Podcasts about Partnering

Efficiency without empathy dehumanizes care. Teepa and Greg unpack how task-focused routines (and words like ‘feeder') strip away personal agency—and what to do instead. Learn how quick team huddles, a focus on partnership, and right time/right-way prompts can reduce stress, minimize shower struggles, and restore dignity at mealtimes and beyond. Small shifts in language and preparation can truly transform the experience for the person you're supporting and for all involved.If you're ready to move your team from ‘getting things done' to creating true care partnerships, How to Get Your Staff Engaged in Better Care Techniques is an effective resource. It helps leaders and managers build a positive culture of care—where empathy, coaching, and engagement drive every interaction.

Episode 323 hosts Kelly George (Registered Nurse from Tamworth, Australia) In 'The Business of Injecting' episodes we host injectors and clinic owners to discuss all aspects of the business side of their clinic. We analyse their financial struggles and challenges, difficult decisions, friction points, staffing, hiring, firing and other topics relevant for aesthetic business owners. In Chapter 21 we discuss Kelly's recent expansion to open her second clinic. (We discussed her first clinic and background in Episode 214 of the Business of Injecting - Chapter 8) We discuss how she manages and trains her staff, the importance of patient relationships, why she opened a new clinic and the challenges of staying compliant amidst the changing regulations in Australia.  Kelly shares her insights on leveraging social media for business growth and the critical role of patient feedback in maintaining high standards of care. We end on why she also changed to a new compliance and prescribing service (InstantCosmetics) and how they are helping drive her clinics success. This podcast was sponsored by InstantCosmetics 00:00 Introduction 01:29 Sponsor Acknowledgment and Guest Introduction 01:38 Kelly George's Journey in Aesthetics 04:27 Clinic Philosophy and Success Factors 05:40 Consultation Approach and Training New Injectors 10:48 Challenges and Strategies in Aesthetic Practice 15:04 Device Integration and Body Contouring 23:28 Opening a Second Clinic: Motivations and Challenges 28:22 Building a Strong Team Culture 29:50 Designing the New Clinic 31:39 Ensuring Consistent Patient Experience 37:20 Navigating Regulatory Challenges 38:03 Partnering with InstantCosmetics 44:31 Surveying Patient Satisfaction 47:38 Rapid Fire Questions 50:58 Conclusion and Farewell SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE PODCASTS, WEEKLY EDUCATIONAL CONTENT & JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY CLICK HERE TO BROWSE OUR IA OFFERS FOR DISCOUNTS & SPECIALS CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE A BRAND OR COMPANY & WANT TO WORK WITH US CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO BE A GUEST ON OUR PODCAST CONTACT US  

Is AI empathy a life-or-death issue? Almost a million people ask ChatGPT for mental health advice DAILY ... so yes, it kind of is.Rosebud co-founder Sean Dadashi joins TechFirst to reveal new research on whether today's largest AI models can recognize signs of self-harm ... and which ones fail. We dig into the Adam Raine case, talk about how Dadashi evaluated 22 leading LLMs, and explore the future of mental-health-aware AI.We also talk about why Dadashi was interested in this in the first place, and his own journey with mental health.00:00 — Intro: Is AI empathy a life-or-death matter?00:41 — Meet Sean Dadashi, co-founder of Rosebud01:03 — Why study AI empathy and crisis detection?01:32 — The Adam Raine case and what it revealed02:01 — Why crisis-prevention benchmarks for AI don't exist02:48 — How Rosebud designed the study across 22 LLMs03:17 — No public self-harm response benchmarks: why that's a problem03:46 — Building test scenarios based on past research and real cases04:33 — Examples of prompts used in the study04:54 — Direct vs indirect self-harm cues and why AIs miss them05:26 — The bridge example: AI's failure to detect subtext06:14 — Did any models perform well?06:33 — All 22 models failed at least once06:47 — Lower-performing models: GPT-40, Grok07:02 — Higher-performing models: GPT-5, Gemini07:31 — Breaking news: Gemini 3 preview gets the first perfect score08:12 — Did the benchmark influence model training?08:30 — The need for more complex, multi-turn testing08:47 — Partnering with foundation model companies on safety09:21 — Why this is such a hard problem to solve10:34 — The scale: over a million people talk to ChatGPT weekly about self-harm11:10 — What AI should do: detect subtext, encourage help, avoid sycophancy11:42 — Sycophancy in LLMs and why it's dangerous12:17 — The potential good: AI can help people who can't access therapy13:06 — Could Rosebud spin this work into a full-time safety project?13:48 — Why the benchmark will be open-source14:27 — The need for a third-party “Better Business Bureau” for LLM safety14:53 — Sean's personal story of suicidal ideation at 1615:55 — How tech can harm — and help — young, vulnerable people16:32 — The importance of giving people time, space, and hope17:39 — Final reflections: listening to the voice of hope18:14 — Closing

Tiffany Mittal is a multifamily real estate expert with over 13 years of experience in property management, ownership, and technology. She began her career as an owner-operator, gaining hands-on experience that shaped her understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities. In 2020, Tiffany co-founded Utility Ranger, a tenant utility billing software company designed to streamline operations and empower small to medium multifamily operators with a value-add tool that increases property value. Partnering with 10X Incubator in 2021 boosted the company's visibility, and in 2023, she launched her latest proptech startup, further advancing innovation in the multifamily sector. A lifelong learner and leader, Tiffany earned a Master's in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego, completed Harvard Business School's General Management Program, and holds certifications in Real Estate Management. Now based in Stuart, Florida, she leads Utility Ranger alongside her husband while raising four children, inspiring the industry with her vision to transform property management through technology. During the show we discussed: Transition from operator to tech innovator. How Utility Ranger streamlines billing. Why RUBS is more efficient with the software. Regaining utility control without extra work. Flexible billing options and benefits. Resident responsibility improving efficiency. Boosting NOI through smarter billing. Integrated payments enhancing invoicing. Key billing challenges Utility Ranger solves. Owner-operator experience shaping the platform. Turning utilities into a revenue stream. Integrations with property management systems. Ideal properties and operators for the software. Cadet vs. Commander package differences. Resources: https://utilityranger.com/  

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck are joined by Jessica Fukuchi, co-founder of PCRG Insurance. They dive into the often-overlooked world of high-net-worth personal lines insurance and why middle-market commercial producers need to pay attention to it. Jessica shares her journey from a captive agent to building an independent agency specializing in high-net-worth clients, often through referrals from financial advisors. The conversation explores the strategic importance of partnering with a high-net-worth specialist to protect commercial accounts from being poached by large brokerages that offer both commercial and private client services. Key Highlights: Protecting Your Book with High Net Worth Partners David emphasizes a critical vulnerability for middle-market producers: if you aren't addressing the personal insurance needs of business owners and executives, a competitor who does—like a large national broker—can use that as a wedge to take the entire commercial account. Partnering with a specialist like Jessica allows agents to offer this service without having to master the complexities of the high-net-worth market themselves. Navigating the High Net Worth Landscape Jessica explains the nuances of the high-net-worth market, from working with family offices to understanding the complex portfolios of wealthy clients (multiple homes, luxury cars, etc.). She discusses the current hard market for umbrella and excess liability, noting that securing high limits often requires stacking policies from multiple carriers, a strategy far different from standard personal lines. The "Duty to Offer" and Risk Management The discussion touches on the agent's "duty to offer" comprehensive protection. David and Jessica agree that failing to discuss personal excess liability or cyber coverage with a wealthy client is a disservice that could lead to E&O issues. They highlight unique risks like kidnap and ransom for high-profile clients and the importance of addressing the "insurance junk drawer" many wealthy individuals accumulate. Work-Life Balance and Setting Boundaries Jessica shares her personal journey of overcoming burnout by setting strict boundaries between work and personal life. She discusses how delegating tasks, hiring a VP, and being transparent with her team about her need for family time allowed her to regain balance. This segment resonates with the hosts, who also prioritize life experiences and travel over being tethered to the office 24/7. Connect with: David Carothers LinkedIn Jessica Fukuchi LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp PCRG Insurance Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes

What if you approached philanthropy like a startup? The results might shock you and completely rewire how you think about giving.I sit down with Mark Gerson, Cofounder of GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) and Cofounder and Chair of 3i Members, to dive deep into how you can treat generosity like a capital allocation decision. We unpack a framework for ROI-driven giving that prioritizes measurable impact over emotional check-writing.Whether you give already or you're just starting to think about it, this is a practical, purpose-driven guide to doing the most good in a faster and smarter waySpecial thanks to Mark for joining me on the pod and for all the amazing work he does.⏱️ Chapter Markers00:00 – Introduction to Mark Gerson & GLG Origins02:45 – The Accidental Start of a $650M Business06:00 – Lessons in Entrepreneurship from GLG's Growth08:50 – Why Business Advice is Often Useless09:30 – The Life-Saving Problem in Global Emergency Response11:00 – United Hatzalah: Crowdsourcing First Response in Israel13:30 – Politics, Union Challenges & US Expansion15:00 – How an Orange Jacket Saves Lives16:45 – ROI-Driven Philanthropy: Measuring Cost per Life Saved18:30 – African Mission Healthcare: Saving Lives with $350 C-Sections21:00 – Partnering with Christian Missionary Doctors25:00 – Effective Philanthropy vs. Emotional or Prestige Giving29:00 – The True Definition of Charity & ROI vs. Emotion32:30 – When and How Much Should You Give?36:00 – Why Giving Never Makes You Poor37:45 – Books, Content & Torah as Self-Help40:00 – 3i: A Crowdsourced Investment + Community Platform43:00 – How Business & Charity Reinforce Each OtherLinksMark Gerson 3i Members, United Hatzalah of Israel, African Mission Healthcare, GLG, Twitter, LinkedInBooks: God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True, The Telling: How Judaism's Essential Book Reveals the Meaning of LifeMPD: LinkedIn, TwitterInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter

Our next guests are preparing to open a highly anticipated burger restaurant in Park Ridge in partnership with Mikerphone Brewing. They met at the highly coveted Bavettes in Chicago and went through many iterations of what life could look like during and after the pandemic. They both were seeking stability and it wasn't until several pop ups when Phil from Super Goode stopped by and left them a raving review. The stars began to align and they will be opening Brennan's Gourmet Burger Shack in early 2026. Please enjoy my conversation with Alyssa and Conor Brennan. https://www.brennansgbs.com/https://www.instagram.com/brennans.gbshttps://www.instagram.com/simple_delicious_foodhttps://www.instagram.com/kid_at_heartt

The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce held a forum Wednesday where the local charities partnering with the Light the World Giving Machine were revealed.

See what happens when women founders build together. RSVP and join us for the Dear FoundHer Forum Virtual Open House + Networking Session on December 9th.Brynn Putnam talks through what it really feels like to build a company, sell it to lululemon, and start again with a completely new idea. Joining Lindsay Pinchuk in this episode, she reflects on the investor dynamics that shaped her path, including a moment when she walked away from a term sheet because the relationship didn't feel right, and she explains why the partners you choose influence every decision that follows. Brynn also shares how simple observations inside her gym sparked the idea for MIRROR and why true innovation comes from understanding your customer more than from technical expertise. Her shift toward building Board highlights a deeper desire for connection and family, and the conversation leaves you asking a few grounding questions: Who do you trust to build with? What signals are you ignoring? How can your own life stage point you toward the work you're meant to do next?Episode Breakdown:00:00 Building a Community for Women Entrepreneurs02:50 Brynn Putnam's Journey: From Ballerina to Tech Founder05:47 The Sale of MIRROR: Insights from a Successful Acquisition09:04 Raising Venture Capital: Challenges and Experiences11:48 Lessons Learned: The Importance of Partnering with the Right Investors14:57 The Launch of Bored: A New Era of Family Gaming17:59 Marketing Strategies for a New Product20:58 The Story Behind Bored: Reimagining Family Game Night24:05 Building Relationships with Investors27:06 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Female FoundersConnect with Board and Brynn:Follow Board on InstagramLinks:Be the first to know about our Forum opportunity this holiday season!Subscribe to The FoundHer FilesFollow Dear FoundHer on InstagramJoin us on Tour with Sunny + Jenn!FoundHer Faves: Parallel Travel BagMerit Eye ShadowTree of Life CenterDagne Dover Roma Packing CubesSamantha Fine DigitalPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Extraordinary Living, we continue our seriers on Writing The Vision.  Bill Gruhlkey explains the transformative concept that God has already provided everything needed for life and godliness. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and claiming these promises through spiritual authority. Bill uses scriptural references from 2 Peter 1:3 and Ephesians 1:3 to highlight that believers already have God's blessings and need to act in faith to realize them. He also shares a touching story of the prodigal son to illustrate the Father's unconditional love and acceptance and encourages listeners to write down their visions and believe in God's plan for their lives. The episode concludes with an invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and partner with the ministry.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:   00:00 Introduction: Understanding God's Blessings 00:26 Welcome to Extraordinary Living 01:37 The Power of Spiritual Authority 03:23 Healing Through Faith 05:23 The Role of Knowledge in Faith 06:36 The Example of the Denali 15:54 The Father's Love and the Prodigal Son 25:44 Invitation to Accept Jesus 26:59 Partnering with the Ministry 28:29 Conclusion and Resources     Connect with Bill & Roger Ministries: www.billandroger.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064668460680

In this episode, I'm joined by Dean Rogers—former NFL player turned real estate investor, coach, and community builder. Dean opens up about the moment he walked away from the NFL, the painful identity loss that followed, and how real estate became the path to financial and personal freedom.We explore the mental, emotional, and financial rollercoaster Dean went through—from blowing $250K early in his career to now leading a thriving real estate business and coaching program. He shares how discipline from football translated into real estate, why trying to do it all alone almost destroyed him, and how collaboration and mentorship ultimately led to success. This episode is packed with hard-won wisdom and real talk on what it takes to build a life and business you love.Episode Timeline[0:00] – Introduction[2:15] – Dean's college football career and how it led to the NFL[3:40] – The physical price of professional sports and the decision to walk away[5:00] – Wrestling with identity loss after leaving football[7:25] – Starting over financially and emotionally—with no plan B[9:12] – How a podcast episode opened Dean's eyes to real estate investing[10:45] – Getting obsessed with learning: YouTube, books, and mentors[12:00] – First wholesale deal and the adrenaline of closing it[14:20] – Scaling fast—and the traps that come with early success[17:00] – Partnering with Sean Terry and stepping into mentorship[18:45] – The $250K mistake that nearly destroyed the business[20:00] – How asking for help saved Dean's career and shifted everything[22:05] – Finding faith, focus, and freedom through accountability[23:30] – Creating the “Friends with Benefits” model for JVs[26:10] – Coaching others through the same transformation he lived[28:30] – Why community, mindset, and financial structure go hand in hand[30:00] – Final thoughts on taking control of your time and your money5 Key TakeawaysDiscipline beats motivation. Dean's training in the NFL gave him the consistency to succeed even when results weren't immediate.Ego can cost you everything. Trying to figure it out alone led to massive losses—collaboration brought the breakthrough.Mistakes are tuition. The $250K lesson taught Dean more than any win ever could.Real freedom requires real systems. From financial structure to JV partnerships, sustainable growth depends on structure.Surround yourself with winners. Community and mentorship accelerated Dean's transformation from stressed out to scaling up.Links & ResourcesConnect with Dean: DeanRogers.comLearn more about Profit First for REI: SimpleCFO.comIf Dean's story moved you or motivated you, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review for the podcast. And share this episode with someone who's ready to stop playing small and start building something bigger—with structure, purpose, and profit.

