 2025 Conference! Jon breaks down why tailored sales strategies, niche specialization, and consistent service are what actually win freight in the current market, how focusing on specific freight types like food, beverage, or open deck builds stronger customer trust than chasing every lane at the cheapest rate, what shippers really want, and how using data analytics can help carriers uncover new opportunities. From driver validation for security to leadership communication during rep transitions, this episode is all about what it really takes to build staying power and long-term trust in a changing transportation market!   About Jon Pruitt Jon Pruitt is the Director of Operations for Nutrabolt, makers of the popular C4 Energy drink and highly regarded C4, Cellucor, and Xtend brands, along with Bloom Energy and Bloom Pop. Jon oversees logistics and manufacturing operations, with a focus on best-in-class performance across all operations. Prior to joining Nutrabolt, Jon spent many successful years at Kerry Taste & Nutrition and 3M.  

In this episode of Future Finance, Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst sit down with Joe Friedman and Ranga Bodla from Oracle NetSuite to explore how AI is transforming enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Amidst rising competition and a rapidly changing tech landscape, NetSuite is doubling down on intelligent automation, open platforms, and embedded AI to redefine how finance teams operate.Joe Friedman is the Senior Director of AI Innovation at Oracle NetSuite, driving efforts to integrate practical AI across finance and operations. With over 15 years at NetSuite, Joe focuses on converting AI into measurable productivity gains. Ranga Bodla is the Vice President of Field Engagement and Marketing at Oracle NetSuite, with more than 20 years in enterprise software. He leads industry strategy across verticals, helping businesses convert innovation into performanceExpect to Learn:Why AI is reinvigorating interest in ERP platforms like NetSuite.How NetSuite's AI strategy balances “AI every day” and “AI your way.”What the MCP connector does and why it's a game-changer for data analysis.How NetSuite's clean data models fuel better AI outcomes and user productivity.Joe Friedman and Ranga Bodla offer a compelling look at how NetSuite is embedding AI into the core of ERP to drive smarter, faster decision-making. Their insights show that clean data, open platforms, and practical AI tools are key to transforming finance operations today.Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Joe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/friedman-ns/Follow Ranga:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranga-bodla-bb45b/Follow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[02:00] – Where NetSuite Stands in Today's ERP Landscape[05:17] – Why ERP and AI Go Hand-in-Hand[07:29] – AI Every Day, AI Your Way: What NetSuite's MCP Connector Unlocks[10:29] – Practical AI Integration Inside NetSuite[13:30] – Real-World Use Cases for AI in Finance[16:22] – AI Agents, Automation, and What's Coming Next[18:05] – SaaS as the Real Driver of AI Adoption[19:48] – Why Clean Data Fuels Better AI Outcomes[21:12] – Closing Thoughts

Today's guest, Steve Harper is a professional speaker, author, serial entrepreneur, leading business strategist and a CEO of two software companies, has successfully uncovered the secret to creating powerful long-lasting connections and their impact on one's personal and professional life.  Over his thirty-year career, Steve has maintained a unique focus on developing strong, long-lasting connections with his clients, prospects, employees and friends. He's honed his unique ability to foster relationships into a strategy for achieving solid business success. That strategy, represented in his book The Ripple Effect, is the backbone of Steve's unique and refreshing approach on why individuals, organizations and even our society must reach outside the box to connect. Steve is changing lives, and he is leading a movement of connection through podcasts, Ripple Events, courses, coaching and online communities for Ripplers worldwide. Join Steve and I as we talk about human connection, thinking outside the box, what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and so much more! You don't want to miss any of today's interesting and inspiring chat! To learn more about today's guest Steve Harper please visit: Websites: https://ripplecentral.com/  https://ripplecentral.com/pond Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Rippleon Instagram: : https://www.instagram.com/rippleon/ LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ripple/ -------- To learn more about host G. Brian Benson: www.gbrianbenson.com Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter! YouTube: www.youtube.com/gbrianbenson Instagram: www.instagram.com/gbrianbenson Facebook: www.facebook.com/gbrianbensonmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbrianbenson/

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with NetSuite's Joe Friedman and Ranga Bodla to explore how AI is transforming enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. With decades of combined experience in enterprise software, Joe and Ranga discuss how NetSuite is innovating ERP through AI-native capabilities, open platforms, and real-time automation. The conversation spans AI agent adoption, data clarity, and how finance teams can start harnessing AI today without major overhauls.Joe Friedman is the Senior Director of AI Innovation at Oracle NetSuite, driving efforts to integrate practical AI across finance and operations. With over 15 years at NetSuite, Joe focuses on converting AI into measurable productivity gains. Ranga Bodla is the Vice President of Field Engagement and Marketing at Oracle NetSuite, with more than 20 years in enterprise software. He leads industry strategy across verticals, helping businesses convert innovation into performance.In this episode, you will discover:Why NetSuite believes ERP is the core of AI transformation in financeHow the new MCP connector integrates AI agents like Claude and ChatGPTPractical AI use cases: from variance analysis to journal entry creationWhy clean ERP data is essential for effective AI outcomesHow companies can start AI initiatives without high risk or costJoe Friedman and Ranga Bodla offer a compelling look at how NetSuite is leading the charge in making AI practical and accessible within ERP systems. Their insights show that businesses don't need massive overhauls to start seeing value from AI, just clean data and the right tools. As ERP evolves, NetSuite's hybrid approach positions it to stay ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of finance, tech, and AI. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Joe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/friedman-ns/Follow Ranga:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranga-bodla-bb45b/Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[04:15] - Competing with New ERP Platforms[09:42] - What is MCP & AI Everyday?[13:47] - AI Use in...

In episode 96 of the Summits Podcast, co-hosts Vince Todd, Jr. and Daniel Abdallah are joined by Dr. Robyn Spoon, CEO of Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy. Tune in as Robyn shares her son's cancer story that ignited a passion for change and how Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy is moving the needle on precision medicine for those diagnosed with childhood cancer. Learn more about Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy at elevatechildhoodcancer.org. The Heroes Foundation Team JOEY Program proudly sponsored the 2nd Annual Indiana Pediatric Sarcoma Research & Advocacy Summit. Together, we will continue uniting Indiana against cancer.

