Podcasts about public management

I really enjoyed this conversation with Natalie and her mother, Mary, because it reminded me how an unstoppable mindset is often built quietly, over time, through creativity, learning, and persistence. Together, they share what it has been like to navigate life across generations while facing learning disabilities, health challenges, workplace adversity, and the constant need to adapt. We talk about Natalie's journey with attention deficit disorder and anxiety, how creative outlets like baking, art, music, and storytelling helped her find focus and confidence, and why returning to school later in life became an act of self-trust rather than fear. Mary's story adds another powerful layer. She reflects on growing up with low self-esteem, navigating male-dominated workplaces, and dealing with sexual harassment long before there were systems in place to address it. As a mother, artist, and professional, she shares what it means to keep moving forward while supporting her daughter's growth. Throughout our conversation, we explore accessibility, creative entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, and why accommodations and understanding still matter. I believe you will find this episode both honest and encouraging, especially if your own path has been anything but linear. Highlights: 00:00 – Hear how creativity and resilience shaped an unstoppable mindset across two generations.08:35 – Learn how attention deficit disorder and anxiety changed the way focus, learning, and confidence developed.14:33 – Discover why stepping away from a demanding career can open the door to new growth.21:23 – Understand how workplace sexual harassment leaves lasting effects long after it happens.35:16 – See why protecting and celebrating local artists became a personal mission.59:09 – Learn why accessibility, accommodations, and empathy still matter in everyday life. About the Guest: Mary Dunn: Mary was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA.  She was the only child of Norman and Lucille Rump.  At a young age, she liked to draw and as she grew older she enjoyed painting.  Her first painting was in oil and Mary was eleven years old.  However, because of the expense of art supplies, it was difficult to pursue a continuous endeavor in that particular form of art. While in high school, nothing really exciting happened as Mary was on the shy side.  She didn't belong to any groups and she really just wanted to graduate.  She graduated in the upper third of her class.  The most momentous part of the graduation was that Jeff Goldblum was also a graduate of her class. After graduation, Mary continued her education at The Pittsburgh Beauty Academy.  There she studied cosmetology and acquired a teacher license.  Although she never taught, she did work at a few different shops and also managed a shop.  These experiences helped Mary to become less shy. At that time, she met her first husband and had two children.  The marriage lasted for eleven years, and Mary was left with two small children.  Mary realized that her background in cosmetology would not be sufficient to raise two small children. She decided to go to college. With the support of her parents, she was accepted to attend Carlow College which is now Carlow University.  There she studied business and minored in theology.  She almost minored in art, but she needed one more credit to have that as a minor.  It was important for her to graduate in order to take care of her children.  While in college she belonged to several organizations.  One organization was an honor society called Delta Epsilon Sigma.  There she became an assistant chair of the organization.  The second organization was OASIS.  The organization was for non-tradition students.  She was vice-president during her senior year at Carlow.  She graduated in 1991 cum laude. After Carlow, she found her first employment opportunity working the Equitable Gas Company as a “Technical Fieldman”.  In this position, Mary would draft pipeline installations, work up costs for those installations, and fill in for supervisors when they went on vacations.  The job was difficult as it had usually been filled by men prior to her.  She was thrust into a job that she learned on her own and was subject to sexual harassment.   At that time, sexual harassment was not spoken about.  Mary didn't even realize that her peers were doing these things to her.  When she supervised union personnel, they were nice and valued her expertise.  However, when she returned to the office, more harassment continued. During that period, Mary decided to get a Master's Degree and enrolled in Carnegie Mellon's Heinz school of Public Management.  Her classes were very valuable as she learned about leadership, information systems, and marketing communications.  She graduated in 1996 with distinction.  Even though after she graduated from CMU, she continued to be sexual harassed.  She thought it might be a good idea to document the issues that made her position difficult.  She began to take notes on these incidents.  When she went to Human Resources, Mary was told that she should confront these people and tell them how she was feeling.  Mary couldn't do that because she felt it would make matters worse.  She applied for another position within the company.  In 1997, Mary became Program Manager of Energy Technology. While there, Mary developed and implemented a marketing plan to promote the use of alternative fuels.  As a Program Manager, Mary became a member of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities which focused on alternative fueled vehicles.  During this time, she became a board member and focused on grants and wrote the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Newsletter. In 1999, her position was eliminated at Equitable.  In some ways, Mary was relieved about the elimination, but in other ways, it was the first time this ever happened to her.  She was now remarried and was concerned about her children. It was very scary. Thankfully, Mary was not unemployed for long.  She was hired at Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission as a Transportation Planner.  In this position she implemented a newly designed client tracking system of their products and services that helped to increase revenue. Additionally, she worked on a communication plan to implement branding and crisis communications. Eventually, Mary became a Marketing/Communication Specialist for Southwestern Pennsylvania Communications.  She was responsible for multi-media communications connected with branding. Mary designed logos for special projects, arranged special affairs, open houses and conferences.  She remained a part of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities.   Mary additionally prepared presentations for executive management to deliver regarding the Joseph A. James Memorial Excellence in Local Government Achievement Award that recognizes a municipal government elected or appointed official in any local government, agency, or Council of Government for a lifetime of exemplary governance or management. Unfortunately, a new Executive was hired to replace the past Executive who had passed away.  Because of this, our whole department was eliminated. After Southwestern, Mary was hired as the Manager of Administration and Human Resources for THE PROGRAM for Female Offenders.  While at THE PROGRAM, Mary was responsible for maintaining the policies and daily operations in THE PROGRAM.  She implemented a cost effective foodservice program, introduced staff ID cards and implemented the Windows NT network server and computer security using a Digital Subscriber Line which is a type of high-speed internet connection that uses existing copper telephone lines to provide internet access to three PROGRAM facilities. Additionally, Mary implemented a human resource database for directors and managers that targeted specific employment information. Mary maintained safety equipment and introduced a safe evacuation plan for her building.. Unfortunately, because THE PROGRAM was grant based and when it was time to acquire grant money much of the previous grants were not renewed and Mary lost her job.  Mary eventually was hired by Roach and Associates, Inc. as a Project Manager. In this position, she negotiated oil and gas leases for exploration and productions of future gas wells in Clearfield County Pennsylvania.  During this time, Mary was responsible for permitting activities with the state, county and federal agencies as well as prepared training seminars to meet pipeline safety regulations as per U.S. Department of Transportation, CFR49, Parts 192-193. Mary authored documentation regarding pipeline regulations for various housing authorities and gas production companies within Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York.  Besides working at Roach, Mary became part of the Transition Team for Peduto for Mayor of Pittsburgh.  That was such a memorable experience as my team focused on some of the issues facing the newly elected Mayor. It was nice to be a part of change. After working ten years at Roach and Associates, Inc., Mary decided it was time to retire in 2015. While working at Roach, Mary began dabbling in art again.  It had been quite a while since college and painting.  But she began to work in pastels and eventually more in the line of acrylic painting.  She became president of the Pittsburgh Pastel Artist League.  She no longer is president of that group.  Mary now belongs to the Pittsburgh Society of Artists where she was juried into the group.  She has had her work display at The Galaxie in Chicago,  Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Monroeville Library, Gallery Sim, Boxheart Gallery, Southern Allegheny Museum of Art, Saville Gallery in Maryland and various other galleries around Pittsburgh.  Her Study in Pastels won an Award of Excellence from Southern Allegheny Museum of Art.  