In this episode, Jim Knight sits down with the brilliant Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. They discuss how teachers can bridge the gap between knowing and doing; bringing the science of learning and culturally responsive practices together to truly empower students.Zaretta shares powerful insights on building students' “learning power,” developing metacognitive skills, and shifting from compliance-based teaching to what she calls a pedagogy of possibility.It's a rich, practical conversation about equity, deep learning, and helping every student become an independent, confident learner. Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about Partnering with ICG Consultants:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/

In this episode, Chandra and Paul cover the latest JD Edwards (JDE) product updates, focusing on the recent release of tools and applications Update 26. They discuss the significance of aligning release numbers for simplicity, the nature of maintenance packs, and the importance of stability over rushing enhancements. The conversation then turns to enterprise automation, specifically the use of the process modeler to identify bottlenecks and drive adoption. The hosts emphasize the need for deeper analysis beyond surface-level process mapping and encourage collaboration between IT and business units to uncover root causes and find lasting solutions. Both hosts highlight the value of continuous learning, empowering teams to explore new tools, and partnering with business stakeholders for successful implementation. 05:11 Empowering Customers Through New Capabilities 08:44 The Challenge Behind Product Adoption 13:27 From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs 15:20 Partnering for Adoption 23:48 Identifying Blind Spots 27:32 Midwesternism of the Day Resources: Learn more about Enterprise Automation and how to get started, implement, and use on LearnJDE: https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E84502_01/learnjde/enterprise-automation.html# If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org

(00:00-3:25) Dan from Lee's is in studio. Hello, chicken. We're not here to talk about feet. Partnering with Operation Food Search. Who is Lee? Lee was Colonel Sanders nephew.(3:33-22:00) Doug's still thinking about chicken. Martin enjoyed One Battle After Another. Tarantino and PTA. State of Grace. GET BACK TO SPORTS!!! Battle of the Bifocals. Our Chiefs lost yesterday. Jackson's Bears are hot. You ever watch Monster Trucks? Would you rather watch pro wrasslin' or monster trucks? We need a monster truck correspondent. We've got a Monster Jam expert on the line. What is that beeping? Any lasses at Monster Jam?(22:10-34:23) Joshua's live performances. LOAD IT UP. James passed on heading to the Mizzou vs. Mississippi State game. James wants Drink to stay. Is Drink Lex Luthor? Handsome and ethical.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who actually owns data protection in a nonprofit? In this fast-paced conversation, host Julia C. Patrick sits down with Taysha Adams, Manager Technology Support at JMT Consulting, and Josh Fricovsky, Engineering Director at Cortavo, to tackle the uncomfortable truth: cybersecurity is no longer “someone else's job.”Taysha starts with a reality check: most vulnerabilities don't begin in a server room. They start with everyday behavior. From checking work email on public Wi-Fi to logging in on a friend's device, casual habits open doors to attackers. As she explains, “Everybody's responsible for data security and protection… most vulnerabilities do come in from the end users.” JMT has spent more than a year realigning internal processes, tightening device controls, and partnering with Cortavo so their own team—and their clients—are better shielded.Josh builds on that by showing how fast the threat landscape is evolving. Cortavo's job as a managed service provider is to sit on the “bleeding edge”: endpoint protection, email security, MFA, VPNs, and now mobile device management for a workforce that increasingly works on the move. He notes that “the cost of inaction is going to be 10 to 100 times more than” the investment in proactive security. It's not just about tools; it's about culture, education, and leadership setting the tone.The conversation then moves to the devices we use every day. Laptops, tablets, and phones are cheaper and more plentiful than ever, but every extra device is another front door. The guests stress that nonprofits need clear policies for using personal phones for work, along with mobile device management to protect company data without “controlling” the phone itself.AI takes the discussion to another level. Both guests are enthusiastic users, but they warn that unregulated use is dangerous. Taysha urges organizations to set guardrails and favor licensed or enterprise tools so prompts, donor details, and templates aren't quietly training public models. Josh goes further, recommending offline or private LLMs for sensitive data and pointing out that attackers are already using AI for sophisticated social engineering, including voice cloning and real-time credential theft.Finally, the trio frames cybersecurity as a governance and financial issue, not just an IT problem. Data loss can mean lost clients, destroyed reputation, and even the end of an organization. Partnering with firms like JMT and Cortavo, building internal awareness, and treating security like an essential protection policy—not a luxury—are presented as non-negotiable steps for modern nonprofits.This episode is a must-watch for executives, boards, and staff who touch data in any way—which is everyone.#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitCybersecurity #DataProtectionFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

What if the key to unlocking peak performance is not pushing harder but mastering the art of mental focus and well-being? I traveled to LA to be at Mastery Labs to unlock the secrets of high performance with Michael Gervais, a renowned expert in mindfulness and psychology. This is our annual Holiday episode of Ultimate Guide to Partnering and my gift to you, our amazing listeners, followers, and community. Michael shares how mental training can revolutionize personal and professional approaches to challenges, from his roots in elite sports to shaping corporate cultures. He explores the pivotal moments that sparked his passion, revealing how psychological skills like confidence and focus can be trained to thrive in any environment. This episode highlights actionable strategies for balancing well-being with ambition, applying insights from sports to business, and using mindfulness to direct focus effectively. With stories ranging from surfing competitions to Microsoft's cultural transformation under Satya Nadella, Michael offers a holistic perspective on performance psychology and sustainable success. Thank you for supporting Ultimate Partner and the Ultimate Guide to Partnering Podcast. Please tell your friends, subscribe, and leave us up to a 5-star Review, as it helps us get more amazing guests.

Mike Continues our Series on Partnering Together as he explores Philippians 2:12-30

Top Stories for November 15th Publish Date: November 15th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, November 15th and Happy Birthday to Macho Man Randy Savage I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Six finalists named for GCPS Teacher of the Year Housing Matters: Car club to deliver food, clothes to the homeless John McCutcheon to headline 'A Song for Ukraine' benefit concert in Lawrenceville All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia STORY 1: Six finalists named for GCPS Teacher of the Year And then there were six. From 141 local honorees to 25 semifinalists, Gwinnett County has narrowed it down to six incredible educators vying for the 2027 Teacher of the Year title. These finalists—representing elementary, middle, and high schools—are more than just teachers. They’re innovators, mentors, and champions for their students. Whether it’s Tram Nguyen, Stephanie Guynn, Dr. Lisa Babbage, Austin Hannon, Dr. Candice Richardson or Batavia Sumlin, each finalist brings something extraordinary to the table. The winner will be announced Jan. 29 at a district celebration. Until then, these six are already heroes in their classrooms. STORY 2: Housing Matters: Car club to deliver food, clothes to the homeless Sky-high prices and relentless demand have left too many Gwinnett residents stuck—some in overpriced hotels, others with nowhere to go. It’s heartbreaking. Cruising for a Cause This Sunday, Nov. 16, the Sinnerz Society car club is doing more than flexing their rides—they’re delivering food, warm clothes, and supplies to the homeless. Founder Rafael Diaz says, “It won’t last long, but it’s something.” The group meets at 12:30 p.m. at the BP on Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth. Got a car? Great. Don’t? Doesn’t matter—just join. The caravan rolls out at 1:30. Follow @sinnerzsociety on Instagram for updates. STORY 3: John McCutcheon to headline 'A Song for Ukraine' benefit concert in Lawrenceville Grammy-nominated folk legend John McCutcheon is bringing his music—and his heart—to the Lawrenceville Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 5 p.m. for A Song for Ukraine, a benefit concert unlike any other. Partnering with HelpingUkraine.US, McCutcheon aims to raise funds for displaced Ukrainian children. “This is more than a concert,” he said. “It’s about hope, resilience, and standing together.” The evening will also feature Ukrainian bandura player Olena Kovban, a child vocalist, and an art sale showcasing works created by children in Kharkiv’s underground shelters. Tickets start at $50, with VIP options available. Proceeds go directly to humanitarian aid. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets STORY 4: Mall of Georgia to host Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday Santa’s already made himself comfy at the Mall of Georgia, but the real holiday magic kicks off tonight with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. From 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 15, expect festive chaos: the Grinch, Papa Elf, live reindeer, face painting, crafts, and even Bubbles Over GA. The tree lights up at 7 p.m., followed by a cozy outdoor screening of *The Polar Express*. And, of course, Santa’s ready for his close-up. The Santa Photo Experience runs through Dec. 24 (hours vary). Got pets? Bring them for photos on Nov. 23, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Special needs families can reserve a sensory-friendly session on Nov. 23, 8:30–10 a.m. STORY 5: Power of Impact Gala & Awards to celebrate small business growth across Gwinnett Mark your calendars: the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation’s first-ever *Power of Impact Gala & Awards* is happening Dec. 3 at Bear’s Best Suwanee. The night kicks off with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner and awards at 7. It’s all about celebrating the small businesses and leaders driving Gwinnett’s growth—and proceeds go straight to supporting the Foundation’s mission of helping local businesses scale and thrive. Honorees include Dr. William “Bill” Russell (Legacy Leader) and Georgia Power (Corporate Champion). Tickets and sponsorships are available now at GwinnettChamberFoundation.org/PowerofImpact. Don’t miss it! Break 3: BUFORD HOLIDAY FESTIVAL STORY 6: Study: Gwinnett Library delivers big value to community The Gwinnett County Public Library isn’t just a place for books—it’s a powerhouse of community impact. A new study from UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government found the library delivers $92.5 million in benefits, turning every $1 of public funding into $3.40 of value. Think about it: 3.5 million checkouts, 240,000 program attendees, 1.4 million Wi-Fi connections, and over 13,000 uses of meeting rooms. From job applications to tutoring sessions, it’s a lifeline for so many. “Every dollar multiplies into real outcomes,” said Executive Director Charles Pace. Stronger families, smarter students, connected communities—it all starts here. Learn more at gwinnettlibrary.com. STORY 7: Georgia Gwinnett College to offer first master's degree Big news for Georgia Gwinnett College: the Board of Regents just gave the green light for GGC’s first-ever graduate program—a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education. Classes could kick off as early as spring 2027, pending final approval. “This is huge,” said GGC President Dr. Jann L. Joseph. “We’re not just offering affordable bachelor’s degrees anymore—we’re stepping up to meet the demand for skilled, well-prepared teachers.” With Gwinnett County Public Schools hiring 92% of GGC’s education grads, this new program is set to make waves, opening doors for students, alumni, and career changers alike. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: THE SUGAR HILL HOLIDAY Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com 2025 Buford Holiday Festival & Parade All-In-One Flyer Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill Ice Rink – Downtown Sugar Hill NewsPodcast, CurrentEvents, TopHeadlines, BreakingNews, PodcastDiscussion, PodcastNews, InDepthAnalysis, NewsAnalysis, PodcastTrending, WorldNews, LocalNews, GlobalNews, PodcastInsights, NewsBrief, PodcastUpdate, NewsRoundup, WeeklyNews, DailyNews, PodcastInterviews, HotTopics, PodcastOpinions, InvestigativeJournalism, BehindTheHeadlines, PodcastMedia, NewsStories, PodcastReports, JournalismMatters, PodcastPerspectives, NewsCommentary, PodcastListeners, NewsPodcastCommunity, NewsSource, PodcastCuration, WorldAffairs, PodcastUpdates, AudioNews, PodcastJournalism, EmergingStories, NewsFlash, PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“We have to get into the game of convenience so we can continue to prove that credit unions are the best financial institutions for consumers to partner with.” - Jed MeyerThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guests on today's show are Jed Meyer, CEO at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, and Jon Ungerland, CIO of Information/Innovation at DaLand CUSO. They join me to talk about the evolving digital asset ecosystem and the important role that credit unions can play, with Jon explaining how DaLand has been helping St. Cloud Financial stay relevant by using data and digital tools. A key focus has been DaLand's "Coin2Core" solution, allowing credit unions to connect to emerging decentralized finance (DeFi) networks and cryptocurrencies!In our conversation, Jed shares how he recognized the impact of the digital asset space on his members' financial lives about five years ago. Initially skeptical, he eventually realized the importance of getting ahead of this trend to keep his members' wealth circulating in the local economy. Partnering with DaLand has allowed St. Cloud Financial to plug into DeFi networks and offer innovative services like their own white-label stablecoin, and both guests call attention to the need for credit unions to engage with the digital asset ecosystem rather than avoid it, with Jed stressing the importance of education both for credit union leaders and their members. He also highlights the role which credit unions can play as trusted, community-based financial institutions in this new landscape.As we wrap up the episode, Jon notes how leaders across sectors are already deeply invested in the future of tokenized, blockchain-based money, and he cautions that credit unions must act quickly to avoid being left behind. Our conversation also emphasizes the potential of digital assets as well as the need for credit unions to shape this change to best serve their members and communities. Enjoy my conversation with Jed and Jon!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Jed:Jed Meyer, C.E.O. at St. Cloud Financial Credit Unionscfcu.orgJed: LinkedIn St. Cloud Financial Credit Union: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokConnect with Jon:Jon Ungerland, C.I.O. of Information/Innovation at DaLand CUSOdalandcuso.comJon: LinkedInDaLand CUSO: LinkedIn | Twitter | 