Ever worked with someone who dominates every conversation, name-drops constantly, and gets visibly upset when they're left out of the loop? They're not just seeking attention, they're seeking safety. In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind the "Connector-Competitor" workplace archetype and explore why their behavior matters more than you think, for you, your team, and even for them.In this episode, you'll learn:Why attention-seeking behavior is actually rooted in insecurity and how recognizing this shifts your entire approach to working with (or being) this personFive practical strategies to set boundaries and protect your energy without becoming "the bad guy" or escalating workplace tensionHow to tell if YOU might be the Connector-Competitor plus one simple question that can transform how you show up in conversations and build genuine connectionWhether you're navigating this dynamic with a colleague or recognizing these patterns in yourself, this episode offers compassionate insight and actionable tools for healthier workplace relationships.Support the showJill Griffin, host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career transitions. Jill leverages her experience working for the world's top brands like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton Hotels, and Martha Stewart to address leadership, burnout, team dynamics, and the 4Ps (perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, and personalities). Visit JillGriffinCoaching.com for more details on: Book a 1:1 Career Strategy and Executive Coaching HERE Build a Leadership Identity That Earns Trust and Delivers Results. Gallup CliftonStrengths Corporate Workshops to build a strengths-based culture Team Dynamics training to increase retention, communication, goal setting, and effective decision-making Keynote Speaking Grab a personal Resume Refresh with Jill Griffin HERE Follow @JillGriffinOffical on Instagram for daily inspiration Connect with and follow Jill on LinkedIn

This week on The Codcast: Health or Consequences, John McDonough and Paul Hattis are joined by Audrey Gasteier, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. Gasteier discusses the current crisis facing residents of the commonwealth should the federal government fail to renew premium tax credits.

In this episode of High Velocity Radio with Lee Kantor interviews Jen Jaciw — Career Ownership Coach, Consultant, Connector, and Speaker — shares her powerful journey from surviving adversity to empowering others to design lives they love. With over 25 years of experience in business management and entrepreneurship, Jen helps professionals transition from traditional careers […]

Mike "C-Roc" Ciorrocco is a celebrity podcast host, real estate entrepreneur, and the founder of That1 Agency, a podcast booking agency that helps industry experts amplify their brand by connecting them with top podcasts. Learn more at https://that1agency.com Purchase Mike's book Rocket Fuel

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In episode 369, hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell kick things off with contagious energy, ticking off the to-do list, fueling creativity, and finding happiness in the everyday. They delve into why having a personal project or two (whether it's building a golf studio, mastering swimming, or simply painting a fence) can bring a genuine sense of accomplishment and joy.This episode is packed with insights on balancing work, play, and self-improvement:Personal Projects & Happiness: The guys discuss how focusing on yourself and having tangible projects (even backyard golf sheds!) sparks creativity, purpose, and genuine happiness.Play-Based Leadership Unveiled: Dale and Paul introduce their new Play Profile tool, a quick and insightful quiz that uncovers your play-based leadership style (Connector, Creator, Challenger, or Carer). Discover why understanding your own style is essential and how it can positively impact your team's energy.The 'Pressure is a Privilege' Mindset: A lively chat about reframing pressure, building resilience in adults and kids, and the power of adding "yet" to your self-talk for growth.Being Present & Ditching Devices: The hosts get passionate about the need for more phone-free spaces, whether at restaurants, kids' activities, or just while kicking the footy outside. It's all about creating memorable, genuine connections.Aussie Nostalgia: Hear how neighbourhood street cricket, footy, and outdoorsy community vibes are making a comeback in Paul and Dale's worlds, and why we need more of this classic fun.Quick Life Audits: A simple, powerful self-check: Would your body/mind pack up and leave if it could? Dale and Paul explore what this means for self-care, burnout, and bouncing back.Plus, they answer some spontaneous "questions without notice," share good laughs about avocado trees, and drop practical tips for parents and leaders on building better habits and keeping a joyful life.Links & Resources:Play-Based Leadership Play Profile Quiz Find your style - Click HERE Connect with Dale & Paul for leadership workshops and speaking gigs (now booking for 2026!)Learn more about SchoolOfPlayTakeaways:Whether you're after more creativity, practical wellbeing boosts, or ready to be the "kick-the-footy-on-the-street" neighbour, this episode serves up plenty of real-life inspiration and fun.

Today's episode is being released on the heels of the two year anniversary of October 7th.  We come to you as we wait hopefully for the release of ALL of the hostages from Gaza.  It was recorded earlier in 2025. Lindsay Spolen Pinchuk is the owner of her own marketing firm and the creator of Dear FoundHer (a podcast and community for female entrepreneurs).  According to her website, she is an Entrepreneur, Marketer, Consultant, Educator, Speaker, Connector, Community Builder, Podcaster, Former Corporate Executive, Small Business Advocate who makes marketing simple. On today's episode, she shares her formula for "showing up" for her community and the Jewish People.  Her bold and unabashed attitude pushes the limits to defend against antisemitism and anti-Zionism in our modern world.  She is a powerful messenger in a challenging time for the Jewish people and women around the world. https://www.lindsaypinchuk.com/ https://www.dearfoundher.com/   Edited by: Alex Wolf Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM  Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod  You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media.  Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show. And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