Mary also came in second place in the Jerry's Artarama Faber Castel Contest. As time went on, Mary decided to focus more on her art work and began teaching students how to paint with Acrylic.  She also began a YouTube channel, Pittsburgh Artist Studio, where she gave free art lessons in acrylic to future artists around the country.  Unfortunately, Mary developed chronic back issues, and she had to give up her teaching.  She has had two back operations to alleviate the pain, but the second operation really didn't help.  It has caused more painful issues.  Therefore, it is difficult for her to paint a long period of time.  Currently, Mary devotes her time to illustrating her oldest daughter's books for children.  The books are a series about a little boy's adventures in his life.  Her books can be found on Amazon under her name “Nicole Leckenby”.  Additionally, she has illustrated a book for her younger daughter, Natalie Sebula, entitled “The Many Colors of Natalie”. In conclusion, now that Mary is retired, she has had more time to work on different art projects a little at a time.  She lives with her husband Steve and two dogs Grumpy and Sally.  She belongs to a group of wonderful women who review Bible Psalms each week. Since my minor in theology, I do enjoy reading various books on different religious subjects.  I am thankful for each day that I have and continue to work on the gifts God has given me. Natalie Belin: I am focusing on the arts. I am a creator with an ambitious attitude. I have no problem thinking BIG and dreaming BIG. While everyone else stays inside the lines, I boldly color outside the lines. Natalie resides near Pittsburgh, PA. She is 40 years old and loves adventures. Within these 40 years Natalie has experienced highs and lows. However, during the low points she was like water: adaptable, resilient, and always finding a way through. At toddler age, it was brought to the attention that she had high pressure in her eyes. However, nothing was really done about it because of her age. Typically, high pressures occur in older adults. After many years, one eye doctor took it seriously.  He prescribed eye drops and finally recommended a laser technique to open the tear ducts.  This alleviated the high pressure and since no eye drops have been needed. In 5 grade, she was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. Her mother, Mary Dunn advocated for her until someone listened, and her teachers realized it was a real problem. Steps were taken to help Natalie focus more.  As she grew older, it was important to do activities that helped her focus such as cheerleading and possible careers in culinary. Because of the importance of focusing, Natalie decided that culinary arts would be beneficial.  Natalie graduated in October of 2004 from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute with an associate's degree in Specialized Technology Le Cordon Bleu Program in Patisserie & Baking.  While there, she was elected class president. The Pennsylvania Culinary Institute offered externships to various prestigious areas to hone the craft.  Natalie's externship was at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulpher Springs where she was ultimately hired. However, Natalie decided to return to Pittsburgh after a car accident. Natalie continued to work as a pastry chef for about five years. After, she decided to further her education, and Natalie graduated in December of 2023 from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities. Some of her academic achievements are National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Sigma lambda-Alpha Chi Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh, Delta Alpha PI Honor Society. During her academic life, Natalie became an Emmy nominated producer for Pitt to the Point (a class focusing on the news as well as behind the scenes of a news/magazine program that covers the City of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh regional campuses as well as national and international events.) Currently, Natalie is in a Graduate Certification Program which is also at the University of Pittsburgh. The Certification is in Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law (SEAL). She hopes to use this program as a steppingstone to complete her master's degree in Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law. In addition to the SEAL certification, one could say that Natalie is a woman of many colors.  She works full-time as an Administrator for the Rehabilitation Science Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. This is where she provides administrative support for general program management, advising and faculty. Another aspect of Natalie's many colors is writing.  Several years ago, she wrote a poetry book called The Many Colors of Natalie. This is a book for 18+. There are several illustrations in the book that complement the poems. Mary Dunn, Natalie's mother, created the illustrations. In August of 2020, Natalie launched The Many Colors of Natalie Blog. She started this blog to give a new perspective to Pittsburgh other than being known for sports. This allows individuals the ability to educate themselves on different variations of Pittsburgh's art or artists as well as bringing awareness to the art scene. Natalie's motto is Love Art & Support Your Local Artist! Additionally, Natalie has been a model/actor since 2012. Most of her work consists of being an extra in various music videos and movies. Furthermore, she is an ambassador for Ambassador Sunglasses and Just Strong Clothing. Just Strong Clothing's Mission “We are a clothing brand on a mission to empower those who are not just strong for a girl, they are just strong. Whether you are an experienced lifter, a new starter or have simply overcome great adversaries in your life, the JustStrong community are here to empower and motivate you to never give up.” “Ambassador was formed to extract, refine, and exhibit the marriage between what was and what will be in fashion culture. When wearing Ambassador, you break the mold of the mundane to embrace your unmatched individualism.” Besides being an ambassador, Natalie became a Creative Percussion Artist in 2020. “Creative Percussion is a family-owned business, established in 2018, and run by husband-and-wife team, Kevin and Cheri Feeney.” Her picture is on the site as a CP percussion artist. Not only is Natalie a musician, but she dabbles in various mediums in art. Her mixed media piece Peace, Love, and Woodstock is currently in the Woodstock Museum located in Saugerties, New York. “The purpose for the Woodstock Museum is: To gather, display, disseminate and develop the concept and reality of Woodstock, encompassing the culture and history of a living colony of the arts, with special emphasis placed on the exhibition of self-sustaining ecological technologies. To encourage and increase public awareness of Woodstock by providing information to the general public through cultural events, displays of artifacts, outreach programs, communication media events and personal experiences, and to contribute, as an international attraction, to the cultural life and prosperity of our region; and to engage in all lawful activities in pursuit of the foregoing purposes.” Lastly, Natalie and her mother Mary Dunn started a side hustle several years ago. Mother and Daughter Collaboration (vending show name) is a great opportunity for Natalie to showcase her entrepreneurial skills in addition to her art. Their Etsy name is Maker's Collab Studio. In conclusion, Nat is excited for the future, and to see what is in store. She considers herself to be dynamic and resilient. Even those who know Natalie would say the same.  Regardless of what she has been through, she keeps going. She realizes that the tough times eventually do end. In self-reflection, the “tough time” may have been a life lesson, or a possible steppingstone to what's next in her life. Only time will tell. Natalie will always be a supporter of the arts, and she will always create in some way. As Natalie ages, she sees the importance of advocating for the disabled. At one point in her life, she was embarrassed about sharing her learning disability because she felt that we live in a society where having a disability isn't necessarily welcomed and is frowned upon. Do not fear individuals who need special accommodations.  Instead, educate yourself. Try being that individual who needs certain accommodations, and the accommodations are not provided or easily accessible. Progress has been made in educating the ignorant. However, there is more work that needs to be done. Ways to connect with Natalie & Mary**:** Blog website: Home - The Many Colors of Natalie Personal website: Home | natalie-sebula-belin Book of poetry: The Many Colors of Natalie: Written by: Natalie Belin - Kindle edition by Dunn, Mary, Leckenby, Nicole, Merlin, Grace, Palmieri, David. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. Facebook: (1) Facebook Instagram: Natalie Sebula (@themanycolorsofnatalie) • Instagram photos and videos Etsy: MakersCollabStudio - Etsy About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson  01:21 Hi everyone, and welcome to another edition of unstoppable mindset. We're doing something that we've done a few times before, and we get to do it again today. We have two people as guests on unstoppable mindset this time, mother and daughter, and that'll be kind of fun they have, between them, lots of experiences in art, but in all sorts of other kinds of things as well. They live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, and I'm not going to say a whole lot more, because I want them to tell their stories. So I want you to meet Natalie bellen and her mother, Mary Dunn. So Natalie and Mary, both of you, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  02:03 Well, thank you for Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  02:03 having us. Yes, we're happy to be here. Thank you. Michael Hingson  02:06 Well, let's see. We'll start with mom. Why don't you tell us something about the early Mary growing up, and you know what? What life was like growing up? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  02:18 Well, growing up, I was born in Pittsburgh. I was actually born on in the south side of Pittsburgh, and it was called St Joseph Hospital, and now it's an apartment building, but we lived here. I've lived here all my life. I lived in Hazelwood until I was about the age of three. Then we moved to Whitaker, Pennsylvania, and now I'm in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. So it's like we hopped around a bit. Growing up in my family was a little bit difficult. I had been bullied quite a bit by my cousins, so it kind of like left you know how it does with bullying. You know, it's not like today. Of course, I didn't want to go out and do something terrible to myself. It's just that it left my self esteem very low, and I just kind of stayed and was by myself most of the time. So until I grew up, I graduated from high school, I went to West Midland, North High School, I graduated in the same class as Jeff Goldblum. Although I didn't know him, I knew that he was very talented. I thought he was more talented on a piano than he was with acting, but he is still he's still very good with the piano, with his jazz music, and that's basically it. I've been in West Mifflin now for she's been quite a bit Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  03:49 since I was in seventh grade, and now I'm 40 years old, so we've been here a long time. Michael Hingson  03:54 Yeah, so it's sort of like 3027 years or so, or 28 years? Yes, well, Natalie, tell us about you when it was like growing up in and all of that. Sure. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  04:08 No problem. So I grew up in Whitaker for the most part, my yearly eight years, like until about fifth grade, I guess about like fifth grade, and then we moved, well, we just moved to a different house and whatever. Yeah, that when we moved for the second time, it was more in a neighborhood with kids, so that was, like, a lot more fun. And we played like tag and all that. So that my early years, I remember that like playing tags, swimming, I love, like skiing on the water, jet skis, stuff like that. Definitely. I loved running around. And I loved dance as a kid too, that was a lot of fun. Michael Hingson  05:00 Okay, and so you went to high school? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  05:05 Oh, yeah, I went, Yes. I went to West Midland area high school, and I graduated in 2003 in 2004 I graduated from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute as a pastry chef and part of the things that I had to do to graduate, I had to do, like, about a six month internship where I resided in white sulfur springs, West Virginia, and I got to do my externship at the Greenbrier, and that was pretty exciting, because it has quite the history. There. People love it there for Well, one of the things that sticks in my mind is Dorothy Draper, who decorated that resort. Her taste is very cool, because she went bold, like with flower print and stripes mixed together for wallpaper. There's stories in history behind the sulfur water there. And then most people might know the Greenbrier for their golf courses, for the golf course actually, or in history about the sulfur water Michael Hingson  06:26 now, you had high eye pressure for a while after you were born, right? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  06:31 Oh, yes, the eye pressures. That's quite the story, let me tell you so at a very young age, like different doctors and eye doctors that I went to. They knew that I had high pressures, but they didn't seem like it was a big issue. But my mom had the inkling that I needed to go to a different doctor when I was like, I guess you Middle School, Michael Hingson  06:58 yeah, yeah, you were about now, was there a lot of pain because of the pressure. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  07:02 I didn't even know was happening, so I wasn't in discomfort or anything. So they said, don't they kind of dismissed it. So I wasn't worried about it, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  07:14 Neither was I. But you know, like eventually we did go to a doctor and he said, Oh, my goodness, you have these high pressures. And it's, it could be like glaucoma. We don't ever see that in a young person, you know, they haven't ever seen anything like that. He was just amazed by it. And go ahead, you can finish this. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  07:36 Dr Al, I have so much respect for him, because he truly took care of my eyes for a very long time. I started seeing him in middle school, and I saw him up until, like my late 30s, and he I would see him quite frequently, because he would always monitor those pressures, because he knew the importance of that and how they could damage my eyes and I can lose my sight. So he always had me do like fields test eye pressure checks, because your pressures in your eyes can fluctuate throughout the day. So I would come in in like different times of the day to make sure they're not super high and stuff like that. He would prescribe me on different eye pressure medications like eye drops, because the they like the eye drops would help my eyes to it to regulate the pressures to a certain point, and then my eyes would get used to them, it seemed like, so then we would have to go to a different prescription. I caused that doctor a lot of stress, I think, because he was always thinking about my case, because it was so rare. And he went to a conference, actually, and brought that up at a conference, and at that conference, they said for me to get the laser, laser procedure done to Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  09:10 open the tear ducts. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  09:12 Yeah, yeah. And luckily, that solved it. Michael Hingson  09:18 Wow, so you so the the tear ducts were, were small or not draining properly, correct? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  09:26 Yeah, it was points where, like, if I wanted to cry, no tears would come Michael Hingson  09:31 out, no tears would come out. Well, yeah, yeah. Then you also discovered, or somehow you you learned about being Attention Deficit Disorder. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  09:45 Yeah, so, um, when I was from like one or like, from kindergarten to third grade, I went to a Catholic school, and I didn't seem like there was anything. Being really wrong. But then when I went to a public school, I was really having a hard time grasping the material, and I would get really frustrated when I was at home trying to do the homework and I just wasn't understanding. I believe the educators there said like I was also behind, which could have been part of the issue. But my mom would like try to help me with my homework, and it was like Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  10:28 it was hard. She would, she would get so frustrated and throw the papers and just, you know it, because it was very difficult for her, and we really couldn't under I couldn't understand why. You know this was happening, because my, my other daughter, I never had issues like that with so we had, I guess we were told to go. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  10:53 I think that was Miss Lenz in fifth grade. Yeah, she had me get tested for a learning disability, and with all the testing that was done with that, they said that I had attention deficit disorder. So whenever that diagnosis was made, I was able to get like teacher teaching aids to help me through tests to help me understand the curriculum a little bit better. Tutors did the counselor Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  11:28 I well they I did take her to get tested outside of school, and that's they actually told me some things that could help her with this. And then I went to the teachers, and the teachers, some of them, didn't, like, actually take this into consideration. They, they didn't really realize attention deficit disorder at that time. It was new. And so they, they kind of said, well, we don't, we don't believe in that or whatever. And I said, Well, can you just have her, like, sit up front, because she would pay attention more and she would focus better, because that's the problem she couldn't focus on. So it took a while, and then finally, the principal in the fifth grade, he had a meeting with the teachers us, and he actually was the one who brought that to their attention, that this is a problem, that attention disorder, you know, does occur, and some of it is hyper, just hyperactive disorder. So it luckily she didn't have that part of it, but it was the focusing, and we just got her more involved in things that she could learn how to focus. They recommended cheerleading, they recommended culinary school, and I think that really helped her to learn more on focusing. But she still has anxieties and things like that. It's still Michael Hingson  13:03 it's still there. So why culinary school? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  13:07 So that is such a fun question. When my grandma used to watch me, she was very particular on what I was like watching. She didn't want me to watch anything like super crazy or out there. So I would always watch cooking shows, and I thought he was so unique, the different recipes and everything that these chefs were making. And I love some of their personalities, like emerald, he was always so hyper and loud, so fun. And it was interesting to see the different types of foods that they were creating that, like certain countries make. You know, I love Spanish food. It's so good. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  13:55 She decided not to even get into that part. That was the thing. She wanted to be a pastry chef, yeah, Michael Hingson  14:02 something to be said for chocolate chip cookies. But anyway, go ahead. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  14:07 Yeah, she makes a good one, too. At Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  14:10 this point, I don't even know why. What drew me to baking more than culinary I think the two different styles are cooking are very interesting, because like with cooking, you don't have to be so exact with the measurements and everything with certain things like the spices and stuff. If you don't like rosemary, you don't have to put it in there. But with baking, it's definitely more scientific. Have to be more accurate with the measurements of certain ingredients, like baking soda, because it's lavender and like, altitude will totally screw up your baking Yes, so many reasons that elevation is so important. So yeah, so Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  14:59 mine's to it. Or whatever, you know? Yeah, Michael Hingson  15:01 so you went and did an externship, and then what did you do? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  15:06 So with the externship, I was there for a little bit over six months, I was officially hired, and I graduated from culinary school, but, um, I got in a car accident. So that's like, why left? So I was in baking professionally for about a total five years, and then I went back to school. Sorry, that's grumpy. Can you hear him barking? 15:36 I'm sorry. I'll go. No, no, it's fine. Michael Hingson  15:41 So why did you leave culinary? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  15:43 Um, I was just ready for a change. Because I started working professionally when I was like 19, so by my mid 20s, I was just ready to go back. I mean, that is a very demanding field. You're working several hours. Um, you're working with all types of personalities, certain pressures, long days sometimes. And I was just ready to see what else was out there for me. Michael Hingson  16:12 So you went back to school to study, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  16:15 yes, so my when I graduated in 2023 with my undergraduate degree, it was in humanities, and it focused on three areas of art, music, studio, arts and theater. The main focus was theater, okay? Michael Hingson  16:39 And so, what did you do with that? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  16:42 So with that degree, I did several different things. I wrote a poetry book, which I provided a link so people can access if they would like to purchase it. I created a blog in 2020 called the many colors of Natalie, and I created a blog to help bring a different perspective to Pittsburgh, other than just it being a city for sports, because there's a lot of talented artists out there, and plus, like during a pandemic, that caused a lot of strain on a lot of things, and I was really worried about certain venues that were iconic here closing and completely wiping out the whole art industry here, you know. So, um, with that too, I also, um, I was doing music at the time as a percussionist, and that's when I got introduced to creative percussion products, and I was using that with the different performances that I was doing. And I ended up being one of their artists featured on their page, website or website, yeah. Okay, yeah, and I also volunteered at a local dance studio called Lisa de gorrios dance, and I got to work with the younger kids, and I did that for a couple years. So that was interesting to see what it was like to teach and put on performances. It's a lot of you get to see the behind the scenes and time management and stuff like that. Also, I'm thinking here for a second, sorry. How about, oh, we, my mom and I created an Etsy shop. So we started a few years ago, called Mother Daughter collaboration, a vending that was like our vending show name, and we did that for Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  18:56 we've been doing that for a while. Yeah, we, we put different products up. I kind of tend to do my artwork, and she puts up some things also in art, we have, we have interesting things like CD, telephone, covers, cases, purses, you know. And we're working on a new product now to to put on to the Etsy shop this year. We didn't do many vending shows. I had surgery last last year on my back, and I had a hard time recovering because it was pretty expensive. So we're hoping to get that going again this year, or towards the end of the year, when the Christmas shows start happening, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  19:47 we did, um, create an Etsy shop called makers collab studio, and we were focusing more on that this year. Um, so we do have, like, a variety of different products. Um. Um, which I also provided the link to the Etsy shop. If anybody wants to check out our products and what we have, that'd be great if you stop checked out that. Michael Hingson  20:11 Yeah, my late my late wife, was a quilter and tried to run an Etsy shop, but people didn't want to pay any kind of real prices for handmade quilts, because they just thought that quilts should be, like, 50 or $75 and that just wasn't realistic. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  20:30 But, well, that's, that's the trouble. What we're seeing also, yeah, we do, I do, like, we do t shirts and things like that too. But people it. I don't think people realize what's behind the whole process. No, or they don't care. No, you know, I mean, there's a lot involved as far as your equipment. When it was covid, I was, well, I'm retired, but I was working part time, and I was able to, you know, get what is it, you know, workers, whatever, yeah, you know, yes. And with that money, I actually bought like things to do, T shirts, like the heat press and different parts to like a cricket that we can do things with. And so, you know, like the things that you know, you still have to buy supplies, even with my artwork, it's so expensive anymore, when I first started back in, you know, when my kids grew up and they were on their own, where I really focused on it, and I can't believe the expense of it. You know, it's just, it's everything's expensive these days. So, yeah, really watch what you're doing and how you approach it too. You know, you can't spend a lot of money on things. We don't have, like, a whole backlog of products. I mean, we just do a few things and hope that the things that we make are sellers, you know, Michael Hingson  22:05 yeah, well, and I hope it, it can is more successful for you going forward. That's a useful thing. You You've done a lot Mary with with art over the years, but you've also had other, other kinds of jobs where you've worked for some pretty large companies, and you've been reading your bio, you faced some sexual harassment issues and things like that, haven't you? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  22:29 Yes, yes, that was difficult boy, and I didn't realize that at the time I went to college late in life because I was getting divorced and I needed a job that I could take care of my family, my girls, and so I decided to go to college and my my mom and dad watched my kids while I went to school, which was nice. And the first job I had was with the gas company here, and I was called a technical Fieldman. And what I would do is, like, I would draw pipeline installations and the and sometimes I would fill in as a supervisor. When I filled in first as a supervisor, it was great. I mean, the guys were decent. We always came to a conclusion. I always trusted what they're you know what they would say about pipeline? Because I knew nothing about pipeline. It was all new to me. But when I would go back to the office, it was, it was just like crazy things that would happen. I mean, I won't go into detail, and I started writing these things down because I thought this just doesn't seem right, that these people are saying these things to me or doing these things to me. I had a nice little book of all these incidents that happened, and I went to the HR department, and they wanted me to confront these people in my office, to tell them how I felt. Well, that, to me, would have made everything worse, because that's just that, you know, kind of work environment. So luckily, I was, I was promoted into a job that lasted two years, and then my job was eliminated. So that was my first, my first thing with that was the only time I really had sexual harassment that was really bad. I went on to another which was the program for female Well, I worked for a university for a while, and then I went into the program for female offenders, which was really interesting work. I enjoyed that it was like people that were out on that needed to, that were like drug addicts and and they were looking for a new way. They had been in jail and this incarcerated, and they came into this. Program they had that was part of their incarceration or parole. They had to do this, this program, and that was so interesting. I mean, it was just heartfelt, because you just saw these people that were trying so hard to make a good life for themselves and not to go back to their original way of living. And unfortunately, that was all grant money. And that job ended also so that, you know, and I was a transportation planner, I did a lot of things, and then I ended up going back into the gas industry. I worked for an engineer, and we were working in the production side of everything. So he had drove to you wells, and we had leases, and I took care of those. And I liked that job for about 10 years. I stayed there, and then I I retired. I was getting tired of it at that point. Michael Hingson  26:02 Yeah. Why was your first why was your first job at the original gas company eliminated? Or when you were promoted and you said it was eliminated, yeah? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  26:10 Well, that's what I like to know why it was eliminated. I think sometimes that job was just to keep me quiet. That's how I felt. I mean, I, I they, they knew that I was upset and that I didn't like what was happening. And I think it was just to keep me quiet, and they realized that that job wasn't going to last, but it was a marketing job. We were using different ways to use gas, alternative fuel vehicles, fuel cells, you know. So it was an interesting job, too, but it it didn't really have the supervisor we had was not really a person that pushed the product, you know. So that could have been the reason, too, that they eliminated a lot of that. Yeah, so I wasn't the only one that went I mean, there was another person in that at that time, and eventually that whole department was eliminated. Now that gas company, they sold all that off, and another gas company took it over and equitable. Still is EQT here, and they work, I think at this point, they work with the leases and things like that, and horizontal drilling, they call it. Michael Hingson  27:38 So now that you're retired, what do you do? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  27:41 Well, for a while there, Michael Hingson  27:44 in addition to Etsy, yeah, for Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  27:47 a while, I was actually doing hair. I was my first, my first, I guess, employment type, or whatever. I went to beauty school, and I became a cosmetologist, and I also became a teacher in cosmetology. So when I first became all that the money wasn't so great. I worked my first job. I was so excited I had this job because I thought I was going to be making millions. You know, they they really pump you up in in beauty school that you're going to really succeed and you're going to make this money. Well, my first job, I worked over 40 hours at that job, and I only got $15 in my first pay. It was like we had to stay there the whole time until everyone was finished working. So the girls that had their clientele that they worked the whole day and into the evening, like till eight o'clock. Maybe we had to stay till eight o'clock. Even though I didn't have anybody to do. I might have had one person that day, yeah, so that that wasn't too I just worked at that for a few years, and then I decided to leave and take care of my family. Yeah, well, that that I went back to it when I retired, and it had changed significantly, making pretty good money. I was only working three days a week, and I did pretty well. But then my back. I had the issues with my back, and I couldn't go back to it, which really upset me. I really love that job. Michael Hingson  29:29 Well, things happen. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  29:31 Yeah, it does. You know, I'm happy not to stay at home. I figured now that I'm actually 73 years old now, so I think I I should retire Michael Hingson  29:47 and enjoy my life a little. Well. So Natalie, you graduated in 2023 and so then what did you start to do? And what are you doing now? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  29:57 So what I'm doing now is I'm. Still focusing on the Etsy shop, but I also got into a graduate certificate program, and this certificate is in sports entertainment and arts law, and I really hope to use this program as a stepping stone to complete my master's degree in the sports entertainment and arts law program. Michael Hingson  30:25 What exactly is a graduate certification program, as opposed to a master's degree? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  30:32 So that's a great question. So the certificate program is like a newer program, and it's like the only one in the world, I'm pretty sure, that focuses on sports, entertainment and art. So it's like a newer, more modern type of learning program. And this certificate is a great stepping stone, and for me to check it out before I actually go in to the master's program. This is, like, my second week, and I love it so far, and all these classes that I'm doing, and if I keep my grades up and everything, will apply to the master's program if I get in. Michael Hingson  31:15 Okay, well, so Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  31:20 less credits than, like, what you would need for a master's program, and it's less I don't need a textbook. I have these things called nutshells, where I'm pretty sure, like, I'll be studying different types of cases or something like that through that. So it's like online stuff. Michael Hingson  31:43 The Okay? And how long do you think it will take you to complete that Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  31:49 the certification program should be about a year, and it's all online, okay? Michael Hingson  31:55 And how, how long have you been doing it so far? Just two weeks. Oh, so next August, yeah, yeah, yeah. And the hope is then you can use that to go forward and actually work toward getting a master's degree. Which, which sounds pretty cool, yeah, for sure. What do you want to do with it once you get a master's degree? Well, like Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  32:20 all those points like sports entertainment and arts, I think is Pittsburgh is a great city to represent all of those. And I hope to help represent like clients, maybe do like to protect their works and them as an artist. And I would like to hopefully get into paralegal work. That's what I'm focusing on right now. Michael Hingson  32:47 So is school pretty much full time for you these days? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  32:51 No, it's still part time, and that's what I like love about this program, because, like all week, you'll be doing 10 hours outside of so I still work full time as an administrator in the SHRS program, and I am the administrator for Rehabilitation Science. So yeah, it's great to have like, bosses and everything that support me in my educational journey, because that makes my life a lot easier too. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  33:26 Yeah, that's some great bosses. Michael Hingson  33:29 Well, it's good to have some people who tend to be a little bit more supportive. It helps the psyche when you get to do that. Yes, yeah. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  33:39 Because the one thing that I noticed with this program, it is definitely more manageable, because, like the undergrad program, I did enjoy the process. For most parts, some of it was really challenging. But the undergraduate program, it was really hard for me to get late night classes. Most of those classes that I had to take were I had to be in person, so like late classes were pretty hard to get, but my bosses allowed me to take earlier classes so I could help finish the program faster, but I just had to make up that time. Right? Michael Hingson  34:28 When did you discover that you had artistic talent? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  34:32 Um, I don't know if I ever really discovered that I had the talent, but I was very passionate at a young age, like when my mom was going back to school, I always loved watching her paint, because she had like the painting classes. I always thought so I like sit on the floor and watch her paint. And at a very young age, I was in the dance class. Do you remember the name? A France Dance School of Dance, France School of Dance. And I love dance class so much. I remember one time the dance school was closed because of a holiday, and I was, like, so upset, like, I didn't believe, like, the dance school was closed and I didn't understand, like, why I wasn't allowed to go. So they called the school and it went straight to, like, the answering machine so they could prove, like, it was closed and nobody was there. I was like, ready to show up. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  35:30 She wanted to go, yeah. She was just about three or four when she was taking the dance classes at that time. Yeah. But then it became on, you know that they both the kids were involved, but I couldn't afford it anymore. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  35:45 So dance is very expensive. Yeah? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  35:48 Well, you know, like, at that time too, I was going to school, and I didn't have much of a salary, and I was living with my parents, so, I mean, and they were retired, so it was, like, very tight. Yeah, right. Michael Hingson  36:04 Well, it nice to have an enthusiastic student, you know, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  36:13 so true. Well, Michael Hingson  36:15 so you've created the many colors of Natalie blog, tell me about that. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  36:22 So I reach out to different artists that were that are located in Pittsburgh or at one time, working or living in Pittsburgh. So this is like musicians, photographers, actors and they, I I create questions for them, for them to answer in their own words, like advice that they would give, or funny stories that they had while working in the field. And that's that's the main point of the blog, because I want it to be a resource for people and for them to also see, like, why that genre is cool. And I think another reason that motivated me to create that blog is some people just don't see an importance to art, and I find that so offensive. Like, yeah, so I just wanted it to be as an educational type thing as well. Michael Hingson  37:28 How long has the blog been visible? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  37:33 So it's been visible for about five, six years now, five years, yeah, and I did over like 50 some posts. Michael Hingson  37:45 Do you do that with consistency? Or So do you have one, like, every week or every three weeks, or every month, or something like that? Or how does that work? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  37:53 So when I first started, I was consistent with the posts I don't ever leave my blog, like, not active for like a year. Like, I always try to post something, but it's a little more challenging to do a post. Like, every month, whenever I'm working, going to school, volunteering for different things, running the Etsy shopper, vending so I had to cut it back a little bit because that is just me running it. Michael Hingson  38:30 So you've also created a mixed media piece. First of all, what is a mixed media piece? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  38:35 You want to explain Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  38:36 the mixed media? Oh, well, a mixed media is like different mediums. It could be paint, it could be pictures, and it's posted on a board, a canvas, or whatever it can be in a journal. You know, you just use various types of mediums. It could be using lace, it could be using fabric, it could be using, like I said, pictures, paper, and they call it mixed media. So she decided she wanted to create a mixed media. I had a huge canvas that was given to me. It was like 36 by 36 giant. It was huge, and I knew I couldn't do anything on that, because I don't paint big. I like to paint on smaller canvas, like an eight and a half by 11, or eight and a half by 14. So she, she decided she wanted to use that Canvas for something. But you go ahead and tell them. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  39:38 So, um, whenever Woodstock had their 50th anniversary, and I believe that was around 2019 I had the opportunity to go to yaska's Farm and camp where the original campers from the very first Woodstock would stay in that. Campsite was like, right next to this yaska farms. So I took some pictures of it, like me with the yaska farm house. And so it was very inspirational to go to that because I was doing research on what Woodstock was, the original Woodstock. And what that was about, I talked to Uber drivers that were actually at the original Woodstock. Jimi Hendrix is one of my favorite musicians, and for him to not be there, I was like, so sad. Very sad. So with all the education experience. I needed to release that. And I took my mom, let me have that canvas, and like I created a mixed media giant collage, and I got that into the Woodstock Museum in Socrates, New York. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  41:01 Wow, it's actually there now, Michael Hingson  41:04 yep. How long has it been there? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  41:07 I believe got that in there? Yeah, about two years. Michael Hingson  41:13 Wow. So it's kind of almost a permanent piece there. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  41:17 I hope so. I hope they keep it there for sure. What? Michael Hingson  41:21 What prompted them to be interested in having it there. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  41:25 So I that piece was so giant, and I loved how it turned out, and I wanted that more than just in my house, my art pieces are very close to me, because that's like my soul and my work, and I want it out there to somebody who cares about it. So I reached out to Shelly nation, Nathan, because they, I believe, are the owners of the Woodstock Museum, and they were more than happy to have it. I had it shipped out there. And then, whenever the season was to reopen the museum, I went out there and visited it. And it's a very great it's a very cool place. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  42:10 Recommend, yeah, she, she was interviewed by them, also, right? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  42:14 Oh, yeah, we did go on a radio station. And that was also a cool experience, because I was never on a radio show at that time. Cool. Michael Hingson  42:25 Well, that's pretty exciting. I have not been to the Woodstock Museum, so that might be something to explore at some point when I get get back there next that'd Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  42:35 be great. Yeah, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  42:37 all those things like, you know, like I grew up during that period, of course, I didn't go to the Woodstock. Original Woodstock wouldn't let me do that. I was only 16 at the time, and but I mean, you know, like, like looking back at that and and seeing how all those people were there, and not nothing terrible happened, you know, I mean, hundreds of 1000s of people, and nobody got hurt. Well, they might have passed out, maybe from things, but nobody was, like, shot or killed or and like today. I mean, you can't you're so afraid to do anything today, you don't know what's going to happen. And it just was a different time. And the musicians that were there. I mean, that music was is still good today. You know, it's it, it hasn't faded. And I wonder sometimes about today's music, if it will continue to be popular in years to come, or if it's just going to fade out. You know, we won't know that, and so well I won't be here, probably Michael Hingson  43:44 we won't know for a while anyway, yes, but I did hear on a radio station a rebroadcast of a lot of the Woodstock concerts that was kind of Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  43:56 fun. Yes, yes. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  44:00 Sorry I didn't mean to cut you. Go ahead. Go ahead. When I was talking to like the Uber drivers and stuff like that, and people who were at the original Woodstock, it seems like they were reliving that experience when they were telling the stories. I mean, it was great. Michael Hingson  44:15 Yeah. Well, you play creative percussion. First of all, what is pre creative percussion? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  44:23 So I actually have that written in some notes, what it actually is. So do you mind if I read off my notes? Michael Hingson  44:30 You're welcome to however you want to answer, perfect. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  44:33 So I was asked to be a creative percussion artist in 2020 and creative percussion is a family owned business established in 2018 and run by husband and wife team, Kevin and Sherry Feeney. They're great. I've had the opportunity to talk to them very much a couple of times, and my pictures also on the site. Um. Uh, under like my stage name now is a Bulla. So if you scroll down spell that it's S, E, B as a boy, u as in unicorn, L, L as in Len and a is an apple. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  45:16 Okay, what types of things, kinds Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  45:18 of there's various types of shakers that I played because of various bands that I was in, I was the percussionist, so I played tambourine and stuff. But like, they have uniquely shaped shakers, like there's the hatch shakers, which I love them. They had a baseball shaker, and these little golf ball shakers, and they all carry different sounds, and they really blended differently with the type of song that I was playing was playing, yeah, so it's cool, Michael Hingson  45:53 yeah, so interesting. So you you play them as part of being with a band, or what Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  46:01 for the most part, yeah, sometimes there was an acoustic band or just like a full band, and either way, I tried to have those pieces blend into the song. What I didn't learn when I was doing that is and an acoustic you really have to be on your game, because, like, if you mess up, like, people are gonna hear it more than if you're in a full band. So, yeah, right. Michael Hingson  46:38 So you do you still do that? Do you still play Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  46:42 at this time? I don't, um, just because I wanted to focus on other things, so I took a step back from that. Michael Hingson  46:51 Do you think you'll do more of it in the future, or Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  46:56 possibly, but like, that's how I am. I kind of just like, experience it, do it until I'm ready to move on to something else. Michael Hingson  47:04 So you flit, you flip from thing to thing, yeah, yeah, yeah. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  47:10 So, like, if you ever follow me, you might just see, like, me evolving and just trying other things. Michael Hingson  47:19 Well, you're adventurous. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  47:22 Yes, I love adventure. Michael Hingson  47:25 Nothing wrong with having an adventure in the world and getting to really look at things. So what are you doing now if you're not doing creative percussion and so on? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  47:38 Well, for the last couple months, I was helping my mom recover from like the back surgery. And then I was I was focusing on my blog, just really paying attention to that, getting certain interviews, and then schooling, getting ready to go into the certificate program. Michael Hingson  48:05 So you think you're gonna go ahead Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  48:09 and I'm setting up the Etsy shop. Michael Hingson  48:13 So you're pretty excited about seal, the sports entertainment, art and law. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  48:19 Yes, I'm very excited about that. I was very excited to get into the program. The professors are great. The whole programs like really good. The people involved in it, they seemed, they seem really organized and let me know what I need to do to get into the program. And they are really nice. If I have a question, they're happy to answer it. I love the curriculum, so I hope you go, Well, Michael Hingson  48:46 do you experience anything any more dealing with like attention deficit? Oh, 100% it still creeps up, huh? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  48:55 Well, it's more anxiety than anything. But like this program, I think, is to help calm my anxiety with just different things that are set up. And like, how responsive the professors are and how nice they are. But my goodness, when I was in my undergraduate program, like I was really pushing myself, and I would like, of like, when 2020, came around in the pandemic, I needed to talk to my doctor and get on meds, like I could no longer not do that without meds. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  49:29 Yes, she was, she was struggling. It was tough. Yeah. I mean, when I went for my Bachelor's, I I I wasn't working. She was working. When I went for my master's, I was working, but, and I know how hard that is, you know, trying to balance things, especially I was working at equitable at the time, and the things that I was going through and being, you know, filling in for supervisors was I. I was on call, like, 24 hours a day, and it, you know, like that was, I can see how difficult it is to do both. It's just, I know what she was going through there, and she goes through it, but she did well. She graduated sigma, sigma cum laude. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  50:17 Yeah, I did get some honorary, like accolades for like, whenever I graduated. So that was pretty exciting, because the hard work did pay off. Michael Hingson  50:29 What do you think about studying and attending classes virtually as opposed to physically being in the room? Hybrid learning? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  50:38 Some people may have an issue with that, but I personally, cause I was working full time and it was hard for me to get later classes, I preferred the online learning, but I understand, like some of the classes really did need me to be there, like the theater classes, and I was okay with that. I don't mind either, either or, but it just seems like online learning is more manageable. For me, it Michael Hingson  51:08 takes more discipline to to stick with it and focus on it, as opposed to being in the classroom. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  51:14 Um, yeah, I agree, but I think which, which is not a negative thing, by the way. Oh, yeah, no, no, no, I totally understand, but I think, um, I forget what I was going with that. Michael Hingson  51:26 Sorry. Well, we were talking about the fact that more discipline dealing with, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  51:33 Oh, yeah. Oh, that's right, thank you. It's just, um, I think if you truly want it, you're gonna put forth the effort in anything. You know, it's may not always be enjoyable, but like, if you want it, you'll put through it. You'll push through it, like with high school, my mom knows, just like from elementary to high school, like that curriculum, I was just not feeling it, but I knew I had to stick it out. I wanted to be a high school dropout. I voiced that many of times, but like, I knew if I wanted to get to culinary school, I had to really focus on my academics through then and just try to push through and just do it, do what I had to do to graduate. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  52:19 Yeah, it's such a different environment to high school, I believe, you know, like I found that I really enjoyed college. I enjoyed my subjects. They went fast. The classes went fast. It was fast paced, but it was an I learned more. I you know, I think that slowness of the way that they do things in in the high school, it takes them like three weeks to get through one chapter, you know, and so it, it just, it just made it a big difference. And I, I wished I could continue to go to school. I think I was a really good student. Michael Hingson  52:59 I think one of the things about college is, and I've talked to several people who agree, is, you certainly learn from the courses that you take, but College offers so much more with with with the extracurricular activities, with the interaction with people, with The greater responsibility. College offers so many more life lessons if you take advantage of it, that really makes it cool. And I, I always enjoyed college. I liked it a lot. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  53:29 Yeah, yeah, I did too, I think with some of my challenges and frustrations, not only with my learning disability, but like the fact that

With growing numbers of claimants for benefits, pensions and social care, and little sign of growth in the economy, how can we balance the books? Has the whole idea of supporting every member of society ‘from the cradle to the grave' been superseded by financial conditions? Or is it just a matter of raising more taxes from the richest in society, following the Scandinavian pattern? Phil and Roger ask Peter Starke, Professor of Political Science and Public Management at the University of Southern Denmark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cultural Differences and Government with Maria Paula Correa Maria Paula Correa serves as Chief Relationship Officer at Libra Group, overseeing global partnerships with governments and key stakeholders. Based in Miami and Bogotá, she is part of the Group's Leadership Team. She plays a pivotal role in establishing connections that bridge cultural differences and align government priorities across international markets. Her focus is on creating trust-based relationships that drive cooperation and sustainable growth. Between 2018 and 2022, Maria was Chief of Cabinet to the President of Colombia, working under President Iván Duque Márquez. In this position, she directed interinstitutional coordination, international relations, and strategic communications for the national government. Before that, she was Senior Director of Strategic Engagement at Concordia, promoting dialogue on global partnerships and how cultural differences and government influence policy and collaboration. Earlier, she worked as Consul at the Colombian Consulate in New York and as Advisor to the Chief of Staff during President Álvaro Uribe's administration, strengthening Colombia's diplomatic relations abroad. Maria holds an MPA from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and a B.A. in Law with a Political Science concentration from Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia. She also completed diplomas in Political Communications from Universidad Javeriana and Public Management and Administrative Institutions from Universidad de Los Andes. Her background demonstrates a deep commitment to diplomacy, public service, and leadership. Through her work, she consistently emphasizes how cultural differences and government dynamics shape global decision-making and cooperation. In addition to her executive responsibilities, Maria serves on the Board of Directors of Casa Editorial El Tiempo, Colombia's largest media organization, where she contributes to strengthening informed dialogue and international understanding. Her tips to become more culturally competent are: Pay attention to detail. Don't underestimate cultural intelligence. Always respond, even though they might not like the response. Listen before you interpret and respond. You need to have contacts. This is usually more valuable than what you know. Build cultural curiosity into your life. Want to avoid the most common mistakes when working internationally? Read this article. Cultural Differences and Government with Maria Paula Correa More stories and culture can be found here. Culture Matters The Culture Matters Podcast on International Business & Management Podcast Build your Cultural Competence, listen to interesting stories, learn about the cultural pitfalls and how to avoid them, and get the Global perspective here at the Culture Matters podcast on International Business. We help you understand Cultural Diversity better by interviewing real people with real experiences. Every episode there is an interview with a prominent guest, who will tell his or her story and share international experiences. Helping you develop your cultural competence. Welcome to this culture podcast and management podcast. To Subscribe to this Management Podcast, Click here. The Culture Matters Culture Podcast. Available on iTunes and Stitcher Radio Click here to get the podcast on Spotify Talk to your Amazon Alexa and listen to the Podcast Listen directly on Amazon If you have a minute, please leave me an honest rating and review on iTunes by clicking here. It will help the visibility and the ranking of this culture podcast on iTunes immensely! A BIG THANK YOU! Enjoy this FREE culture podcast! Music: Song title - Bensound.com More Ways of Listening: Get a Taste of How Chris Presents, Watch his TEDx Talk     Name Email Address Phone Number Message 14 + 13 = Send Call Direct: +32476524957   European Office (Paris) Whatsapp: +32476524957   The Americas (USA; Atlanta, GA; también en Español):  +1 678 301 8369 Book Chris Smit as a Speaker If you're looking for an Engaging, Exciting, and Interactive speaker on the subject of Intercultural Management & Awareness you came to the right place. Chris has spoken at hundreds of events and to thousands of people on the subject of Cultural Diversity & Cultural Competence. This is What Others Say About Chris: “Very Interactive and Engaging” “In little time he knew how to get the audience inspired and connected to his story” “His ability to make large groups of participants quickly and adequately aware of the huge impact of cultural differences is excellent” “Chris is a dedicated and inspirational professional” In addition, his presentations can cover specific topics cultural topics, or generally on Cultural differences. Presentations can vary anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours and are given worldwide. Book Chris now by simply sending an email. Click here to do so. Read more about what Chris can do for you. Percentage of People Rating a Presentation as Excellent 86% 86% Rating the Presentation as Practical 89% 89% Applicability of Chris' presentation 90% 90% About Peter van der Lende Peter has joined forces with Culture Matters. Because he has years and years of international business development experience joining forces therefore only seemed logical. Being born and raised in the Netherlands, he has lived in more than 9 countries of which most were in Latin America. He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) with his family. You can find out more at https://expand360.com/ Or find out what Peter can do for you here.