This bonus edition of The Happier Life Project shines a spotlight on a remarkable collaboration bringing yoga, education, and empowerment to children in India. Host Gabby Sanderson welcomes Gopala Amir Yaffa, the visionary behind Rainbow Yoga, whose journey from Hindu monk to father and global yoga educator has inspired communities across more than 40 countries. Gopala's approach to yoga is playful, social, and deeply connected, rooted in the belief that love and human connection are the most powerful agents of change. Partnering with Yoga Gives Back and Edu-GIRLS, he is helping transform yoga into a tool for resilience, confidence, and joy for underprivileged children in the birthplace of yoga. Listeners will hear the impact of teaching yoga to young people, how this partnership is reshaping lives, and the global support making it possible. In a special announcement, Gopala shares that our very own host and yogi Gabby will join the project in February 2026, living and teaching at the school in India. An inspiring episode that celebrates the heart, magic, and transformative power of yoga in building brighter futures. To support the cause, follow Gabby's journey and make a donation: https://gofund.me/b1321cd12   To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/ To follow Rainbow Kids on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowkidsyoga/ Rainbow Kids website: https://www.rainbowyogatraining.com/ Yoga Gives Back Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogagivesback/ Yoga Gives Back website: https://yogagivesback.org/ EDU Girls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edugirls/ EDU Girls website: https://edugirls.org/   This project is made possible through a partnership between three incredible organizations, each bringing something unique: Rainbow Kids Yoga Rainbow Kids Yoga makes yoga fun, creative, and interactive for children, teens, and families. They also offer comprehensive teacher training programs for individuals who want to teach yoga to children. Gabby is a graduate of their TTC. Yoga Gives Back Yoga Gives Back is a global nonprofit that mobilizes the yoga community to support women and children in India through education, microloans, and empowerment programs. They transform the gratitude that yoga inspires into direct action, uplifting lives and creating opportunities for those who need it most. Edu-GIRLS Edu-GIRLS provides free, high-quality education for underprivileged girls in India, from preschool to university. They believe every girl deserves access to education and the chance to shape her own future. Together, these organizations form the foundation of Yoga Without Borders; blending yoga, education, and empowerment into one life-changing experience.

Hospitality meets purpose in Lantern Columbia, a stunning adaptive reuse project turning a historic firehouse into a boutique hotel that celebrates inclusion and community. In this episode, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines Company, about how the Lantern will partner with the University of South Carolina's Carolina LIFE program to employ individuals with intellectual disabilities and create a model for inclusive hospitality. From design and construction to culture and mission, David explains how hotels like Lantern Columbia show that doing good and doing well aren't mutually exclusive — they're connected. What we cover

“When you bring care back to patients and providers, everyone heals faster.” —Shaun NoorianIn this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake is joined by Shaun Noorian, CEO and founder of Empower Pharmacy, for a conversation about how innovation and integrity are transforming the future of medicine.Shaun shares how a personal health journey led him to reimagine what pharmacy could be — one built around compassion, access, and individualized care. He and Dr. Ron explore how integrative medicine and personalized compounding can support patient well-being and advance the field of preventive pharmacology.Part of the Cancer Care Reimagined Speaker Series, leading up to Riordan Clinic's 25th International Conference on Human Functioning: Cancer Care Reimagined, held in early November.Highlights include:→ How Shaun Noorian's own healing journey inspired Empower Pharmacy→ Why individualized compounding plays a vital role in patient care→ The evolving role of pharmacy in integrative and functional medicine→ How collaboration between providers and pharmacists improves patient care→ What the future of personalized and preventive medicine looks likeAbout Shaun NoorianShaun Noorian is the CEO and founder of Empower Pharmacy, the largest compounding pharmacy and 503B outsourcing facility in the United States. With a background in engineering and a mission to make high-quality, affordable, and personalized medications accessible to all, Shaun has built Empower into a national leader serving millions of patients.Empower Pharmacy operates with a simple but powerful belief: behind every order is a person in need. This philosophy drives their commitment to compassion, innovation, and excellence in every aspect of care.SponsorThis series is made possible by Empower Pharmacy, Platinum Sponsor of the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference. Empower is a national leader in compounding and 503B outsourcing, serving providers and patients in all 50 states with safe, affordable, personalized medications. Guided by the belief that behind every order is a person in need, they bring compassion and innovation to everything they do. Learn more at empowerpharmacy.com.Episode Links & ResourcesWatch this episode on YouTubeGain Access to the Cancer Care Reimagined ConferenceLearn more about Empower PharmacyExplore the Riordan ClinicListen to more episodes of the Real Health PodcastEpisode Chapters00:00 Welcome + Speaker Series intro01:24 Meet Shaun Noorian, founder of Empower Pharmacy02:28 From patient to pharmacist to pioneer05:05 The power of personalized medicine07:40 Integrative therapies in oncology and chronic illness10:50 Vitamin C and nutrient therapy in cancer care13:40 Why individualized treatment improves outcomes16:25 The role of compounding in preventive pharmacology19:10 Partnering with providers for better patient results21:00 How Empower Pharmacy supports integrative medicine23:30 Looking ahead: innovation, prevention, and collaborationTopics we explore in this episode include:compounding pharmacy, integrative medicine, functional medicine, individualized care, preventive pharmacology, IV nutrition therapy, vitamin C research, cancer care innovation, metabolic health, patient empowerment, provider partnerships, and the evolution of personalized medicineDisclaimerThe information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

In episode 97 of Venture Everywhere, the host is Dr. Rio Xin Chen, co-founder and co-CEO of Pandas, a B2B platform that was acquired and connected Asia with millions of small merchants across Latin America. He sits down with Mike Quinn, co-founder and CEO of Boost, a technology company digitizing last-mile supply chains in emerging markets. Mike shares how a decade building fintech ventures in Africa shaped his vision for Boost and the role of technology in driving inclusive growth. He also discusses how Boost's asset-light model is helping small distributors and retailers thrive in fast-growing markets.In this episode, you will hear:Digitizing last-mile supply chains in emerging markets Empowering small distributors and retailers through digital tools Partnering with Unilever to modernize distribution networks Scaling an asset-light model across Africa and beyond Unlocking working capital through partnerships with Mastercard and local banksLearn more about Mike Quinn | Boost TechnologyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikep-quinn/ Website: https://www.withboost.co/ Learn more about Dr. Rio Xin Chen | PandasLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rio-xin/

 In Exciting series, we had the opportunity to sit down with Brain  and Chancey from Reticence Group. We explore how practical shooting training can be effectively implemented in partnership with law enforcement leadership. It delves into strategies for aligning training goals with administrative priorities, overcoming common challenges, and fostering collaboration to enhance officer skills and safety. Listeners will gain insights on building strong communication between trainers and law enforcement agencies to create impactful, real-world shooting programs.

Send us a textThis week we're introducing a new feature on DECAL Download called Small Wonders.  Partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Small Wonders will bring you trusted expert advice on raising young children from birth to age five. Joining us for this first installment of Small Wonders is Dr. Nicola Chin, a pediatrician here in metro Atlanta. Dr. Chin is a native of Jamaica, West Indies. She attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology for her undergraduate studies and received her medical degree at Temple University School of Medicine. She has practiced for the last twenty years in the Atlanta area and currently works with Morehouse Medicine at East Point/ Morehouse School of Medicine. Support the show

In this episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss the importance of customer appreciation in direct sales. They share creative and unique ways to show gratitude to customers, emphasizing the significance of personal touches and community building. The conversation covers various strategies, including hosting events, sending thank-you notes, and partnering with local organizations for charitable causes. The hosts encourage listeners to focus on genuine appreciation and to implement one or two ideas effectively to enhance customer relationships. Takeaways:Customer appreciation is essential for building loyalty.Creative gestures can significantly impact customer relationships.Spotlighting customers publicly can boost their morale.Hosting no-strings-attached events can strengthen bonds.Focus on gratitude and giving back to create lasting connections.Memorable Quotes: “It's gonna get your name out there anyway, word of mouth will travel back to you, you'll always get the referral and in the end, you'll see your business grow.” - Lisa Duck “Just take one idea and run with it.” - Susam Larimer“I always used to say to my customers, it's a leave your wallet at home event.” — Lisa DuckChapters:00:00 Introduction to Customer Appreciation03:33 Creative Ways to Show Gratitude06:28 Personalized Thank You Notes and Gifts09:41 Building Community Through Customer Engagement12:37 Innovative Digital Thank You Messages15:32 Gifts with Purchase and Special Offers18:42 Partnering with a Purpose for Community Support22:42 Community Care Through Donations24:34 The Power of Giving Back27:39 Customer Appreciation Strategies30:12 Creative Customer Engagement Events33:21 Innovative Reward Systems39:10 Final Thoughts on Customer Gratitude40:07 Introduction and Gratitude40:36 Engagement and Community Building#DirectSales #TheOther99%Podcast #CustomerAppreciation Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don't forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTubeInterested in being a guest? Share your story hereFind Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.comGrab your ChatGPT Freebie hereExplore Lisa's ToolkitsFind Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.comGrab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet hereExplore Susan's ToolkitsSusan talked about Jib JabDisclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

Sometimes you have to believe it before you see it. On this episode of Impact Without Limits, Brian and Dale Karmie break down the axiom: “Act As If”. They discuss how moving forward with confidence — even before all the details fall into place — can break through fear, hesitation, and analysis paralysis.Through stories from ForeverLawn's journey, including NASCAR sponsorships, the launch of K9Grass in Europe, and potential projects with the Cleveland Browns, the brothers reveal how acting in faith creates momentum and opens doors that might otherwise stay closed.Blending humor, leadership insight, and real-life lessons, this episode inspires listeners to take initiative, trust the process, and act as if they're already living the success they're striving for.Episode Highlights: The Act As If Mindset.Breaking analysis paralysis.Leadership in motion.The NASCAR story.Taking calculated risks.K9Grass in Europe.The Cleveland Browns project.Partnering with the Harvest Crusade.Sports and mindset.Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on ForeverLawn:www.foreverlawn.comImpact Without Limits Instagram: @impact_withoutlimitsForeverLawn's Instagram: @foreverlawnincGet Grass Without Limits HereVisit our show notes page HERESubscribe to Our Newsletter HEREDale's Instagram: @dalekarmieBrian's Instagram: @bkarmieFind Our Shorts on the ForeverLawn YouTube ChannelLearn More About the Ohio Harvest Crusade HereThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Rebroadcast | Partnering With Creation