What does leadership look like at the highest levels of service?  SUMMARY In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black '85 discusses his journey from cadet to commanding the White House Communications Agency. He reflects on what it means to be a calm, steady presence in high-pressure environments — and how small daily practices can shape a lifetime of leadership. The full episode is now available.   SHARE THIS PODCAST FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN   MICHAEL'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Develop a personal leadership philosophy that guides your actions (like Michael's 5F's: Family, Fitness, Flying, Fairness, and Fun). Always be aware that people are watching you and learning from your example, even when you don't realize it. Nurture relationships continuously - they are critical for long-term success and mentorship. Practice empathy and compassion, especially during difficult moments like delivering challenging news Maintain a holistic approach to fitness - physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are interconnected. Take pride in leaving organizations better than you found them and focus on developing future leaders. Be fair and be perceived as fair - understanding different perspectives is crucial to effective leadership. Incorporate fun and balance into your professional life to maintain team morale and personal resilience. Stay connected to your roots and be willing to mentor the next generation, sharing your experiences and lessons learned. Continuously practice self-reflection and ensure you're living up to your core values and leadership principles.   CHAPTERS Chapter 1 - 0:00:00 - 0:08:55: Family and Military Roots   Michael Black shares his background as a military brat and the educational legacy of his family. Chapter 2 - 0:08:55 - 0:12:10: Delivering a Difficult Notification A profound leadership moment where Black sensitively delivers news of a combat-related death to a staff sergeant's family. Chapter 3 - 0:12:10 - 0:18:40: The 5F Leadership Philosophy Introduction Col. Black explains the origin and core components of his leadership framework: Family, Fitness, Flying, Fairness, and Fun. Chapter 4 - 0:18:40 - 0:25:59: Detailed Exploration of 5F Philosophy   In-depth breakdown of each leadership principle, including personal anecdotes and practical applications. Chapter 5 - 0:25:59 - 0:32:21: Family Legacy and Academy Experience   Discussion of his son's Air Force Academy journey and the importance of nurturing relationships across generations. Chapter 6 - 0:32:21 - 0:38:36: Mentorship and Relationship Building Michael shares his approach to mentoring cadets and the significance of maintaining long-term professional connections. Chapter 7 - 0:38:36 - 0:40:13: Leadership in Civilian and Nonprofit Sectors Reflection on applying military leadership principles in private and nonprofit environments. Chapter 8 - 0:40:13 - 0:41:28: Personal Reflection and Leadership Advice  Final thoughts on leadership, self-improvement, and the importance of continuous personal development.   ABOUT COL. BLACK BIO Michael “Mike” B. Black, vice president for Defense, joined the nonprofit Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International in July 2022. He is a senior cyber/information technology leader with more than four decades of experience in cyber operations, communications, project/program management, leadership disciplines and organizational development. As AFCEA's vice president for Defense, Col. Black builds strong professional relationships with government, industry and academia partners to position AFCEA International as a leader in the cyber, defense, security, intelligence and related information technology disciplines. Col. Black leads defense operations in support of planning and executing global, large-scale, technically focused, trade shows/conferences supporting Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Operations, Cyber and Homeland Security.  Col. Black is focused on providing opportunities for engagement between and among government, industry and academia. Prior to joining AFCEA International, Col. Black served as chief operating officer at Concise Network Solutions for four years, directly supporting the CEO in developing, executing and managing CNS's master business plan. Prior to joining CNS, he served as the COO and chief corporate development officer at JMA Solutions for two and a half years, working in concert with senior executives to lead operations and the planning and execution of strategies. Prior to joining JMA Solutions, he served as the COO at Premier Management Corporation for four years, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations, all business units and the company's profit and loss. Prior to joining the private sector, Col. Black spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force holding various communications and leadership positions at many levels. He culminated his distinguished military career as a colonel, commander, White House Communications Agency, leading a 1,200-person team of selectively manned military, then-Department of Defense civilian and contract personnel to provide “no fail” telecommunications services for the president, vice president, named successors, first lady, senior White House staff, National Security staff, U.S. Secret Service and the White House Military Office. Col. Black holds a Bachelor of Science in basic science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he was a Distinguished Military Graduate. He holds a Master of Science in national resource strategy, with an information operations concentration, from the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces; a Master's Degree in military arts and science from the Army Command & General Staff College; and a Master of Arts Degree in management from Webster University. He is a published author, including writing several leadership articles for The New Face of Leadership Magazine as well the thesis Coalition Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence Systems Interoperability: A Necessity or Wishful Thinking? BIO EXCERPTED FROM AFCEA.ORG   CONNECT WITH MICHAEL IG: @chequethemike FB: @michael black LinkedIn: Michael Black   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ted Robertson | Producer:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org    Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS   TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black '85 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, where transformative journeys of Air Force Academy graduates come to life. There are moments in a leader's life that leave a permanent mark. For my guest today, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black, USAFA Class of '85, one such moment came when he was actually sent to deliver news of a combat-related death. It was the first time he'd ever been tasked with that duty, and knew he only had one chance to get it right. As he sat with the widow, Michael found the strength to guide the family through their grief. That part of Michael's story speaks to the depth of his empathy and the calm steadiness that defines him as a leader. We'll explore much more of Michael's journey, from leading the White House Communications team to mentoring cadets at the Academy to daily practices that ground him and the framework that guides him today, what he calls the five Fs of leadership: family, fitness, flying, fairness and fun a guide not only for his life, but for the leaders he inspires. Michael, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Michael Black Naviere, thank you for having me, and thank you for that very kind introduction. I'm so happy to be here, and I'm just thankful for what you guys do, the AOG and putting this together and telling stories. I think this is amazing. So thank you for the opportunity. Naviere Walkewicz Well, we're grateful you're here. You got your silver on. You got your ‘85 Best Alive, you know, I mean, I'm just blown away here. The class crest… Michael Black Yeah, got it all, you know, the crest and the two squadrons that I was in. I'm just excited, back here for our 40th reunion. Yeah. So that's amazing. So fellowship and fun with your classmates, and just seeing the mountains, you know. Getting off the plane and looking west and seeing the mountains and seeing God's creation is just amazing. And then, of course, the Academy in the background, you know, pretty excited. Naviere Walkewicz Wonderful, wonderful. Well, we're going to jump right in. And actually, the topic is a bit sensitive, but I think it's really important, because we know that when we all raise our right hand, some are prepared and they give all. But not everyone has to actually give the news to the family when their loved one is lost, so maybe you can share what that was like. Michael Black Thank you for allowing me to talk about that. You hit the nail on the head when you said you only have one chance to get it right when you're talking to the family. And so I had a young staff sergeant that was deployed down range at the Horn of Africa, and he happened to be a radio operator in a helicopter supporting the Marines. And there was a mid-air collision that happened while he was deployed, and he was one of the people that perished. So the first notification that I had to make was duty status: whereabouts unknown — to say that to the family. And of course, you can think about the range of emotions that are associated with that. They don't know. We don't know.   Naviere Walkewicz There's still hope. There's not hope.   Michael Black So that was the first day. So going over there with my first sergeant, a medical team, chaplain, you know, that kind of thing, to support us and the family.   Naviere Walkewicz And what rank were you at that time?   Michael Black So I was a lieutenant colonel. So I was a squadron commander of the 1st Comm Squadron at Langley Air Force Base. And I like to say, you don't get to practice that. You have one time to get it right. At least back then, there was not a lot of training to do that. It doesn't happen that often, and so having to make that notification was a tough thing. It was one of the hardest things, if not the hardest thing, I had to do in the service. Two young boys. He had two sons, and at the time, his spouse was military as well, so I go over there to do that the first day. You can imagine, you know, knocking on the door, right, and I'm in uniform, and just the emotions that they can be going through. So we're sitting on the couch in their house, two young boys. I believe their ages were 3 and 5 at the time, they were very young. And I explained to Michelle what we knew. And again, it's scripted. I can't say more or less than that, because 1) don't know, right? And 2), you just don't want to speculate on anything. And then we're waiting to find out his status. So then I have to go back the next day to make that notification, and you're representing the chief of staff of the United States Air Force, and that's kind of something that's scripted for you. “I'm here on the behalf of the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and I regret to inform you of the untimely death of your spouse.” The part that was even more heartening for me was after I told her, and with the boys sitting, I believe, on either side of me, she said, “And now Col. Black is going to tell you what happened to your dad.” That was a tough thing to do. And I would say it was the hardest thing that I had to do in the Air Force, in my career, and reflect on “you have one chance to get that right.” I believe we got it right, me and my team, but that was tough. Naviere Walkewicz Wow. Have you kept in touch with the family? Michael Black Yes, I keep in touch with Michelle, just from — just a personal because I'm very personal, outgoing, as you know. And so I've kept in touch with Michelle and the boys. But we're forever bonded by that, and I think that's important to stay in touch. And that's kind of one of my things I think we'll get into a little bit later in the conversation, but that's what I do. Naviere Walkewicz Well, it touches, certainly into, I think, that the family aspect of the five Fs, and because it seems like you even take in them as your family. And I'm curious about your family, because when you're going through that, I mean, you have at least a son — you have son, right?   