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. TranscriptWell, good morning. My name is Chet. I'm one of the pastors here. We are working our way through our membership commitment. Normally we're working our way through books of the Bible. We are taking this season as a church family to say, hey, let's remember the things that we've committed together and let's recommit to these. We have a membership commitment. It looks like this. It's a one sheet piece of paper. It's got 14 points on it. It is intentionally simple. We are saying, hey, we believe the Bible and we're going to practice the things that the Bible calls us to. And this is some of how we're going to practice that together. The first ones are just, the first seven are things that we believe that we hold to, to be true. Number eight says, I actually believe that. I'm going to go apply that. And then from there on we're saying, this is how we're going to practice that here.If you are a Christian, you should belong to a local church that has some authority in your life. You, you should be around Christians who you are beholden to, to walk out the things of what it looks like to be a Christian. And this is just us saying, this is how we're going to try to practice that together. Here we've made it to point number 12 of 14 and we are turning and saying, this is what it looks like as we kind of face outward as we work as missionaries together. I don't know if you know this and hopefully by the end of the day it'll be clear, but if you belong to Jesus, you are on his mission, you're a part of his mission, which means that you are a missionary out in a mission field. Do you know that? Well, now you do. Some of you are foreign missionaries. Welcome. Please help these Americans meet Jesus. Some of you are like, I didn't move anywhere. I'm not a missionary. I grew up here. It's like, well, you did grow up here, but that doesn't make you not a missionary. That just means God has you here for you to be a part of his work here. And so we're going to look at that together.I'm going to pray and we'll read number 12 and then we'll start seeing, where does the Bible say this, how does the Bible say this? And how do we practice this together? Lord, we ask for your to bless our time. We ask for you to empower your word. We ask that we would actually, as we follow you and walk in the Spirit, do these things so that so more people might come to know you in Jesus name. Amen.So number 12 says this. Empowered by the Spirit and partnering with my community group, I will obey Christ's call in everyday life to advance his mission of redemption by proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples. That's why we call it our membership commitment. We are committing two things. Let me read that again. Empowered by the Spirit, partnering with my community group, I will obey Christ's call in everyday life to advance his mission of redemption by proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples. That center phrase there, his mission of redemption is kind of what everything else is built into coming out of that. Jesus has a mission of redemption that he came to redeem sinners, to rescue, to make them whole, and that we're on this where John chapter 20, verse 21, he says to his disciples,> Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."So the church, his disciples are sent out the same way that he was sent. We're joining him in his mission. This is the way Paul puts it in second Corinthians says,> All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.That what Jesus was doing was there was a lost world of people who were in rebellion and sin and Jesus died on the cross to pay for their sin. That he rose again so that we might have forgiveness and life. And there's forgiveness proclaimed in his name and hidden through his death. He is reconciling the world back to himself. That the gap between us and God because of our sin and rebellion is paid for. And then it says, he's given us the ministry of reconciliation that is in Christ. God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, meaning there's a way for us to find forgiveness through the work of Jesus and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. That that message has been given to the Church. This is why we say when we finish up on Sunday mornings and we're about to leave, we remind ourselves of this mission, this message, and we repeat consistently the Church's plan A for this message to go forward. There is no plan B. We've been entrusted with a ministry of reconciliation. We've been entrusted with the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal for through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. We're sent with a message to implore, to plead, to call people to be reconciled. This is something that we're Commissioned to go do this has been given to the church. We're joining him in this mission.So let's go back to that first phrase, empowered by the Spirit. Partnering with my community group. Now, that's tagging back to some of the things we've already said in our membership commitment, that we're empowered by the Spirit, we're equipped for mission and service. I will say this briefly. If you are a Christian and you're like, I just want to know what it's like to walk in the Spirit. I want to know and live in the Spirit, then you have to do the things of the Spirit. And you have to do things that you need the Spirit for. You have to go and join him in mission and service. And then the Spirit empowers that. The Spirit does not empower eating Doritos and watching football. There are things that we partake in in life that we don't need to lean into the Spirit for now, sometimes the Spirit empowers you, repenting of how many Doritos you ate. He helps us with self control, but he's not empowering some of the things that we're partaking in. And if we want to walk in the Spirit, we're supposed to join him in this. And so we're saying, I'm empowered by the Spirit. I'm going to. Then we put partnering with my community group.We yesterday had our fall festival. In a few weeks, we'll start our Give series, our Give project, together as a church. And that's really it. As far as the things that we say, hey, our whole church is going to go do this together. We very rarely say, hey, we want our whole church to go do this. Most of the time, our groups are just serving and working and laboring alongside of each other. So we have groups that serve at homeless shelters and groups that have partnered to feed people and work on houses or build wheelchair ramps or groups that are hosting parties intentionally to welcome people who don't know Jesus. We have groups all over the place doing things all the time. Every once in a while, we'll say, hey, this group bit off a little more than they can chew. And if other groups would like to join them, they sure would appreciate that because they got excited and committed to some things that are kind of expensive, labor intensive. They're going to get after it. But we'd love for two or three groups to partner with them. But most of the time, it's just your group. What are you gifted in? What are you good at? And y' all are partnering Together. And the mission is served by us going together. So that's what we're saying. We're going to do this.In this context, I will obey Christ's call. This is not an optional thing. It is a matter of obedience. Matthew 28. Jesus, after his resurrection, he says he came and said to them,> And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."He's talking to his disciples. Go, therefore, and make disciples. Okay? So he says, go do with them what I've done with you. Go make disciples. Go equip people. Do exactly what I've been doing with you. You're going to go do that with them. And then he says, of all nations, at this point, he had 11 disciples. It's a big ask of 11 guys. There's an assumption baked into this that as they make disciples, those disciples are going to go make disciples. That this is something that's given to all of those who are going to be brought into this. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. So it's for the entire earth until the end of the age. It's given to the disciples who are going to make more disciples, who are going to follow in this and continue. Which means that if you belong to Jesus, you are a part of the gospel going forward to the nations. Because this was not said in English, but it's made it here now. And if you belong to Jesus, you're here now as a part of this effort to join in.What does it look like to make disciples now, there are times in the Bible where someone is set aside for a specific purpose. We see that in Acts, chapter 13, there's a church, they're praying, and the Spirit specifically while they're praying and fasting, says, send Paul and Barnabas out to go do this, what I've asked them to do. So some people are going to stay and help send, and some people are going to go. That happens in Galatians. Paul talks about he has a ministry specifically to Gentiles, just like Peter has a ministry specific to Jewish people. That happens. My grandparents were missionaries to Nigeria. They learned Yoruba, trained to do medical work, and went and lived in Obama Shah to be missionaries. Which means that by learning Yoruba and moving to a Bomasha, they didn't learn Arabic and move to Lebanon. It's pretty straightforward. Seems Pretty self explanatory. But Ben Johnson, who is a part of our church and helps run 1040 Hope for the 1040 window, was in a class in Bible school and they were talking about the unreached people in the Islamic world. And he said he went back to his dorm and he wept at the idea that there were so many people following Islam, following Muhammad and not Christians. So he learned Arabic and moved to lebanon and started 1040 Hope. He works here now, helping send and equip missionaries. Sometimes people are set aside for specific tasks. But no matter where you are, where God has you, you're called to this, you're called to help send, and you're called to participate in this mission field, in this mission work, that we're a part of his mission of redemption. And I praise Jesus that there are people in Cayce and West Columbia and Irmo and Columbia that are here that know Jesus and are trying to reach people who don't know Jesus. So that's what we're saying, is that we're going to participate.That's what Romans 10 says. He just said,> For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"Somebody's got to go. Somebody's got to sin. Somebody's got to go. Somebody's got to say it so that they can hear it. Once they hear it, then they can believe. Once they believe, then they can call on him. But Paul says none of that happens if we aren't going and we aren't talking. So that's where we come to what we're committing to, which is that we're going to practice this in everyday life, that in your normal everyday life, you're going to take the call to Christ's mission seriously. We're going to be mindful of it, active in it, aware of it.So what we're going to do for the rest of our time is we're going to look at where Paul talks about this in Colossians. There's a lot of places we could go, but we're going to go to Colossians chapter four and we're just going to look and kind of walk through the way he says it, what he says, and try to grow together. And what does this actually look like, how do you be what we call everyday missionaries? How do I do that? What does that look like? So let's read Colossians 4.> Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.So that's what he says, I want you to be in prayer. Then he says, at the same time. So while you're praying, pray also for us that God may open to us a door for the Word to declare the mystery of Christ. But that would be the first thing, is to be praying for an opening for the Word. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open to us a door for the Word. And now he's specifically saying, pray that for us. But he's told them to be praying. And it would be a good thing for us to be praying for ourselves as well. For you to be praying for your group, for us to be praying for our church, that there would be an opening for the Gospel.So we start there. If you are going, how do I be in everyday mission? I don't even know where to begin. You begin by asking the Lord, give me opportunities, open a door, help me to be in the right spot, help me to meet the right person. Help there to be a window for this. You begin to pray for the people on your shift. You begin to pray for the people on your road. You begin to pray for the people who work out at the same gym. You begin to pray, Lord, may there be an opening. May there be an opportunity. May you give me, put me in the right place. I know somebody who used to say they would pray, lord, you fill my plate. You just be the one who puts on my plate what I have today. And you're asking, lord, put me in a place where I can share the gospel. So we start by praying. I'm not going to spend a lot of time on that. We've got more things we're going to spend a little more time on. But we begin there. We begin by praying.Then he says that we may declare the mystery, which means that part of being an everyday missionary is that at some point we have to open our mouths and see the gospel. I said that. My grandparents were missionaries in Nigeria. They went as medical missionaries. My granddad actually became an obstetrician, an OB GYN because they said we need more OB GYNs to go do mission work. Which means that primarily what he did with his time was helped run a hospital, deliver babies. He would ride a bicycle around and help give out vaccinations. And he passed away this past November. And I was looking through his journal of his time there. And the very first page says, as you go preach, it's a reference to Matthew 10. You go to the next page and he talks about, I know I'm going to do mission work to medical mission work. I know I'm going to help run a hospital. But as I'm on my rounds and as I go village to village, I'm there to tell them about Jesus. He understood that it wasn't just the work of serving people who needed real, tangible earthly needs met. It wasn't just the in breaking of the kingdom, in a kindness and a service for the sake of healthy born babies, but that he was there to be able to articulate the gospel. And without an articulation of the gospel, it's incomplete. So we want your group to serve at a soup kitchen. We want your group to host a party. We want your group to do whatever it is in front of you that you're gifted to do. We want you to go be a part of a prison ministry. But we want, as you do these things, to love others, that you would articulate the gospel because at some point we have to declare it.Which brings us to the next thing that Paul says, which I'm very thankful that he says it. He says, pray also for us so there'd be a door open that we may declare the mystery of Christ and that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. The reason I love that is because Paul was aware that there were times where he had tried to share the gospel and it was unclear. There were times where the Apostle Paul was like, oh my gosh, I rabbit trailed all over the place. What was I even? How did I get from here to there? Or I made that way too complicated, Or I jumped this thing. Like I'm so thankful that he's aware this is something that I should practice, prepare in. That's what Peter says. Be prepared to give an answer. Which this means is one if you think, well, I'm not good at it. I tried that and I did a poor job. Cool. You're in a club with the Apostle Paul. That doesn't mean that there's some people who are just always good at it and some people who aren't. It means that this is a normal thing when you're trying to articulate the gospel to people, that you might mess it up a little bit. You might not exactly know where to what to say next. But it also means that we should pray about this and get better at it. You should work on how to clearly articulate the gospel.So I'm going to give you a starting place for that. This is where I think you should start. If you're like, I don't know how to share the gospel with somebody. I wouldn't even know where to begin. Pray and then do this. These are my starting places for you. I'm going to walk you through these briefly, and then I'll show you a little bit of how they work. First is if you're like, I don't even know where to go. In the Bible, if somebody walked over to you and said, hey, will you share the gospel with me? Where does the Bible say this? And you're like, okay, hold on. And you just. Romans Road is what people call it. But it's just verses in the book of Romans that clearly articulate it. And you can just kind of go to the book of Romans and work your way through. So it's Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 8:1, and 10:9. You can do 10, 9 all the way up to 13 if you want.> For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.> But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.> For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.> There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.> If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.You can do 10, 9 all the way up to 13 if you want. Romans 3:23 says that everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Five, eight says that Christ loved us in that while we were still sinners, he died for us. 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. So you're going to say you're a sinner. There's hope because he loves us enough to die for us while we're sinners. There is the wages of sin. What you've earned your wage, your paycheck for sin is death. But there's a gift that's in Christ. Then Romans 8 says, there's no more condemnation for those who are in Christ. So that if you're in Christ, if you actually belong to him, then you don't get the wages of sin, but you get this gift of eternal life. You get no condemnation. And then 10, 9 says, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. So then you get to go to Romans 10, 9 and say, do you believe that? Do you want that? Do you want to trust him? Do you want to confess? And it's just a way to say clearly a picture of the Gospel. So if you have nowhere, start there, learn at least the references so you can get a Bible out and show them. You have your phone in your pocket. Get a Bible app. That's a good place to Start.The other ones are concepts. There's a lot of people around you who do not know the basic storyline of the Bible. They think they do, or they think that we've all collectively moved on past Jesus and they don't need to know this information. It used to be you could start off by assuming people knew that the Bible, the basic storyline of the Bible, and you could start with just you're a sinner. And sometimes that would connect with people. But now a lot of people don't even know the basic storyline of the Bible. This is the basic storyline of the Bible. Creation, fall, redemption, restoration. Creation is that God made the world good. And we see this. You can connect with people on this all the time. There's a lot of really beautiful, wonderful things out in the world. Flavors, you guys. God designed the world and he made it to where food gets to taste good. That was nice of him. He didn't have to do that, but he made food good. Some chilies win awards. There's flavor, there's good, there's beauty in the world. Then there's the fall, which is that our first parents, Adam and Eve, sinned, they rebelled against God and the curse enters the world and the world is broken. And we can see that clearly too, that there's so much wrong in the world. And some of the reasons it's so painfully wrong is because how beautiful it was or how much promise it held or how it could have been great if it weren't for blank. So it's creation and fall are seen clearly all the time. Redemption is that Jesus comes to fix that. He comes to reclaim the garden. He comes to buy back the people in rebellion. That there's this storyline of redemption. And actually we're all trying to live that out. We're all looking for something to fix the problem. And we're told that Christ is the only one who can. And restoration is that at some point all the sin and all the evil and all the brokenness is gone and it's fixed. There's no death, there's no pain, there's no suffering. That's the basic storyline of the Bible. And everybody's living in that storyline, whether they know it or not. We'll talk a little bit later about how to filter that into conversations, but I just wanted you to give the concept.The next one, which is more of a zoomed in version of the same kind of thing, is that there's a functional hell, a functional savior, and a functional heaven. So this is, if I'm trying to talk to somebody. And I'm trying to filter in these basic concepts. Functional hell is just whatever's really broken in your life at this moment. Or what would be the worst thing, the thing of nightmares that's chasing you down. There's something that is just, if I get stuck in this, it'll be awful. And then functional heaven is where that's not the case anymore. And so your functional savior is whatever gets you out of functional hell and into functional heaven. Functional meaning practical, current. Let me give you an example. You might have a co worker or a friend who grew up really poor and poverty for them is their functional health. They might be currently really poor. And that's all that, that's affecting them in life. They just don't have the money to handle the next thing that's coming. And so they're constantly talking about their functional heaven, which is, if I just had enough money, I'd be fine, then I'd be okay, everything would be fixed. And so their functional savior is their job that they currently have. But this could be as someone who's not poor anymore. It could be someone who's currently in the middle of poverty and fighting it. But their job, they want the job. They have some vague future job. Like they're just, they've got something that's going to get them from point A to point B. And as we're listening to them and relating to them, we have opportunities to understand. Well, actually Jesus is a better answer for these things. He's a more complete answer. He's actually a real response these things. Like he works in all this stuff to undo all of this and we have the ability to begin to speak in. So I'm going to give you examples of that in just a second. But let's keep following what he says so that you would make it clear and you'd learn some of these basic things. I think that's a good place to start. And again, like I said, I'm gonna show you two examples or some examples of the how that works in a conversation in just a moment when we get there, alright?Verse 5. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders making the best use of the time. So he says, be praying for an open opening for the gospel, that we might declare it, that we might make it clear. And then he looks at the church and says, walk in wisdom towards outsiders making the best use of those are those people who are outside of Christ that you should use your wisdom, ingenuity, intentionality for the sake of. How do I relate to people who don't know Jesus, and that you should make good use of the time. So when we talk about being an everyday missionary, this is some of what this means practically for us. We don't do a lot of things in this building. We meet on Sundays. We meet in community groups. We want you to walk in church, family. We don't have a ton of things on our calendar. This is a constant thing. When we go to add anything to the calendar, we sit and debate whether or not we should ever have anything on a calendar. We know that meeting and doing things is good, but, boy, we don't like it every time we plan something. It's just your pastors, just so you know. We don't want things on the calendar because we don't want you having a whole bunch of things to do here and missing out on being in the places where the people are that don't know Jesus.There are a lot of churches in this city. If someone wants to come follow Jesus, if they're looking for Christ, they'll come. They can show up. But there are a whole lot of people who do not want to be here. No, thank you. They don't want to come to your group meeting. They don't want to show up on Sunday. We have to go where they are. So we want you to coach a Little League team, join a bowling league. We want you to go be out in the world around people who don't know Jesus for the sake of being a missionary. So when we talk about making the best use of the time, what we'll do with people. I've done it consistently being a pastor here is we'll sit down and just go, hey, what time do you wake up in the morning? What time do you go to bed? What happens in between? What does Sunday look like? What does Monday look like? What does Tuesday look like? What's your schedule? What's your job? Because it's possible that you work out four days a week and you see the same people repeatedly. Okay, learn their name. Start praying for them. Take your headphones out, Start talking to people. And you might say, well, that's weird. Okay, be weird for the sake of people knowing Christ. Some of you work jobs where someone is stuck with you 40 hours a week. The only way to get away from you is to quit. And they need this job. So start praying for them and start talking to them. And start asking for openings for the gospel to make the best use of your time, we say things like, don't go eat in your car. Eat in the break room. If someone invites you To a thing, go to it. And you can complain to the Lord. You can lament to him. You can say, lord, I'm going to be really stressed out. I'm not going to know anybody. This is going to be really hard. And then you can say, so empower me with the spirit. Help me to get over that. Help me to go have a good time. Help me to make a friend. Open the door for the opportunity. Let me find the other person who's standing around awkwardly. I'll go talk to them and then go, we don't want to have a church kickball team. We want you to go join a kickball team with pagans and become real friends with them so that you might share the gospel with them.So if you look at your schedule and you go, I work from home. I don't have any roommates. I'm not in class with anybody. I don't know anybody. Then we just start going, okay, well, then you've got to get creative to make the best use of your time. And we'll help you plot on that. And you can talk to your group. But also you might say, I don't know anybody. I don't know how to make a friend. I've never made a friend in my life. Then we would say, join a community group. Those people have to be your friends. Step one. And then ask the people in that group, who are your friends? I'm gonna need to hang out with you. I want to join you in what you're doing. I tell my group this all the time, but if you invite someone to lunch and they'll go to lunch with you, you can just bring someone from our group to that lunch. They can't stop you. You can just be like, oh, so good to see you. Also got Logan to join us. Have a seat. What are they going to say? I thought it was just going to be us. They're not going to say that. And now they know someone else in your group. You're going out of your way to make the best use of the time. You're working together. Like, we get to do these things. But you're trying to think through, who am I around, where am I at, who's stuck with me, and how do I get to be on mission with Jesus there? Because those people need to know Christ, and we want you there. We want you to gather with us on Sunday, study the Bible, pray together. We want you to get with your group. This is why we have a review, the mission section where we're trying to talk through how's it going? What are you doing? Praying with each other, thinking it through. But then we want you out doing this. Okay? Making the best use of time.Then he says, let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Okay, Ought to answer, meaning that there is a. We are things that we're supposed to be saying. We already know that. So there are things that we should be including in conversations that we have conversations where we should be gracious, grace filled conversations and seasoned with salt. I don't think that means just be interesting. You know, he's not just like, bam, flavor your conversations up. I think he's saying be intentional about how you speak to people making the best use of the time to declare the gospel.You know how like 95% of news anchors have worked to have this like generic American accent? Like they, they've gotten good at it, they practiced it, they just have neutral American. I think that most of us also have a practiced neutral American way that we talk to people who are not Christians. That if someone asked you who was in your community group that you've been walking with, trying to follow Jesus, if they said, hey, you know, I'm about to get married, do you have any advice? You might say something like, well, Ephesians 5 says, Matthew 19 says, here's one of the things we know as we follow Jesus, you might just. But if someone at work says, you got any marriage advice? I think a lot of us are more likely to jokingly quote a movie before we are to talk about anything that has to do with Christ because we know what we're supposed to do, have our generic American answers. Stop that. I've told this story a lot, but it was pivotal for me in my trying to figure out how to do this. I was in seminary. I was working at Sears selling appliances and yes, Fortune 500 company. You're right. It was a very excellent place to be. I'm not trying to brag. All right. Anyway, just trying to make ends meet. Was working there. And there was a guy I worked with who we would just be talking about, whatever, shift slow, or just having discussions about sports, money, life, whatever. And he would consistently say, well, I'm a Muslim, so we. I'm a Muslim, so I. Well, the Quran says he just did this all the time, all the time. And I had known him for months. And then suddenly one day I was like, wait a second, I can do the same thing. He's been teaching me Islam for like three Months. And I can be saying, well, I'm a Christian, so we believe I'm a Christian. So the Bible says I'm a Christian. And just applying it to me, that was part of it. He was just applying it to himself. He was just telling me, here's why I would think about it this way, because this is what I'm taught. And every time, I just found it interesting just listening to him, being slightly discipled at work on how to be a good Muslim. That's what I was doing. And I was like, this is. This is excellent. I can do this. So I started just responding, well, I'm a Christian, so we believe this, we think this. And it's a way to just incorporate it. It's pretty neutral. I'm just talking about myself, but I'm getting to articulate the gospel. I'm getting to articulate how the Bible influences my choices. I'm getting to have my conversation seasoned with salt.All right, let's talk through some of. Like, if you're thinking, okay, I want to do this. I want to figure out how to get this into conversations. It feels really weird, feels really hard. I want you to understand that this is some spiritual warfare stuff. The enemy doesn't want you to do this. There are some opposition things to this. It's not going to be the easiest thing. You're going to feel tense, adrenaline. You're going to have to lean into the spirit for this. All that's true, but I also want to just give you some practical things to consider and ways to apply some of this. I want to tell you a story about. I don't think I'm the best at this, but I trying to relate some of the stories, some ways that I've seen this work and some of the ways that I've been able to have this conversation.There was a guy who was putting in a panel at my house, and he was struggling. He's on, like, his fourth hole that he had drilled into the wall. He's over there, I mean, fighting it. And he's got some work to do to fix the problems he's causing at my house and to do the thing. But he's made more problems since he got here. He hadn't even done the thing he was supposed to do. That's what he was doing. But, y', all, he's stuck at my house. He can't leave unless he wants to quit his job. So I'm like, well, I better make the best use of the time. I have no real desire to like, talk to him. Just so, personal. If you're like, my personality is not like yours. My personality is to go live in the woods. My wife and I daydream about that. What if we just lived somewhere and didn't know people? We've gotten over it. We love y' all dearly, but we've had to work to get past that. And some days, we still want the woods, you guys. But I'm going, okay, I gotta. He's here. Let me try to, you know. And so what I said to him, I did. Creation, fall, redemption, restoration. I said, man's it fighting you? He's like, you know, he's trying not to be like, I'm ruining your house. But he was like, yeah, it's not going great. And I said, yeah, you know, I'm a Christian. And the Bible starts off. It says that God created the world and it was beautiful and that Adam and Eve rebelled. And it tells us that because Adam rebelled, work is cursed. So it's always like this, man. Most of the work, I always find that most of the work I'm doing, I can get 80% of it done in 20% of the time. And then I have, like, one screw that. I fight for four hours and go to Lowe's six times. And it takes it because it's cursed. It fights me. I was like. And that's one of the things that I think is wonderful about being a Christian is it says, jesus has come to redeem all this, to fix all this, and one day, it's not going to be a thing anymore. We ended up having a bit of a conversation out of that, but it was just. Anywhere there's brokenness, anywhere there's beauty, we can connect to creation and fall. And this happens all the time. We see beauty all the time. These are things that people point out to you all the time. They'll point out beauty to you all the time. Look at how wonderful that is. And we get to respond. Yeah, you know, I'm a Christian. The Bible says God designed all of this good and beautiful. And it's the beginnings of a conversation. It's seasoned a little bit. Somebody points out brokenness to you. They do this all the time. This is the worst. This is awful. Can you believe this? Yeah, I can. We've entered into a conversation about the fall. I can enter right into that. The Bible has a lot to say about fear and doubt and injustice and brokenness. And it also has a lot to say about the person who fixes that. The hope that we have to think through the functional savior thing.I had a friend who, the more I knew him, a big part of his story was how broken his home life was growing up. And it just factored really big in his life. Makes sense. And then he would daydream and he would talk about like his, his whole hope. The storyline of his life was get married, white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and not do the stuff my parents did. He was on a redemption arc. And so in that story, he has a functional hell and he has a functional heaven. So I can start listening for what's his functional savior. Some of it was him being a good father was going to come later, but it also was whoever he was dating at the time was going to take him from hell to heaven. Which meant a couple of things. He was going to put either way too much pressure on this person because he needs them to save him, or he was going to be too excited about the concept, the prospect of who this person was. That he was going to overlook a lot of things because this was his chance and it could be really bad, but he was just going to let it be really bad because this is going to be. Because it's not the reality of the situation, it's what it represents. And so I now, knowing the gospel, knowing this person, knowing their story, have ways to begin to fit in. Hey, man. I can agree with him on the brokenness. I can agree with him that this is good, but I can't agree with him that it'll fix everything. There actually is a better family and a better hope and an eternal one. And there's a better savior who actually can undo this in his heart in a way that this can't. She can't. There's a God who can speak to these things that are broken deep inside of him that she can't, won't ever be able to. And the expectations of that will crush her. So I have the ability to begin to speak in because I understand functional health, functional savior, functional heaven. And so this is a helpful way for you to begin to listen to the people that you're around and try to understand what are they thinking will fix this? What are they thinking will make this better? What are they thinking will save me? What do they think is broken? What do they think would be good? I had someone who's group leader in our church recently say this has been one of the biggest benefits of being in a community group for them is that we're consistently sharing the gospel with one another in our groups and it helped him understand how to do that at work, how to apply the gospel to all these different situations, how to begin to speak the gospel in all these different situations in a way that made sense.Okay, so we're going to turn off generic American responses. We're going to be praying for the Lord to give us some opening. We're going to have some mental preparation on how the general storyline works. We're going to begin listening for these things. And then here's what we're going to do. We're going to make some conversations kind of awkward, but not terribly awkward. But you actually have openings for these types of conversations all the time. Because people constantly ask you to agree with them. Constantly. They talk and talk and talk and then they say, right, you know what I'm saying? Isn't that what you would do? Don't you think? And how often have you listened to someone say things that no, I don't think. No, not right. No, that's not what I would do. And how many times have I just gone. Does that just. Why do I need to get in the middle of this mess? I'm like the kid in Christmas Story who just goes football even though he wants a red Rider carbon action single shot air rifle with a compass in the stock. Like he just is. He's got something he really wants, but he's lost. He's just not paying attention. He's just dumbfounded. Like this. So they say, right? Isn't that what you would do? Just go, no. First of all, it'll be fun, don't you think? How would you handle that? Whatever. They ask you this all the time, you know what I'm saying? No, I wouldn't do that at all. But we get these situations all the time. Someone says, you enter into a conversation where they're talking about what they would do if they won the lottery. Now pause for a second. I have my locker room, Sears job answer to that. But that's not actually what I would do if I won the lottery. And that's not how I would talk about it. If I was with my community group. If I won the lottery, first thing I would do is be terrified. I don't know if I can handle that amount of money. That sounds scary. Which is a weird thing to say to your co workers. They'd be like, what? I could absolutely handle millions of dollars. I don't think you could. I've seen you handle this paycheck bad. You guys, you've made a lot of bad choices since I've known you you get these opportunities where they ask you, what do you think? What would you do? What would you. How would you handle this? What would you do in marriage? What would you. I have people come say, hey, you got any marriage advice? You got any whatever? And these are these moments where we get to go, yeah, I actually do have a lot of thoughts on marriage, but I'm a Christian, so it's all informed by the Bible. Do you want to hear that? Oh, yeah. The Bible says. I'm a Christian. So the Bible says a lot about how we handle money. So I can tell you how I'd handle, you know, $2.5 billion. You're going to be annoyed with me, but here we go. And you can start those conversations. Someone says, am I right? And you can go, I don't think so. So. And they'll say, what? And you can go, I'm so glad you asked. But you have these moments all the time. And if you actually think about it, if you actually have your radar up, you've gotten a lot of windows, a lot of doors for you to begin to share the gospel, for you to begin to have conversations that are real. And the truth is, some of these people, you're like, I'm building a relationship with them. I'm building a friendship with them. And if I asked you why, you would say, so that I can share the gospel with them. Okay, and now you have these doors, these openings, these opportunities, and you're like, but if I do that, they won't be my friend anymore. Okay, well, then you're not making the best use of the time. If you're in these friendships for the sake of sharing the gospel, and you won't share the gospel, that's odd. But when you begin, if you say, well, they'll stop being my friend, well, then, okay, go make a friendship with someone who wants to hear this and pray for that door to be open. But you also don't know that that's true because someone shared the gospel with you. And it was like someone had brought water to a desert. And you would declare that it's the greatest news you ever heard. And there's somebody that you're around that you have a relationship with that you have an opening for, you have an opportunity with that you love dearly. And you might could begin to tell them something. And the spirit go to work in their heart because Jesus has bought them with his blood. And they suddenly go, thank you so much for sharing this.So we're going to go be active in this, and y' all you gotta understand there are some energy level things that happen in relationships and invitations there, your invitations to people, the things you're asking people to participate in, take energy level. There's energy level differences. So some people will be like, I invited them in my group, they don't want to come. Okay, first of all, invite people to your community group. That's one of the best places for them to be and hear about the gospel. But if they don't want to come, that kind of makes sense. Would you like to come to someone's house you don't know, meet people you don't know, discuss, eat food that was cooked at their houses that you haven't seen? You don't know where that came from. Just add a little bit of mystery. Discuss a thing you don't care about. Pray to a God you don't believe in for three hours. No. No. Well, that's weird. It's like that actually, they might not want to. That energy level, you know, there's a different energy level from can we grab lunch together to do you want to come to my community group? Do you want to get matching tattoos and move to Colorado with me? Like, energy levels on invitations change, you guys. And so start figuring out what will they say yes to. Some people would much be much more willing to come eat dinner with you at a restaurant than at your house. Some people would much rather eat dinner with you at your house. Some people don't want to come eat dinner with just you at your house because they have to carry the conversation. They'd much rather come to a party. Some people don't want to come to a party because meeting a bunch of new people scares them. Be wise, use the best. Make the best use of the time and start figuring out who am I around? What kind of invitation will they say yes to? How do I get the rest of our group around them? And how do we begin to be everyday missionaries together? But let's take this seriously because someone once told you the gospel and you will never be the same.And God has us around people where he has already infiltrated with missionaries and we're supposed to tell them, let's pray. Lord, may we be blessed in our everyday mission efforts. Lord, may your spirit be at work to convict and to send and to equip. And Lord, may when the gospel is proclaimed, people respond in belief. Help us to take this seriously and obey. Lord, we ask for open doors and for clear presentations, for fearlessness that we would be unashamed of the gospel. It has the power of salvation for all who will believe in Jesus name. Amen.As we conclude our time together, we're going to sing in a moment, but we're going to take communion. And in First Corinthians, chapter 11, Paul gives instruction on what communion is and how to respond to it. He says,> For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.So as Christians, we come around the table together to remember that Christ's body was broken for us, that his blood was shed for us, and that our only hope is in Him. Some of you have very real sins that you're struggling with right now, very real doubt, very real pain. And one of the things that we do is we take very real bread and very real fruit of the vine, and we remember that he died for us in a very real way, and that he rose in a very real way, and that his substantive work on the cross is effective and efficient for salvation, and that our only hope is in Him. There's something to the tangible nature of this, the slowing ourselves down and the remembering that if I'm not in Christ and he's not in me, I have no hope. And so this is something that we share together because we have one Lord that saves all of us.So if you are not a Christian, this is not something that you would partake in because you do not yet know and remember and proclaim the work of Christ on your behalf. But if you belong to Jesus, I would invite you to take a moment to confess, to take seriously what we are about to participate in. And when you are ready to take communion, if you have a gluten allergy, we do have gluten free, the back corner over there. So when you're ready, take communion.

How Outsourced Accounting Empowers SMBs: Insights from Rhett Molitor, CEO of Basis 365 AccountingIn this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Rhett Molitor, CEO and co-founder of Basis 365 Accounting, to explore how outsourced accounting is transforming small and mid-sized businesses. Rhett shares how fractional accounting services help companies move beyond simple bookkeeping to strategic financial management. He also discusses how AI and automation are reshaping the accounting landscape and why proactive financial oversight is the key to scaling with confidence.The Shift to Strategic, Outsourced AccountingRhett Molitor founded Basis 365 Accounting in 2012 to fill a crucial gap for businesses earning between $1M–$20M in revenue—companies that have outgrown basic bookkeeping but don't yet need a full-time accounting team. Instead of focusing on compliance alone, Basis 365 partners with CEOs to turn accounting into a growth lever.Molitor breaks accounting into four key levels: bookkeeper, accountant, controller, and CFO—each representing a stage of financial maturity. A proactive approach means using data for decision-making, forecasting cash flow, and improving profitability over time. He also cautions that while AI and automation have made accounting faster, expert human oversight remains essential for accuracy and strategy.For SMB leaders, Rhett's message is clear: don't treat accounting as an afterthought. It's not just about managing expenses—it's about creating visibility, confidence, and insight to drive growth. Partnering with the right fractional accounting team gives businesses access to senior-level expertise without the overhead of full-time hires.About the Rhett MolitorRhett Molitor is the co-founder and CEO of Basis 365 Accounting, a U.S.-based outsourced accounting firm specializing in digital agencies, SaaS companies, and consultancies. With over a decade of experience helping SMBs scale efficiently, Rhett champions proactive, transparent financial management supported by technology and expert insight.About the Basis 365 AccountingBasis 365 Accounting provides outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, and fractional CFO services designed for growth-focused businesses. By combining automation tools with expert financial guidance, Basis 365 helps companies gain clarity, reduce risk, and improve profitability. Learn more at basis365.com.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeBasic 365 Accounting WebRhett Molitor LinkedIn ProfileKey Episode HighlightsThe 4 levels of accounting: bookkeeper, accountant, controller, CFOWhy proactive financial management drives scalabilityHow AI and automation are reshaping accounting workflowsCommon pitfalls SMBs face when they “outgrow” basic bookkeepingActionable steps to make accounting a strategic business advantageConclusionOutsourced accounting isn't just about saving money—it's about gaining visibility, expertise, and strategic advantage. Rhett Molitor's approach at Basis 365 Accounting shows that when SMBs invest in proactive financial systems and fractional expertise, they set the stage for smarter growth and long-term stability.