Michael Black Yes, and two daughters.   Naviere Walkewicz Two daughters. So were you thinking about — did you put on your dad hat in that moment?   Michael Black I certainly did put on my dad hat and, and I think that helped in things. And I think all of the training that I got along the way about dealing with tough situations, and being a leader, it helped. But I took it upon myself after that to talk to other commanders. And in fact, my wing commander at the time, Burt Field, Gen. field was a '79 grad, and we talked, and that also brought him and I closer, because he also asked me to brief the other squadron commanders on that process and how I handled that. And I know when — to this day, Gen. Field and I are still very connected, and he's pretty engaged right now with the Air Force Association's birthday and all that. But a great mentor of mine who also helped in dealing with that. But he was extremely supportive and, and I think that had a factor in just how he evaluated me, right, how I handled that situation?   Naviere Walkewicz Well, it sounds like you certainly picked up some of those traits of taking care of your people recognizing empathy within processes and sharing it. I'm curious, were you always like this, or did you see some of this emulated from your family? Michael Black No, it's a great question. I am a military brat. My dad was in the Army. My dad went to Tuskegee — it was called Tuskegee Institute at that time. My mom went to Alabama A&M, so two schools in Alabama. They're from a very small towns in Alabama. My dad's from Beatrice, Alabama — which is less than 200 people today — and my mom is from Vredenburgh, Alabama. It's about 15 miles away, and it's even smaller than Beatrice. But they went to the same elementary school and high school, so high school sweethearts, and then they went off to college. And then dad got a direct commission in the Army, the Signal Corps. Well, he started out Medical Service Corps, but getting back to your question, so yes, family with that, and even take a step further back to my grandparents, on both sides of the family, but particularly with my paternal grandparents, they went out and visited the Tuskegee Institute at that time, and they saw the statue of Lifting the Veil of Ignorance there, and they decided at that point that they wanted their kids to go to that school. And so there's seven kids within my dad's family, and six of them went to Tuskegee. Naviere Walkewicz   Wow. So I want to fast forward a little bit, and you can certainly share whether it was during the Academy or after graduation, but you have kind of had this great foundation from your family. Let's talk a little bit about the Academy or after-Academy experience, where you had seen additional time where you had grown as a leader. Was there a particular experience that can come to mind, where another shaping of this leadership journey that you've been on? Michael Black Yeah, I think there's multiple throughout my career. I mean, I went to the Army Command and General Staff College for my intermediate professional military education. And there's a story there too. My dad was in the Army, and so I wanted to experience some of the things that my dad did, even though I was Air Force. And so one of my mentors, now-retired Lt. Gen. Harry Raduege, was instrumental in me getting selected for Army Command and General Staff College. And so I went there, and I think that was a big portion of my shaping, although had mentors and folks and coaches in my life leading up to that were, you know, helped shape me, but going to that school… And what I noticed when I got there that the Army was very serious about leadership and leadership philosophy, so much so that we took a class on that where we had to develop a leadership philosophy. And so in taking that class, before the Christmas break, I found out that I was going to be a squadron commander. So I was a major, and I was going to be a squadron commander. And so in that leadership course, I said, “Well, I'm going to go be a squadron commander. I'm going to the fifth combat con group in Georgia. Let me make this philosophy that I'm doing in class be my philosophy, so that when I get there…” And that was really the first time that I thought very serious about, “OK, what is my leadership philosophy?” And I had been a flight commander before, and had people under my tutelage, if you will. But being a squadron commander, you know, being on G series orders. And you know, we know how the military takes the importance of being a commander. And so having that so I did decide to develop my philosophy during that time. And you mentioned the five Fs earlier. And so that was — that became the opportunity to develop that. So family, that's what it was. That's when I developed that — in that course. So family, fitness, flying, fairness and fun — the five Fs. I worked on that when I got there. And so then when I got to take command, I had prepared all of that stuff in this academic environment, and I used it to a T and I briefed the squadron after I took command. I think this is my command philosophy, the five Fs. I subsequently had the opportunity to command two more times after that, another squadron, and then at the White House Communications Agency, which is now wing command equivalent. So had the opportunity to tweak and refine, but the foundation was still the five Fs. And so in doing that, and I can go into a little detail. So you know, family is your immediate family, your your blood family, and that that kind of thing. But family also encompasses your unit, your extended family, you know, and part of that. And so I always tell people you know, your family, you don't want to be the only one at your retirement ceremony because you neglected your family. And I've done many retirement ceremonies. In fact, I've done 25-plus since I retired. Well, that shows you really made no so family is, is important, take care of your family. And I, you know, one of the things I said about that to the folks was if you in your unit, if folks are getting assigned unit, permanent changes, station, PCS to your unit, and they haven't found the place to live in the due time and whatever the house hunting days are, I always gave my folks the option of give them some more time to find a place. They may be looking for schools, I mean looking for a place that just fits the environment that they need. And let's give them that time now, because they're not going to be effective in the organization if they're worried about where they have to live, where their kids are going to go to school and that kind of thing. So take care of all of that, and then get them to work, and they'll be that much more effective because they won't have to worry about where they're living, where the kids are going to school. So take care of your family fitness. You understand physical fitness and what you do and all of that, and I admire all of your accomplishments in that. And so physical fitness in the military kind of goes without saying. You have to maintain certain standards and do that, and do a PT and take a test and that kind of thing. But fitness is more than just physical fitness. It's spiritual and mental fitness. Now I would never be one to tell somebody this is how you need to nurture your spiritual and mental fitness. I think that's personal. But if your spiritual mental fitness is not being nourished, you're not going to be doing yourself any good, your team any good. And honestly, you would be able to tell if an individual is struggling with their spiritual or mental fitness, particularly as a leader and just kind of looking and observing characteristics and the behavior of folks. So I basically told my team, I want you to do whatever it takes to nurture your spiritual and mental fitness, whatever you need to do — if it's meditating, if it's praying, if it's walking, whatever is personal to you, but make sure that it's nurtured. But I also told my folks that if you think my spiritual fitness and mental fitness is out of balance, I want you to tell me, because I might have blinders on. I could be focused on things, just like they could be focused on things, and I would tell them. And I think folks really appreciated the candor and the openness of the leader, the commander, you know, saying that, yes, I want you to tell me if you think my spiritual mental fitness is, you know, is out of balance.   Naviere Walkewicz Did you ever have anyone tell you that?   Michael Black I did. I had strong relationships with my first sergeant, or my command sergeant major, the senior enlisted adviser. So we were, you know, we're hand-in-hand and all the places I was at. And so, yes, I've had them. I've had my wife tell me that. So I think that's important. I just — like I said, you can easily have blinders on and maybe just not see that or have blind spots. And speaking of that, I've written a leadership article on blind spots. I've kind of studied that and understand that. Flying — at the time the primary mission of the Air Force was flying. And so I'd always say, “What is your role in supporting the primary mission, or what is our role in supporting the primary mission of the Air Force?” So make sure you understand that. As a communicator, how do you contribute to the primary mission, or as a logistician, or as information management? But understand what your role is in the primary mission of the Air Force. Fairness, as a leader — it is so important for the leader to be fair, right? It can affect good order and discipline if you're not fair, but equally important is to be perceived as being fair. So I could think I'm being fair, I could think that I'm being fair, but if the perception of the unit, the team, is that I'm not being fair, that's just as detrimental to the mission as actually not being fair. And so I think perceptions are important, and you need to understand that. You need to be aware of the perceptions; you need to be ready to receive the information and the feedback from your team on that. And so I stress the importance of also the perception people have different management. I could be looking at something over there, and I say, “OK, yeah, sky is blue over there,” but somebody's looking at it from a different you know, they may see a touch of some clouds in there, and so they see some light in there, and from their vantage point. And it's just like that in life: Respect everybody's vantage point in things. And so that was the fairness aspect. Then finally, fun. I'm a person that likes to have fun.   