In this Fan Favorite episode of the Second in Command Podcast, Cameron Herold speaks with Anna Collins, President and COO of Bulletproof, the globally recognized brand behind Bulletproof Coffee, supplements, and biohacking products designed to help people perform better, think faster, and live healthier lives. She is also a Board Member of Ladies Who Launch.Before joining Bulletproof, Anna led multi-billion-dollar businesses at Amazon, Microsoft, and CVS Health, bringing a data-driven, operational mindset to every stage of growth. In this conversation, she reveals how she helped Bulletproof evolve from a niche “biohacker” brand into a household name—streamlining operations, tightening focus, and scaling omnichannel distribution without losing its visionary edge.Anna also shares her leadership principles, from managing a founder with 100 ideas a day to running metrics-driven weekly business reviews that keep innovation grounded in reality. Her insights bridge the gap between entrepreneurial chaos and corporate discipline, showing how great COOs turn vision into execution.Timestamped Highlights[00:00:00] – Cameron introduces this episode as one of the most downloaded in show history.[00:01:14] – Anna's career journey: from Microsoft and Amazon to joining Bulletproof.[00:03:52] – Why she left Amazon Prime for a mission-driven brand.[00:05:36] – What convinced her Bulletproof wasn't just a fad—but a real performance enhancer.[00:06:23] – Partnering with Dave Asprey: defining roles between visionary and operator.[00:07:18] – The challenge of narrowing focus when everything looks like a good idea.[00:08:54] – Bringing Amazon's frameworks—tenets, principles, and data mechanisms—into Bulletproof.[00:10:07] – How structure helped Dave trust the team and delegate.[00:10:26] – Shutting down international markets and cutting SKUs to simplify growth.[00:11:59] – Expanding into Amazon marketplace and corporate distribution channels.[00:13:28] – Convincing the founder to “grow beyond the core biohacker.”[00:17:00] – Managing an idea-rich founder without stifling creativity.[00:18:37] – Anna's leadership philosophy: define reality, create possibility, say thank you.[00:21:00] – Rebuilding Bulletproof's vision, mission, and values for clarity and culture.[00:24:20] – Weekly Business Reviews: the data-driven rhythm behind execution.[00:30:32] – How Anna divides her focus across key stakeholders—customers, team, and growth.[00:36:35] – Simplifying the Bulletproof brand for mainstream accessibility.[00:38:00] – Where she struggles as a leader—and the balance between speed and empathy.[00:42:33] – The advice she'd give her 21-year-old self: don't take it all so seriously.About the GuestAnna Collins is the President and COO of Bulletproof overseeing strategy, operations, and omnichannel growth for the globally recognized biohacking brand. Previously, she led billion-dollar initiatives at Amazon, where she managed global Prime membership programs, and at Microsoft, where she built the search advertising business from concept to $1.6B in revenue. She is also a Board Member of Ladies Who Launch.A Harvard MBA and transformational leader, Anna specializes in building scalable systems that bridge creative vision with operational discipline. At Bulletproof, she's helped expand the company from its core biohacker audience to a broader wellness market—making human optimization accessible to everyone.

Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing North America today. In this episode of The Property Profits Podcast, host Dave Dubeau talks with Sean Carpenter, founder of Shamrock Development, about how he's helping lead the charge in building more accessible housing across the U.S. Sean shares how developers can make affordable housing projects work—financially and operationally—through smart partnerships, tax credits, and government subsidies. You'll also hear how these deals are structured, how joint ventures come together, and why more private capital is entering the affordable housing space. Whether you're a developer, investor, or someone interested in real estate with impact, you'll find a ton of value in this episode. What You'll Learn: How affordable housing projects are funded Why market-rate developers are shifting to affordability The difference between workforce and affordable housing How Sean partners with others to develop impactful projects Where to find the right incentives and subsidies