Naviere Walkewicz You are?!   Michael Black Yes, I am. I'm a person that loves to have fun. And so for me, I grew up playing sports. And so I played sports throughout my Air Force career. So that was kind of one of the things I did for fun, intramurals.   Naviere Walkewicz What was your favorite sport?   Michael Black My favorite sport was baseball growing up. I mean, I dreamed about trying to play in the Major Leagues and that kind of stuff. And I played on a lot of baseball teams growing up, and then when I got into the service, played softball, and I played competitive softball. Back in the day, they have base softball teams, and so you would, you know, try out for the team, and I would try out, and I played on base team at probably at least four or five bases that I was at. So I was, these are my own words: I was good. So I played and was very competitive in intramurals. That's another way to bring your team together — camaraderie. They see the boss out there playing. And I always would tell folks that on the squadron team: They're not playing me because I'm the commander. They're playing me because I'm good. I can contribute to the wins in a game. But so it's very competitive. I wasn't a win at all costs, but it wasn't fun to lose. So being competitive and fun. So that's one of the things I did for fun. I also follow professional sports. San Antonio Spurs is my basketball team; Washington Commanders, my football team. So I would go to those events, those games, those contests and stuff like that. Music, concerts, still do that kind of stuff with my kids and my family incorporate fun into — so it's not all work and no play. I think you do yourself justice by, winding down relaxing a little bit and having fun and that kind of thing. And so I encourage my team to do that. Wasn't gonna tell people what they needed to do for fun. I think that's personal, but having fun is important and it helps strike that balance. So that's really the five Fs. And I carried that, as I said, every time I command, every time I've, you know, unit that I've been associated with, particularly after the 2000 graduation from Army Command and Staff College. And I still carry that five Fs today And incidentally, I think the if you bump into somebody who was in one of my units, they're going to remember the five Fs, or some portion of it. In fact, I have a couple mentees that commanded after me, and they adopted the five Fs as their command philosophy. And that's kind of something that's very satisfying as a leader to have somebody adopt your leadership style. They think that it was good for them while they were in the unit. And it's very flattering to see that afterwards. I mean, so much so that I've had people that were in my unit, and then they got assigned to one of my mentee's unit, and they would call me up and they'd say, “Hey, Col. Black, you know, Col. Packler says his command philosophy is the five Fs.” Yeah, I said Marc was in my unit at Langley, and he probably felt that. But that's, that's a true story. Naviere Walkewicz That's a legacy, right there; that's wonderful. Well, speaking of legacy, you have a son that's also a graduate. So talk about that. I mean, you were expected to go to college. It wasn't an if, it was where? How about your children? Was that kind of the expectation? Michael Black So my wife is a college graduate. She's a nurse as well. And so we preached education throughout. And just as an aside, shout out to my wife, who just completed her Ph.D.   Naviere Walkewicz Wow, congratulations!   Michael Black Yes. Wilda Black, last week, in doing that. And so between my family, my immediate family — so my wife, and my two daughters and my son, there are 15 degrees between us.   Naviere Walkewicz And you?   Michael Black And me. So five us, there are 15 degrees. My wife has two master's, a bachelor's and now a Ph.D. My oldest daughter has a bachelor's and two master's. My son has a bachelor's and a master's. My younger daughter has a bachelor's and a master's, and I have a bachelor's and three master's degrees. So I think that adds up to 15.   Naviere Walkewicz I lost count. Social sciences major here.   Michael Black So yes, education. And so my son — he really liked quality things, likes quality things growing up. And so he was looking at schools and researching and looking at the Ivy League, some of the Ivy League schools, and some other schools that, you know, had strong reputations. I purposely did not push the Air Force Academy to him because I didn't want him to go for the wrong reasons. I didn't want him to go because I went there and that kind of thing. But late in the game, you know, in his summer, going into his senior year of high school, he came to me and said, “Hey…” and I'm paraphrasing a little bit, “Dad, you know, your alma mater is pretty good, you know, pretty, you know, pretty has a strong reputation.” And I said, “Yeah, you know, you know, strong academic curriculum and everything else there.” So that summer he said, “Well, I'm thinking I might want to go there.” And I'm thinking to myself, “That's a little bit late in the game, like the summer going into senior year.”   Naviere Walkewicz Did you recruit your mom again?   Michael Black Mom got involved. And then I think you know Carolyn Benyshek. So Carolyn was the director of admissions. I reached out to her and just said, “Hey, I got my son that's interested.” They were actually coming to Baltimore, I believe, for a…   Naviere Walkewicz The Falcon Experience. Right.   Michael Black And so we went to see her, and I'll just kind of say the rest is history. Through her help and guidance, through my son's qualifications — he was able to get in. He went to the Prep School, which is great, and I just want to give a shout out to the Prep School for that. I did not attend the Prep School, but I saw the value of my son going to the Prep School and then coming to the Academy. So I just to this day, thankful for our Prep School and how they prepare folks.   Naviere Walkewicz We feel similarly about that.   Michael Black So, yeah. So he went. And so, of course, a proud dad, right? Your son following in your footsteps, and that kind of thing. So Clinton, Clinton Black is in the Space Force now, and he's assigned to Vandenberg. But my son, he was a soccer player growing up, played a lot of competitive soccer, came here and decided that he wanted to do Wings of Blue, and so he was on Wings of Blue parachute team. And the neat thing about that is that the jump wings that my son wears are the jump wings that my dad earned at Airborne School in 1964, '65 — sometime in the early ‘60s. And so my dad was still living at the time and so he was able to come out here and pin the wings on Clinton. So it skipped a generation because I didn't jump or anything. But my son jumped, and he has mid-500 number of jumps that he's had. And so my dad was able to see him jump, and that was even though Airborne is a teeny bit different than free fall, but still, you know, parachuting, and all of that. So getting to see Clinton excel and do that and see him jump into the stadium, and that kind of thing. He jumped with some of the former Navy SEALs in the X Games, you know, in the mountains. So that was just a proud parent moment. Naviere Walkewicz Wow. That is very exciting. And so, through all of these experiences that you had, I keep wanting to go back to the five Fs .yYu had mentioned earlier that you did some refinement to it. So where you are now, how are you using them? How have they been refined? I mean, flying. What is that? Michael Black So, I asked people to take a little bit of a leap in that, understand where it came from, in my 5s but that aspect refers to the mission, right? And so the Air Force mission has evolved to include space and that kind of thing. But even on the private side, the civilian side, I still use the five F's. And so the flying aspect just refers to the mission, or whatever the mission of your organization is. And so there was some refinement as we brought in space into our mission, but it really reflected on the mission. And so I had different AFSCs that worked for me in in the different units that I was at, and also different services. And so understanding the service aspect of things also was something that I had to take into consideration as far as keeping and refining that, at the White House Communications Agency, about 1,200 military — more Army than Air Force, more Air Force than Navy, more Navy than Marine Corps, and more Marine Corps than Coast Guard. And so being an Air Force commander of a joint unit that had more Army folks in it, you have to understand that lingo, and be able to speak cool and that kind of thing. Dad loved that. And so going to the Army Command General Staff College, and, getting some of that philosophy and understanding that. And then I went to what's now called the Eisenhower School, now ICAF, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, which is another joint school. And so being around that helped me in those aspects. But really applying that throughout and after I retired, I did 10 years in the private sector with a couple of different small businesses that were government contracted focused, providing professional services, but still, as the chief operating officer of each one of those, it's a pretty high leadership position within the company and so I talked about the five Fs in some terms that my team could understand that, and so still apply that. And then now, with three years working for the nonprofit, the AFCEA organization, where we bring government, industry and academia together to do IT, cyber kind of things, machine learning, artificial intelligence — I still have that philosophy to buy that and what I do, I think it's something that's applicable across the board, not just military. At least I've made it applicable. Naviere Walkewicz I was just gonna ask that, because talk about the private sector and — some of our listeners, they take off the uniform, but they still have that foundation of the military, but they're working with people who maybe don't have that foundation of the military. So how did you translate that in a way that they could feel that same foundation, even though they hadn't gone through a military family or through the Air Force Academy? Michael Black Yeah, no, that's a great question, Naviere. And I think, as a leader, you have to be aware of that. You have to be aware of your team and their background and their experiences. You also you have to speak their lingo, right? I mean, I can't talk just Air Force or military lingo. We talk a lot in acronyms. Naviere Walkewicz Like AFCEA. And I'm sure many know it but would you mind spelling it out? Michael Black Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association. And even though we have that