In this episode of Manager Minute, host Carol Pankow welcomes Dr. Chaz Compton and Dr. Meera Adya, co-directors of the new National Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center (NVRTAC). They discuss how the Center builds on decades of innovation in vocational rehabilitation (VR) to unify training, evaluation, and technology that strengthen state VR agencies across the nation. Partnering with The George Washington University, the National Disability Institute, CSAVR, YesLMS, Case Review Solutions, SaraWorks, and Intellitech, the NVRTAC delivers comprehensive technical assistance to enhance performance, fiscal management, and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Key initiatives include AI-driven tools such as SaraWorks and Case Amplify, designed to reduce administrative burdens and capture real-world impact. The team is also launching leadership and fiscal talent development programs, expanding recruitment and retention efforts, and embedding continuous evaluation across all initiatives. Their goal is to achieve measurable outcomes, real change, and a stronger, more efficient VR system serving individuals with disabilities.   Listen Here   Full Transcript:   {Music} Chaz: Right now, not ten years from now, but right today, we have the capacity to. Turn our administrative burden into an AI driven function that alleviates that burden.   Meera: Input is getting provided at the beginning and the middle at the end all over again. It really is that measurable and real change and ongoing calibration towards that is our North star.   Chaz: And having actual measurable outcome improvements. So simple as that.   Carol: That sounds good. How about you? What do you think?   Meera: Nothing to add. Measurable outcomes. Real change. Drop the mic.   Carol: Boom! I love it.   {Music} Intro Voice: Manager Minute, brought to you by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center. Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host, Carol Pankow.   Carol: Well, welcome to the Manager Minute. Joining me in the studio today are my close colleagues, doctor Chaz Compton and Doctor Meera Adya, Co-project directors of the new National Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center, or VRTAC for short. So woohoo you guys! I'm so excited to have you here. How are things going Chaz?   Chaz: Wonderful. Very busy and very happy to be here. Thank you.   Carol: Excellent. How about you, Meera? How's it going?   Meera: Pretty good.   Carol: Awesome. Well, glad to have you both. I just want to give a little bit of history for our listeners. The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Centers have a long and rich history rooted in the Rehabilitation Act itself. And from the very beginning, the act recognized that helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment requires more than just funding. It requires a system of continuous learning, innovation and improvement. And that's why the Rehabilitation Services Administration has long invested in national technical assistance centers to strengthen state VR agencies, build staff capacity and ensure programs stay aligned with evolving regulations, Relations, research and best practices, and over the years, these centers from the early TACE centers to WINTAC and the QM and QE and AIVR TAC and all the things, and now the new NBR tech have become the backbone of progress in our field, helping translate policy into practice and ensuring that the promise of the Rehabilitation Act remains strong for the next generation. So let's dig in. Gang, can you tell our listeners a little bit about yourselves and your journey into VR? And, Chaz, I'm going to kick it to you first.   Chaz: Okay. Gosh, it's been 40 years now. Hard to believe. I started with a community rehab program 40 years ago this year.   Carol: Wow.   Chaz: A few years later, I moved into the public VR program in California. I was a counselor, a supervisor, and then a district administrator and got my doctorate degree at San Diego State University and moved over and directed the TA Center 15 years ago, and then the WINTAC and then the VRTAC-QM and now the what we call the VR TAC, the national VRTAC.   Carol: That is awesome. I did not realize it was 40 whole years. Chaz, I think we're pretty close in age to each other.   Chaz: It's been a while.   Carol: Meera, how about you? How'd you get your journey into this world?   Meera: Well, my work has always been at the intersection of empiricism and law and policy. So I'm a researcher and evaluator. I've done projects looking at how people with disabilities can be successful in workplaces and communities, thinking about inter work and the VR system. More specifically, I became engaged first as a partner, leading the program evaluation for Interworks Wintech centre. And then Chaz convinced me to come to Interworks continue doing what I was doing by taking the lead on the program evaluation for the VR, QM, and then our portfolio at Interworks has grown. Now there are several disability innovation grants and customized employment projects in addition to the TAC that we are leading the evaluation on. And Chaz then offered me the opportunity to continue growing my work, and here I am as the co-director of the center as a whole, and I'm honored and thrilled to support Chaz and our team. Take the work with VR and its partners forward to improve outcomes for people with disabilities.   Carol: I love it Meera, and you're a good addition, and we're really happy to have you as the Co-project director, too. So what is the overarching purpose of our new VR TAC?   Chaz: It is to provide technical assistance and training that will help VR agencies and their partners improve service delivery and increase the quantity and quality of employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities being served by VR program and their partners. Our major focus areas include helping agencies effectively manage the program, the performance of the program, the fiscal side of the program and their resources, and helping them identify and implement effective employment strategies and practices that accomplish the overarching goal of helping improve outcomes and service delivery. That's the big picture.   Carol: It is cool because it's like soup to nuts. I think sometimes, you know, the previous TAC, you know, they had very kind of more specific focus. And then with the QM and like QE too, you know, it expanded. But now we've got the whole shebang in one place.   Chaz: Mhm.   Carol: Very fun. Meera do you have anything you wanted to add to that?   Meera: Sure. I was just thinking about all the work that Chaz has been doing, the messages he sends us and how we've come together and so far trying to put it into an encapsulation. I've been coming up with one team or his words, but I think just such a good representation and you'll see that now in our messaging going forward, but also a yes. And we don't say no. We find a way to work together and is so what, what is the measurable change that's going to result from the work we do? I think you're going to see that over the next five years constantly coming up.   Carol: Yeah, I like that, Meera. You got to keep us grounded in that. About the so what? So what we can do lots of activities. But so what about them? And I see, Chaz, you're smiling at me because, you know, I'm an activity person. And it's like, but what's the benefit from what we did? So how does the new TAC build on the work in the lessons that were learned from all the previous work?   Chaz: Well, to say we've learned some lessons along the way, especially in the last ten years, would be an understatement. There have been the implementation of WIOA and all of the requirements associated with that, living through all of the implementation with agencies, helping them respond to that effectively, looking at the demographic shift in the field to youth, where now the majority of the people we serve are 24 years of age or younger. Looking at going into and out of Covid and how that changed service delivery, how the fiscal landscape of the program changed accordingly, how we have seen the pendulum shift fiscally from one side to the other and now back again. All of that has helped inform, I think, the development of our technical assistance and the training and the way we go into this new center. So we have just a bunch of lived experience, if you will, along with agencies. So what they have gone through, we have gone through with them, and I think we can help them successfully navigate the future. And while at the same time responding to the challenges that they face right now. So all of that, I think, really has laid an important foundation for the VRTAC and the work we're going to be doing with agencies.   Carol: I think you hit the nail with that. I think about all the last five years, even the work I've done and our team has done and how deep we got in with agencies like it felt like we were part. I often talk when I'm in at agency, I talk about we like I'm part of them because you're enmeshed in everything they're doing and their systems and their people and their meetings and all of their things. You become so ingrained with them. It really helped you to get such a clear picture of what was happening and helps really get maybe at the root of some of the issues and to develop that work fundamentally so that the seeds we laid could really grow and germinate and keep going forever and keep growing and growing and growing. So it isn't just a one shot. We did a little quick training and we're out of there. It really became such a deep lesson. Meera, how about for you with that lessons learned? I'm sure evaluation wise there are things you were thinking about as well.   Meera: Oh, absolutely. We have all of our past evaluation reports and findings, and we can keep looking at those. And I certainly keep bringing them up whenever it strikes me that there's a relevant point that comes forward again. And you can see with the way that Chaz has put together these innovative partners and projects, a continuation of the successful approaches and partnerships as well, and just a laser focus on measurable change that evolution and improvement and lessons learned is just baked into the center. As a research and evaluator, I know firsthand how the knowledge translation pipeline takes time, but it can take less time when you work directly with stakeholders from the beginning, and that's what's happening with us. Chaz has always taken evaluation seriously, woven it into the very fabric of the work. Stakeholders are the partners. They hold us accountable. We continuously are learning what's working. Pivot when needs must.   Carol: Well said Meera. Thank you for that. What current challenges do you guys see in the VR system that make a unified national TA center so important right now?   Chaz: To say that efficiency, accountability and improved outcomes are important would be an understatement. And this is not a new focus, of course. I mean, you have to go back to the movement of the Rehabilitation Act under the Workforce Investment Act of 1988, which was really an attempt to improve efficiency and refrain from duplication of services and improve outcomes and all that stuff. And that focus has just grown and grown,   Carol: right.   Chaz: and so a unified center is I mean, it really is helpful to ensure that everything is administrated under one center that we're focused on, you know, whether it's focused on improving performance, like on the performance measures, like improving an agency's ability to manage their fiscal resources or implement employment strategies like, say, customized employment, a unified center can address all of these aspects together, holistically, understand how they interact with each other and an agency. Instead of having 2 or 3 different entities trying to work together with a VR program differently, with different ways of doing business, ways of interacting all that. So it just is a very efficient, I hope. Anyway, an enhanced holistic way of working with an agency. Ultimately, I believe that will contribute to increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.   Carol: I like the part with the employment being in with us now. Not that employment wasn't in our mind, but it was distant because we'd always put it like we, you know, we're referring folks over to the Q2E, but now with it all integrated, it really does kind of front and center. You're thinking about the fiscal things that my group is working at and how our impact is helping the program, maybe for stability or whatever may be going on, does impact the employment outcomes in the end, and the funds that are available and whether people go on an order or not, you know, all those kind of things. So I like that having it all together, it's a little closer, at least in my head. Meera, did you have any thoughts about that one as well?   Meera: I echo everything you both have said. The unified voice. Central voice. This center has always been a supportive voice. It is always on, always available, and that continues to be really needed. That is something we've heard in the evaluation interviews and feedback that we've received is that folks really appreciate being able to just call, get someone on the other end, get an answer right away, send an email, hear back right away. The responsiveness and the targeted information that they need has been phenomenal. And so looking forward to that continuing. And now across the whole range and spectrum of what technical assistance is needed. As you both have said, It's a time of, you know, as was said, significant change requirements may be shifting again, a laser focus on efficiency and effectiveness of work, which is right. And, you know, in the broader context, we're seeing significant disruption in the work world. And the future of work has been talked about. The future of work is here today. It's the today of how we work. And agencies need help navigating all of that with their customers. There's a lot for our stakeholders and our partners to navigate. I think we've seen from the evaluation feedback, this is where our team under Chaz really excels. It just brings together the many. It brings together the a lot. It goes to the heart of it and meets it on the grant.   Carol: Yeah. You lead into my next question about the partners on the grant because we have a deep bench. I mean, I felt like we had really phenomenal folks on the QM grant. But when I look at the partners you all have brought together for this, and we're on our first meetings and you've got, you know, 30 people in the Hollywood Squares instead of a dozen or so. It's a cool bunch, and people with such interesting expertise. So Chaz, who are the partners on our grant?   Chaz: Our biggest and primary partner is the George Washington University. We've been partners with them for really since national centers were funded. They were part of the WINTAC, part of the QM, and now we'll be a obviously a critical part of the VR TAC Every single one of them is a doer. Their hands are have their hands have gotten dirty and providing like literally in the trenches to just like our own staff at work Institute at San Diego State. We just have been, practically speaking, teammates for a very long time. We know each other well, we work together well, and we're very confident in each other's work. GW a big, huge partner of ours. Then there's the National Disability Institute, which is also a longtime partner of ours. They'll be helping with the employment strategies component of things and just are a very well respected, nationally known institute that is really has some super interesting and helpful information and resources and knowledge along with the rest of the team. Of course, many of our listeners will know. Yes LMS, we're working with Linda and her team this time around, expanding our available training resources to users out there. CSAVR of course, is another long time partner. Everybody knows them. Sara Works is a partner of ours as well. Sara Works has been a partner again since the WINTAC days and, you know, has done all kinds of work with us in terms of developing Sara, the AI program to help act as an assistant to VR programs, communication tool and so on. Then we have Case Review Solutions. It's just a new partner of ours this time around focused on quality assurance, case reviews, contract monitoring. So another use of software and technology to basically provide solutions to VR programs. And another new partner this time around in Intellitech, which has created a program called Case Amplify, which is an AI driven system, which we'll talk about here in a few minutes, but we're really excited about this one as well, because it provides an opportunity for agencies to see how things could potentially be different and more effective into the future. So those are our primary partners, yeah.   Carol: yeah. It's exciting. It's a cool group of people I really was thrilled to see in the very secret proposal that you would not share with us before we went in, and then you see what all the things are that are going to happen. You are always known, though, Chaz, for being the guy. You have those little fun projects that become part of the grant that you know, live on and people are able to carry out and they've created really cool things. This proposal with the exciting AI initiatives, can you share what tools like Case, Amplify and Sara Works are going to mean for state VR agencies?   Chaz: Absolutely. And I think it's important for folks to understand the why. Right. Like, why are these it's not just because they're fun and they are super fun. You're right. But there really is a reason behind developing these projects. And the primary reason is as agencies have implemented Wioa and this kind of goes back to lessons learned, right? We know that the data elements for, for instance, for the 911 and just the recording processes and all of the administrative responsibilities associated with being in compliance with the law and the regulations is a burden. It's a struggle, and especially in a period of time where recruitment and retention has been a challenge across the country. You know, when you lose people and they're the ones responsible for gathering and reporting this data, IT becomes a real challenge on everybody else. And I honestly, in my heart of hearts, believe that embracing advanced technology is the way out of this. It's the way to effectively respond to it. It's not by hiring more people to do administrative stuff, although that would be wonderful. But, you know, we're in this situation for a reason. And now we have right now, not ten years from now, but right today we have the capacity to turn our administrative burden into an AI driven function that alleviates that burden from VR staff. And that's what the why is behind this? Why are we doing this? Because we want agencies to see and participate. If you know, if they're able and willing in these projects to see what the impact could be. Now, of course, we don't know, for instance, what the impact will fully be. We have a vision for it. But part of what this is is an experiment, right? It's a pilot, if you will, to make sure that we can see how it works. So the idea is that and I'll take Sara because Sara's been around for a while now. A lot of agencies know Sara. They know what's possible. Several of them use the program. Now, in our case, like under the VR tech, we're going to be using Sara to do something for pre-employment transition services that we haven't done yet. Now we're ten years. 11 years. Well, I guess ten years really post implementation 2016 was the full implementation. So we're approaching the ten year mark. And while we focused on implementing projects and tracking and reporting and down to the individual consumer level and all that good stuff. Making sure costs are allowable, that people are spending their 15%, all that good stuff. What we haven't done a very good job of yet is evaluating the impact of those services on individuals themselves. Like how has it impacted them? What does it mean in terms of their future employability or future involvement in post-secondary Ed or whatever it is we're trying to determine? And so using Sara specifically to communicate and gather information with students or former students on the impact of periods, and then analyzing that data and showing the impact, that's really where we're zeroed in on this project for Sara Works. Case Amplify, well let me go to CRS. So Case Review Solutions is a new software program developed by two of our former colleagues in the WINTAC and the QM, Rachel Anderson and Brittany McIvor. So they know right? Like what is it about the review system, the case review process, the process, the quality assurance process that is lacking the internal control process, right? How do we fix that or help fix it anyway? Or help states analyze where the deficiencies are and then give them information real time quickly along multiple levels to help them address it so that it's not a consistent finding and monitoring reviews so that they're on top of the changes that they need to make. So again, it's another technology solution to a challenge facing agencies. And they're also developing a contract monitoring tool that's going to be available later on in the project. That will help states monitor another big one. Right. We hear all the time is we're not sure like whether those contracts are doing what they should be doing and the quality of service delivery and all that stuff. So that's going to help with that. Case Amplify is a AI program that Intellitech has developed. It's so exciting to talk about how this could potentially change. And I mean really change the way that VR staff are gathering and populating information into the case through case management system. Ultimately, it has the capacity ultimately to make the process hands free. That is, you can talk to an individual, and this system is listening and gathering information and populating all over into the CMS important data elements, summarizing meetings. And believe it or not, like if it does what we really want it to do, it's going to actually fill in the 911 data elements automatically based on these conversations at critical points along the pathway.   Carol: That's a game changer for people that alone with those what, 400 elements like that is a game changer.   Chaz: Yeah, I could not be more excited about this one than I am. I just think it's going to be revolutionary. You know, it's still in its development phase fully. It's still going to be kind of an experiment with agencies and how it integrates into their existing CMS. But that's part of why we call it a pilot, because it's supposed to be a way to kind of see if things work the way we want it to work.   Carol: It's so cool. I am really excited. I'm also excited about the whole evaluation part of projects because I long thought, you know, when I was back in Minnesota blind and we were getting all those funds spent on students and I'm like, we're getting at these kids earlier. I just knew in my heart of hearts like, this is going to make such a difference in their trajectory is going forward and employment, they're going to start better. They're going to start better in college because they're going to have all this exposure to things they had not had any exposure to. Finally, the time we get at being able to measure, is that really coming true? I mean, I believe it to be true, but it'll be nice to actually quantify it and go, yeah, this is what's happening for people. And we can see the real difference. And that investment that Congress had said all those years ago, we're going to invest in these kids. And they did it for a reason. And now the proof is going to be in the pudding with the results. I love it. So, Chaz, one of your goals was to strengthen the workforce. So tell us a little bit about the VR Fiscal Talent Accelerator and NRLI, the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute.   Chaz: Yeah. Great. So most people know NRLI. They've heard about it in the past and or even many participated. I remember at one point a few years ago at a conference, Steve Wooderson said, hey, how many people here have gone to NRLI. And I swear, three quarters of the room raised their hand. So it's over 20 years old now, and it's a training program specifically targeted at the executive leadership level, staff of the VR program and preparing them over a year long process where we meet in person for a week, four weeks out of the year, three times in San Diego, one time in Washington, DC. And there's coaching and training contacts that go on throughout the course of the year in a cohort model. So that is supported by the VRTAC this time around. So that's kind of our primary executive leadership training tool. Then we're developing something new this time around. For those of you who are listening, who are familiar with the management concepts training that was part of the QM, that was the VR grants management certificate program that we developed as part of that center. This time around, we are specifically zeroing in on the fiscal folks in VR and preparing a kind of like, nearly like program for them, where we'll use the same cohort model. I'm not certain of all the details yet, but obviously, Carol, you'll be a super important part of that one. And we'll provide an opportunity for fiscal staff in VR agencies who some obviously like every other position turnover at times. And when they do turnover, if they take the knowledge with them and nobody's coming behind them, it can be really challenging. So the Fiscal Talent Accelerator program will be a way to help them understand all of the responsibilities right under fiscal responsibilities in the VR grant, helping them really manage those resources and effectively so that the agency has both not just in compliance, but has the resources available to serve as many folks as possible.   Carol: Absolutely. Yeah. I'm super excited about all of these projects. We've got a lot of work ahead. I know also, we had started spending some time under the QM addressing, you know, the recruitment and retention issues and leadership development and such. So how do you see that kind of expanding in the new grant?   Chaz: Well, it's definitely expanding. And so we're very excited about that because we know clearly that recruitment and retention especially was a just a real, real issue in the last five years. So we had a recruitment and retention pilot under the QM that worked with four states. And we have some really helpful tools and toolkits developed as a result of that. That's on the QM site now, will be brought forward under the VRTAC, but more importantly will be going into phase two from that process under the VRTAC, looking again at implementing those strategies and practices for recruitment and retention with other agencies, tracking the impact of that over time, and expanding the scope of that. John Walsh was really helpful in leading that effort under the QM, and he'll be doing that again. Also, we're developing onboarding resources for VR programs this time around, helping agencies kind of identify both what to include and giving them actual stuff and resources to include in an onboarding program for VR staff. We're moving beyond just the executive level of training for nearly into mid-level management and supervisory training. Training specifically targeted at those groups, which I think will be really helpful and certainly very needed and engaging in succession planning processes with agencies, both strategic planning and succession planning understanding the two of them are clearly linked, but giving agencies some real strategies and practices on how to develop a succession plan and implement that, so that we're not faced with this sort of mass exodus of institutional knowledge. When people both retire or resign and we're like, oh no, what do we do now? Right. So hopefully we're intending to create resources, training tools to help agencies address that proactively.   Carol: And we have some really awesome staff on this grant. This time around too, that can help. Our bench is deeper. You know, even in this area that are going to be able to help do that. So definitely. Meera, you have something you want to throw in there. I didn't forget you.   Meera: Oh I don't think so. Chaz covered all the practices and new projects really well.   Carol: Okay, Meera, I want you to tackle this one about the evaluation and data driving that ongoing improvement coming forward. Do you have thoughts about that? How's that going to look?   Meera: Sure. I think I spoke to this a little bit earlier, but to pick up from that thread, I mean, that is something we are consistently doing. We have multiple channels and approaches that monitor the work and the change that are taking place. We have custom built apps and tools that our IT group has created, so we can make sure that we're setting up plans and staying on track with the agencies and the work that we're doing with them. And we have stakeholders, partners, customers, all of whom can provide feedback in different ways. We meet regularly to discuss what we are hearing and what we are seeing. Formally speaking, we have two reports that are compiled and shared broadly, internally and with stakeholders. We hold meetings, review the findings, and consider recommendations by taking that report apart and into little bite, but continuously throughout the year. We're not waiting for those big report moments. Evaluation Group has been woven into the work we do. They are a part of all the regular meetings that are taking place for the center, and input is getting provided at the beginning and the middle at the end, all over again. It really is that measurable and real change and ongoing calibration towards that is our North star. That will continue to be so.   Carol: Led by the awesome you, which will be great.   Chaz: Exactly.   Carol: My final question to you too what will success look like for the VRTAC over the next five years. And Chaz, I'll ask you first.   Chaz: Well, it will be demonstrably changing for the better outcomes in the VR program and service delivery. It will be serving individuals with the kind of commitment to meeting their individual needs and wants and desires and employment factors, and agencies operating efficiently and effectively and having actual measurable outcome improvements. So simple as that.   Carol: That sounds good. Meera, how about you? What do you think?   Meera: Nothing to add. He stole it right there at the end. Measurable outcomes. Real change. Drop the mic.   Carol: Boom! I love it. So, how do people find you?   Chaz: Our website will be VRTAC or just VRTAC.org. We have the site kind of really in its shell form right now. We're developing it. Give us a couple of months to get it fully going, but if you need to reach us, you can certainly contact any of us through the channels that you would normally reach us through the VRTAC-QM. Can send an email to me or to you or anybody else on the team. And at this point, I think most agencies are able to reach us in whatever way they want. But soon the website will be up and running and they can get us there or any number of ways.   Carol: Awesome. Well, I sure appreciate both joining me this morning. It was super cool. And we can check back in in a couple years too and go like, woo, where are things now? It'll be fun to report on some more successes. So thank you both. Have a great day.   Chaz: Thanks, Carol. Appreciate you having us.   Meera: Thank you.   Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time. One minute at a time. Brought to you by the VRTAC. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening.