we are more than the armed forces now, so we really are known by just AFCEA, even though that's what that acronym stands for. So I mean, I work with Homeland Security, VA and that kind of thing. But to your point, getting folks to understand where I'm coming from, and I need to understand where they're coming from, you have to take the time, put in the work to do that, so that you can communicate with your folks, and so that they understand where you're coming from, and also, so that they feel valued, right? That you understand where they're coming from. And I think all of that is important. And I tried to make sure that I did that, and I had coaches, mentors and sponsors along the way. So I learned when some of my mentors transition from the military time, and so when they went to go work in the private sector, I still lean on them. “OK, how did you make this transition? And what is it about? And what are the similarities and what are the differences? What do I need to consider in doing that?” And I'm thankful, and that goes back to one key point that I want to make about relationships and nurturing that relationship. I mentioned Gen. Field, worked for him in the early 2000s. But here we are, 2025, and he's in my contacts, he will take my call, he will respond to a text, and vice versa. You know, building that relationship. And so he's with a nonprofit now, and so I still stay in touch with him. The director of the White House Military Office was a Navy admiral that I worked for when I was at the White House. He is now the president and CEO of the United States Naval Institute — Adm. Spicer. You know, 20-something, 15 years ago, worked for him and now we're working together on a big conference. But those relationships are important in nurturing those relationships. And I learned about nurturing from my family. You know, my grandparents, who did that. My grandfather was a farmer. He had to nurture his crops for them to produce. So the same thing, analogy applies in relationships; you have to nurture that relationship. And you know, it circled all the way back to, you know, our 40-year reunion now, and my classmates that are here and nurturing those relationships with those classmates over the years is important to me. I'm the connector within my class, or the nucleus. I mean, those are two nicknames that my classmates have given me: the Col. Connector and Nucleus, and I embrace those. Naviere Walkewicz Yes, that's wonderful. I know that you also mentor cadets. And I think my question for you, from the aspect of some of our listeners, is, did you seek out the cadets? Did they seek you out? How does that mentorship relationship start? Because you talked about how, like, for example, Gen. Field, you had that relationship years ago. That's kind of carried through. But how do you know when that mentorship is beginning? Michael Black I think both of those aspects, as you mentioned. Do they seek that? There are cadets that seek that based upon just what they've experienced and what they've learned. And then some of the cadets know people that I know, and so they've been referred to me, and all that. Some were — like their parents, I worked with their parents. I mean, particularly in the Class of 2023 there are three young ladies that I mentored in the Class of 2023 one whose father worked with me on the White House Communications Agency, one whose mother babysat my kids OK. And then one who's ROTC instructor in junior in high school was my first sergeant. So in those three instances, I was connected to those folks through relationship with either their parents or somebody that worked for me and that that kind of thing. And that was a neat thing to, you know, to be here. I did the march back with those young ladies, and then I connected those three young ladies who did not know each other at the march back, when we got back on the Terrazzo, I found all three of them and explained my relationship with each of them. And they were able to be connected throughout and two of them I actually commissioned, So that was really, really nice. And so, you know, seeking mentorship is, well, mentorship has just been important to me. I benefited from mentorship, and I want to return that favor. I am the chairman of the Air Force Cadet Officer Mentor Association, AFCOMA, whose foundation is mentorship, fellowship and scholarship, and so I'm passionate about mentorship and doing that. I've seen the benefits of it. People did it for me, and I think you can shorten the learning curve. I think you can just help folks along the way. So I'm very passionate about that. Naviere Walkewicz Well, this has been amazing. I think there's two questions I have left for you. The first one being — and I think we've learned a lot about this along the way — but if you were to summarize, what is something you are doing every day to be better as a leader? Michael Black I think every day I take a deep look inside myself, and am I living and breathing my core values? And what am I doing to help the next generation? You know, trying to put that on my schedule, on my radar, that's important to me. And whether I'm at work with AFCEA, whether I'm out here at my 40th reunion, whether I'm on vacation, I always take the time to mentor folks and pass on that. I think that's something that's passionate for me. You mentioned, when we talked about the retirement ceremonies. I mean, I've done 20-plus since I retired. In fact, I have one in November, but it will be my 27th retirement ceremony since I retired. And those things are important to me. And so I reflect, I try to keep my fitness — my physical, spiritual and mental fitness, in balance every day so that I can be effective and operate at a peak performance at the drop of the hat. You know, being ready. And so that's important to me. So there's some self-analysis, and I do live and breathe the five F's. I think that's important. And I think I've proven to myself that that is something that is relatable, not only to my time in the military, but my time in the private sector, and now my time in a nonprofit. And I just continue to do that so self-reflection and really practicing particularly the fitness aspect of the five Fs. Naviere Walkewicz Wow, that's outstanding. And then you probably share this with your mentees. But what is something that you would help our aspiring leaders — those who are already in leadership roles in any facet of it — but what is something that they can do today so that they will be more effective as a leader? Michael Black So I think being aware that people are watching you and your actions. Even when you think that somebody is not watching, they are watching. And so they are trying to learn what to do next, and to be aware of that. And so I think, again, that goes with what you asked me first: What do I do every day. But also being aware of that, so that you can be that example to folks. And then take the time, have some pride in leaving the organization better than it was when you got there. I mean, it's a cliche, but I think I take a lot of pride in that. And then, when the team does good, everybody does good, so you shouldn't necessarily be out there for any kind of glory. That's going to come. But do it for the right reasons. And provide… give the people the tools, the resources and the environment to be successful. And in… I just take satisfaction when I see one of my mentees get squadron command, go do something like the current commander of the White House Communications Agency, Col. Kevin Childs. He was a captain and a major in the organization when I was there. Nothing makes me happier than to see my mentees excel. And then, in this particular instance, he's holding a job that I had, and we still talk. I mean, he had me come out there to speak to the unit about a month ago. And those things give me a lot of pride and satisfaction and confirmation that I am doing the right thing. And so I'm excited about that. Naviere Walkewicz Well, I can say, from the time that I met you a few years ago, you are living what your five Fs. I see it every time you help champion others. Every time I'm around you I'm  energized. So this has been a true joy. Has there been anything that I haven't asked you that you would like to share with our listeners? Michael Black Well, I do want to say personally, thank you to you for all that you do and what the association is doing here. This Long Blue conversation, Long Blue Line — I think this is important to share. There's a Class of 1970 that's in the hotel with us, and I don't know, really, any of those folks, but when I see them walking around with their red hat on — that was their color — and I think about, “OK, 15 years before me.” And so I'm 62. These guys are, if I did the public math, right, 77, 78, maybe even older, depending upon what they did, and still out there doing things, and some of them here with their spouses and that kind of thing. I was just talking to one of the classmates this morning, I said, “You know, I wonder if we're going to be like this when our 55th reunion is,” and they were walking around, and most were in good health and able to do things. So that gives a lot of pride. But, what you're doing, what the rest of the folks here are doing, I think this is amazing. I love the new building, the studio that we're in. This is my first time in the new building, so I'm thankful for this opportunity, and just excited about what you guys do. Naviere Walkewicz Well, thank you so much for that. It's been an absolute pleasure having you on Long Blue Leadership. Michael Black Well, I appreciate it. It's been an honor, and I'm glad you guys timed this for my '85 Best Alive reunion and in the new studio. Naviere Walkewicz Yes, wonderful. Well, as we bring today's conversation to a close, Michael left a reminder for us that stands to me. As a leader, you're always on, you're always being watched. You know your steady presence and deep empathy were forged in life's hardest moments, from guiding a young family through unimaginable loss to breaking the barriers at the highest levels of service to mentoring cadets who will carry forward the legacy of leadership. And then there's that framework he lived by, the five Fs of leadership. It is practical as it is powerful, family, fitness, flying mission, fairness and fun, each one a reminder that leadership is about balance grounding and the courage to keep perspective no matter the challenge. His story reminds us that true leaders create more leaders, and when we anchor ourselves in purpose, faith and these five Fs, we leave behind a legacy that lasts. Thank you for listening to Long Blue Leadership. I'm Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz. Until next time. KEYWORDS Michael Black, Air Force leadership, 5F leadership philosophy, military mentorship, leadership development, combat communication, White House Communications, Space Force, veteran leadership, empathetic leadership, military career progression, leadership principles, professional growth, organizational effectiveness, cadet mentoring, military communication strategy, leadership resilience, Air Force Academy graduate, leadership philosophy, team building, professional relationships.       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

Coaching through uniqueness and building trust with the strength of Individualization

Most people have that one memory that makes them cringe - the party where they said the wrong thing, the meeting where they stumbled over their words, or when a simple "no thanks" to a drink turned into the most awkward moment of the night.   You spend so much energy trying to avoid these uncomfortable situations, building elaborate strategies to never feel that squirmy sensation again. But what if this avoidance actually makes social situations harder, especially when you're trying to change your drinking habits?   Tune in this week to learn how awkwardness impacts your ability to say no to a drink, why the Connector and Mask archetypes struggle most with this, and a simple reframe that transforms awkwardness from proof that something's wrong with you into a normal part of being human.   Find a personalized approach that helps you change your habit in my new book, The Ultimate Guide to Drinking Less, here: https://rachelhart.com/guide/   Discover alternative approaches to drinking less inside our membership program, Take a Break: https://rachelhart.com/tab/   Get the full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://rachelhart.com/440

What does it really mean to live and connect with radiance? In this episode, Joshua Palassis and I dive into the dance of masculine and feminine energy, the importance of discernment in relationships, and how polarity shapes the way we show up in the world. We explore the pursuit of excellence, the unique challenges men face today, and why women thrive when they have peace and nurturing. You're going to love this conversation, and you're going to want to share it with everyone you care about who also desires to look and feel their best too!Learn more about Joshua Palassis:Joshua is a multi-faceted entrepreneur from sales to marketing to overall referring to himself as "The Connector." His mission and focus currently is growing my influence and connections to be able to build people, businesses and a life that honours God. He wants to be healthy, wealthy and wise and take a lot of people along with me.Connect with Joshua:https://www.instagram.com/palassisStep into your Radiance Sanctuary in the Membership https://www.theschoolofradiance.com/membershipFor more resources related to today's episode, click here for the podcast episode page: https://www.theschoolofradiance.com/podcasts Follow Rachel Varga Official on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelvargaofficial/ —Catch full episodes of The School of Radiance Podcast here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RachelVargaOfficial —Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@RachelVargaOfficial —Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelvargaofficial/ Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/rachelvargaofficial/ Website: https://www.theschoolofradiance.com —FREE STUFF: Download my FREE Skincare Checklist, sign up for my FREE 30 minute biohack your way to clear skin and slowing aging training now, and my newsletter for promos and exclusive events just for you! https://www.theschoolofradiance.com/freebiesEveryone gets one FREE call! Book your free 15-minute call with Rachel Varga to see which options will help you achieve your skin radiance goals! https://rachelvarga.as.me/YourPersonalizedRadianceConsultation —Looking for Skincare products, Tutorials, booking YOUR private One-on-One, and the deep dive Radiance Membership?SHOP skincare: https://alwaysradiantskinshop.comBOOK your private One-on-One: https://rachelvarga.as.me/Initialconsultation REGISTER for Tutorials and/or Membership: https://theschoolofradiance.com As a disclaimer, please note that the information shared in this podcast and interview is not to be taken as medical advice, and it's always important to consult with your physician before making any lifestyle changes. Rachel disclaims any responsibility for inaccurate credentials of guests or information used that may cause harm.Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The School of Radiance with Rachel Varga (formerly The Rachel Varga Podcast and The Always Radiant Skin Podcast)!Rachel Vargainfo@theschoolofradiance.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How connected do your people feel? Phil Thomas is the Chief Creative Officer of Informa Festivals. They're the company that owns Cannes Lions. And Phil has recently been named as Chairman of Comic Relief. One of the things that I've learned hosting this podcast is that the most powerful leaders rarely get remembered for their titles. They're remembered for how they made people feel. In this conversation with Phil, what stood out most weren't his achievements. It was his perspective on making people feel connected. As you'll hear, when you emphasize connection in your leadership, kindness, challenges, accomplishments, language shapes the culture, and the trust that follows becomes invaluable currency that maximizes creativity. Connection is also one of the 13 conditions that's measured by FORM, the creativity diagnostic that I've been developing. Because in every organization that I've studied, when people feel seen, heard, and respected, creativity is unlocked and businesses grow faster. And, memorably, this conversation with Phil is a reminder that connection isn't a soft skill, it's the foundation of creative leadership and the impact that that leadership leaves behind. How connected do your people feel to your organization? Do they feel seen, heard, and respected?