Exploring Rural Banking and Entrepreneurship with Brian Gansauer of People's National BankIn this episode we interviews Brian Gansauer, the Community Bank President of People's National Bank, who shares his extensive background in banking and business. Brian discusses his upbringing in Xenia, his career path from high school teller to a leadership role in a community bank, and his entrepreneurial ventures in the rental property market. He also talks about the unique aspects of rural banking, the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Southern Illinois, and the importance of community involvement and networking. Additionally, Brian shares his personal interests, including his passion for music and his involvement in various community boards.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:30 Brian's Background and Early Career02:35 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Real Estate03:41 Transition to Banking05:23 Rural Banking and Community Impact09:07 Advice for Entrepreneurs12:55 Networking and Personal Development13:52 The Importance of Partnering for Training14:36 Cascading Training and Community Involvement15:42 Advantages of Living and Working in Southern Illinois17:23 Personal Background and Musical Journey19:11 Community and Civic Involvement21:12 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners23:22 Vision for Southern Illinois26:03 Making a Positive Difference26:40 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.peoplesnationalbank.com/

00:00 – Introduction: Elevating the luxury open house experience01:00 – Meet Jerry Hammond: From Canada to the global luxury market03:00 – Why open houses should be experiences, not events05:00 – Micro events vs. macro soirées: What's the difference?08:00 – Partnering with luxury brands to enhance every showing11:00 – The $15M sale that showcased the power of experience14:00 – Creating FOMO and emotional engagement at events17:00 – Balancing privacy, security, and client trust20:00 – Protecting art, property, and personal assets23:00 – How to select properties ideal for luxury events26:00 – Collaborating with vendors and measuring ROI29:00 – Curating the guest list and sending personal invites32:00 – Capturing media, photos, and future marketing assets35:00 – Reinvention: staying relevant in the luxury market38:00 – Final thoughts and takeaways from Jerry Hammond

Bryan joins Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa to discuss the content-to-commerce phenomenon Shopsense is pioneering, the startup's partnership with The Trade Desk, and leadership lessons from Amazon. Shopsense is an Aperiam portco and Sharp Pen client.

My Fintech Newsletter for more interviews and the latest insights:↪︎ https://rexsalisbury.substack.com/In this episode, Anthropic's Nicholas Lin explains how vertical AI agents are reshaping financial services, from building real-time investment models to automating data analysis for some of the world's largest funds. We explore why finance was chosen as Anthropic's first enterprise vertical, the challenges and benchmarks in deploying safe, reliable AI, and how large organizations are integrating these tools across research and operations. Nicholas Lin also shares insights on the next era of AI adoption, collaboration with global partners, and the future role of financial analysts in an agent-powered economy.Nicholas Lin.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cxl/00:00:00 - Anthropic demos real-time AI financial analyst00:00:39 - Claude's rollout to global enterprise clients00:01:27 - Why verticalize AI models for finance00:02:36 - AI as a solution for complex industry problems00:03:46 - Tackling regulated logic and audit trails00:05:07 - Building “retrieve, analyze, create” agents00:07:11 - Outperforming on industry research benchmarks00:09:13 - Integrating AI with customer feedback loops00:10:14 - Why AI-enabled spreadsheets matter00:13:03 - Partnering with sovereign wealth funds00:15:10 - Data integration and readiness for AI00:17:13 - Changing workflows with live artifacts00:20:04 - Customizing tools for technical teams00:23:19 - Driving product development with design partners00:25:12 - Future of “full-stack” autonomous agents00:27:33 - Solving adoption and change management00:29:01 - Enterprise-wide AI from consulting to accounting00:30:53 - Most bankers still lack AI access00:32:40 - Social impact of automating analyst work00:34:31 - Favorite AI and finance tools00:36:43 - The next wave of AI advances at Anthropic___Rex Salisbury LinkedIn:↪︎ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexsalisburyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rexsalisburyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rex.salisburyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rexsalisbury/

Nicole Ayers has built a career out of scaling brands that make mealtime 1000x more fun. She once managed cereal icons like Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. These days, she's all about four-legged foodies. Partnering with Curiosity, Nicole and Blue Buffalo are stepping into the fresh pet food game with their newest product innovation: Love Made Fresh.    In this episode, Nicole pulls back the curtain on how you can confidently bring new product innovations to market, why you should never let consumer testing dictate the fate of your work, and how to make the most of your marketing dollars.     What you'll learn in this episode:  The keys to a successful new product launch  Why Glossier has the best product launches  Nicole's thoughts about AI-generated spots Brand-building strategies Blue Buffalo can learn from Lucky Charms General Mills' strategy behind Edgard & Cooper's exclusive partnership with PetSmart The secret to selling bold creative to companies like General Mills  How to maximize your marketing dollars against big category spenders How to know when the strategy and creative are right Why concept testing shouldn't be the final verdict for creative How to turn your "thinks" into "knows" by asking the consumer A BTS look at Cinnamon Toast Crunch's cereal cannibalism campaign Resources: Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn Learn more about Blue Buffalo on their website Read more about Love Made Fresh See the new Love Made Fresh work Watch Cinnamon Toast's cereal cannibalism spot   

In this episode, farmer Will Conway of Stone Acres Farm talks about a potential income strem for small farms: getting in touch with local chefs for curated dinners.   Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights!   Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower:  Instagram  Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:  Carrot Cashflow  Farm Small Farm Smart  Farm Small Farm Smart Daily  The Growing Microgreens Podcast  The Urban Farmer Podcast  The Rookie Farmer Podcast  In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books:  Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon   Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

#654 What happens when your greatest strength — the very thing that defines your identity — suddenly disappears? In this episode hosted by Kirsten Tyrrel, Rhonna Farrer opens up about the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey — from building a successful career as a digital artist and app developer to facing a creative drought that challenged her identity and success. Rhonna shares how her family's entrepreneurial roots shaped her path, how she pivoted during difficult times, and how losing her creative spark led to a deeper understanding of her gifts. Now thriving with a new creative outlet in coloring books, Rhonna's story is a powerful reminder that setbacks often pave the way for breakthroughs. Don't miss this insightful conversation — and be sure to tune in for the final episode of our three-part series, where Rhonna and her husband Jeff share how they've built a thriving business together. (Original Air Date - 4/2/25) What we discuss with Rhonna: + Facing a creative drought + Learning to pivot in business + Influence of family entrepreneurship + Overcoming rejection and setbacks + Finding purpose through creativity + Shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset + Balancing motherhood and business + Partnering with the right people + Creative resurgence with coloring books + Lessons in resilience and reinvention Thank you, Rhonna! Check out Rhonna Designs at ⁠RhonnaDesigns.com⁠. Follow Rhonna on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠. Watch the ⁠video podcast⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Riess explains how commercial property owners can turn rooftops into revenue using WonderPower's solar systems to increase NOI and hedge energy costs.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Dave Riess, CEO and co-founder of WonderPower (WunderPower.com), to discuss how commercial real estate owners can generate new income and protect against rising electricity costs using rooftop solar.Dave shares his journey from electrical engineer to energy entrepreneur and breaks down why commercial solar is one of the most underutilized opportunities in real estate. He explains how WonderPower helps landlords lease unused roof space, install solar systems at no cost, and collect steady lease payments — all while future-proofing their properties.You'll also hear about the latest trends in electricity demand, what's driving record utility costs, and how data centers, manufacturing reshoring, and AI are reshaping the energy landscape.What you'll learn in this episode:How WonderPower leases rooftop space to create new revenue streamsWhy solar is now cost-effective in most U.S. marketsThe impact of AI, data centers & manufacturing reshoring on energy pricesHow solar acts as a “physical hedge” against rising utility costsThe financial benefits of distributed generation for real estate ownersHow federal solar incentives are changing (and when they expire)Why landlords in the Northeast & California see the highest returnsHow NOI increases through renewable energy adoptionWhat property types qualify: logistics, warehousing, storage & medical officeThe minimal maintenance required and long-term reliability of solar assets

Tia Newcomer is the CEO of CaringBridge, a nonprofit providing a vital digital platform where families can communicate, receive support, and rally their communities during health journeys. With a career that spans Revlon, PepsiCo., Hewlett-Packard, and multiple health tech ventures, Tia brings a rich background from the for-profit world into the heart of the nonprofit sector, or as she prefers to call it, the for-impact space. In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Tia to unpack her career journey across four pivotal pillars, from consumer goods to tech, healthcare, and now mission-driven leadership. She shares how personal experiences, including her husband's fight with cancer and her own sense of purpose, led her to take a surprising leap into nonprofit leadership. Tia discusses the real-world impact of CaringBridge on hundreds of thousands of families every day, the technology powering it, and how "ministry pace" just won't cut it when the stakes are this high. She also dives deep into why entrepreneurial thinking, business rigor, and cross-sector collaboration are essential in the nonprofit space. "The difference between nonprofit and for-profit is a tax status. The skillset? It's the same." – Tia Newcomer "In moments of crisis, people don't need 'let me know how I can help.' They need tangible action." – Tia Newcomer "If I'm spending the majority of my time working, it better be fulfilling. That's the leap I made." – Tia Newcomer This Week on The Wow Factor: Tia's four career pillars: Consumer Goods, Technology, Women's Health, and Nonprofit Why leaving HP was her wake-up call to find purpose in her work Her perspective on for-impact vs. nonprofit leadership How CaringBridge grew to 300,000 daily users with only 40 employees The real story behind the CaringBridge platform and its founder Why technology for good is more essential than ever The burden of "just let me know how I can help" and what to say instead The power of one person raising their hand to share updates and mobilize care Partnering with GoFundMe to raise over $10M directly for patients and families The role of generosity, from emotional support to meals, transportation, and funds Tia Newcomer's Word of Wisdom: Leadership is about building something that matters and having the courage to follow the nudge, even when it's outside your comfort zone. Connect With CaringBridge: Tia Newcomer CaringBridge Website CaringBridge LinkedIn CaringBridge on Facebook CaringBridge on Instagram Connect with The Wow Factor: WOW Factor Website Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on X