Industrial Talk is talking to Jim Mayer, Founder and Host of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast about "His passion and drive for manufacturing success". Scott Mackenzie interviews Jim Mayer, a manufacturing industry expert and podcaster, on the Industrial Talk Podcast. Jim shares his journey from construction to manufacturing, highlighting his roles at Fastenal, West Coast Aerospace, Keyence, MSC Industrial, and NTMA. He discusses his transition to running his own company, focusing on employee engagement and culture in manufacturing. Jim emphasizes the importance of authenticity and human connection in his podcast, "The Manufacturing Culture Podcast," and "The Manufacturing Connector" YouTube channel. He also touches on the challenges of digital transformation, the need for employee buy-in, and the role of AI in enhancing industry processes. Action Items [ ] Connect with Jim Mayer on LinkedIn. [ ] Check out Jim's website, The MFG Connector, for more information. [ ] Subscribe to Jim's podcasts, including the Manufacturing Culture Podcast and the Manufacturing Connector YouTube channel. Outline Introduction and Initial Greetings Scott Mackenzie introduces the podcast and the guest, Jim Mayer, highlighting his role in the manufacturing industry. Scott emphasizes the importance of amplifying one's voice and using modern marketing platforms for future success. Jim Mayer expresses his admiration for Scott's voice and shares a humorous anecdote about their first meeting. Scott and Jim discuss the weather in Phoenix, sharing personal experiences and humorous stories about the heat. Jim's Background and Career Journey Jim shares his background, mentioning his 25 years in the industry and his initial struggles after leaving college. He describes his journey from retail and restaurant jobs to construction work and eventually finding his passion in manufacturing. Jim recounts his experiences working in construction, including the dangers of roofing and the influence of a Fastenal rep who encouraged him to sell supplies. He talks about his transition to working in machine shops and his successful career with various companies, including MSC Industrial and NTMA. Transition to Podcasting and Culture Consulting Jim explains his decision to leave the corporate world and start his own company, focusing on employee engagement and talent management in manufacturing. He discusses the challenges of positioning himself as a culture consultant and the initial failures he faced. Jim describes his shift to creating content through podcasting, starting with the Manufacturing Culture Podcast. He shares the story of how a friend encouraged him to start a podcast and the initial success of his first episode. The Manufacturing Culture Podcast and Its Impact Jim details the structure and content of his podcast, emphasizing the importance of creating a narrative arc and engaging stories. He explains how he conducts research on his guests and their companies to ensure the content is informative and engaging. Jim discusses the feedback he received from listeners, highlighting the importance of addressing both solutions and personal stories. He mentions the creation of the Manufacturing Connector YouTube channel to focus on tools, technology, and solutions for the industry. Challenges and Solutions in Digital Transformation Scott and Jim discuss...