On this podcast we review a bill on Governor Newsom's desk that could muzzle both teachers and students. We delve into the upcoming sheriff's race and look at LA's huge investment in the LA Convention Center in the midst of tough budget times. La Mikia is an alumna and adjunct professor of the USC Sol Price School where she received dual master's degrees in Public Policy and Urban Planning, and Certificates in Public Management and Political Management. She is also an activist and a mom of three.https://www.instagram.com/lamikiacastillo/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast we review a bill on Governor Newsom's desk that could muzzle both teachers and students. We delve into the upcoming sheriff's race and look at LA's huge investment in the LA Convention Center in the midst of tough budget times. La Mikia is an alumna and adjunct professor of the USC Sol Price School where she received dual master's degrees in Public Policy and Urban Planning, and Certificates in Public Management and Political Management. She is also an activist and a mom of three. https://www.instagram.com/lamikiacastillo/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

KBLA Contributor LaMikia Castillo is an alumna and adjunct professor of the USC Sol Price School where she received dual master's degrees in Public Policy and Urban Planning, and Certificates in Public Management and Political Management. She is an activist and a mother of three. On this pod Dominique and LaMika delve into the choices, challenges and trends in Southern California and national education circles.https://www.instagram.com/lamikiacastillo/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Under President Santiago Peña, Paraguay is enjoying economic stability, the fastest growth in Latin America, the lowest debt to GDP ratio in the region, a stable currency and the award of investment grade status for the first time ever. And, while this is impressive and cause for celebration, analysts are asking what the Paraguayan government is doing to combat corruption? On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we speak to Andrew Nickson, Honorary Reader in Public Management and Latin American Studies at the University of Birmingham and ask about Peña's successes and his shortcomings over the first two years of his government, and what we can predict for the remaining three years. Follow LatinNews for analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondon LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters Facebook: @latinnews1967 For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

La Mikia is an alumna and adjunct professor of the USC Sol Price School where she received dual master's degrees in public policy and urban planning, and Certificates in Public Management and Political Management. She is the mom of three young boy and an organizer with Black Lives Matter. On this podcast we unpack the terrible case of Brandon Boyd who was killed by Long Beach police on the steps of his own church. We also take a look at government pressure on universities and the impact of ICE raids on Black communities.https://www.instagram.com/lamikiacastillo/https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/ https://www.instagram.com/blmgrassroots/

La Mikia is an alumna and adjunct professor of the USC Sol Price School where she received dual master's degrees in public policy and urban planning, and Certificates in Public Management and Political Management. She is the mom of three young boy and an organizer with Black Lives Matter. On this podcast we unpack the terrible case of Brandon Boyd who was killed by Long Beach police on the steps of his own church. We also take a look at government pressure on universities and the impact of ICE raids on Black communities. https://www.instagram.com/lamikiacastillo/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/ https://www.instagram.com/blmgrassroots/

This episode was recorded on 22 May, during the installation of Francis Offman's solo exhibition at the Secession. Kamogelo Walaza, a curatorial fellow from South Africa, spoke with the artist about his work and the exhibition: Francis Offman Weaving Stories 29.5. – 31.8.2025 The walls of the stairwell that leads to Francis Offman's exhibition Weaving Stories are covered in dried coffee grounds. The dark tactile material transforms the narrow entrance to the exhibition space on the first floor into an immersive olfactory experience. More The works of Francis Offman consist of canvases (not mounted on stretchers) with irregular contours, featuring paintings that emerge from the associations of sections of vivid, flat, uniform colors, and collage zones made with the insertion of scraps of paper – thin or thicker sheets, salvaged from bread wrappers or shoeboxes – which enter the composition like rips or wounds. An encounter that only on occasion makes elements emerge that can be traced back to the real: a dry tree, a mountain, a portion of water, earth or sky … Offman's pieces are free compositions that imply fragile references, minimal and understated, to a faraway world (Africa and Rwanda, where the artist spent some of his childhood) and its customs, a traumatic memory and an uncertain identity; jagged, dynamic spaces that cannot give rise to an integral landscape. (Davide Ferri) Francis Offman was born in Butare, Rwanda, in 1987 and now lives in Bologna, Italy. Kamogelo Walaza is a curatorial fellow at the Secession from May to June 2025 as part of the FOCUS INTERNATIONAL programme of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport. She is a curator, writer, arts and cultural educator and ethnographer, born in Bloemfontein and based in Johannesburg. She holds a Postgraduate degree in Applied Drama and Theatre and a BA Honours in Drama Therapy from the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as a BA in Corporate Communication, an Honours in Communication Studies, and an Honours in Public Management and Governance from the University of Johannesburg. Walaza received the Marshall Kander Drama for Life Award for her research on HIV/AIDS awareness through applied drama. She recently completed a distinction-awarded autoethnographic paper titled Memories in Her Blood.   Secession Podcast: Artists features artists exhibiting at the Secession. The Dorotheum is the exclusive sponsor of the Secession Podcast. Programmed by the board of the Secession. Jingle: Hui Ye with an excerpt from Combat of dreams for string quartet and audio feed (2016, Christine Lavant Quartett) by Alexander J. Eberhard Audio Editor: Paul Macheck Executive Producer: Bettina Spörr

Andrew Heiss is an assistant professor in the Department of Public Management and Policy at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. Vincent's “What is your estimand” section in his {marginaleffects} book: https://marginaleffects.com/chapters/challenge.html#sec-goals_estimand Article on defining estimands: https://doi.org/10.1177/00031224211004187 Andrew's marginal effects post: https://www.andrewheiss.com/blog/2022/05/20/marginalia/ Andrew's post on “fixed effects” and mariginal effects across different disciplines: https://www.andrewheiss.com/blog/2022/11/29/conditional-marginal-marginaleffects/ Follow along on Bluesky: Andrew: @andrew.heiss.phd Ellie: @epiellie.bsky.social Lucy: @lucystats.bsky.social  

Valerii Pekar has been an entrepreneur since 1992. He serves as an adjunct professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School, the Business School and School of Public Management of Ukrainian Catholic University, Open University of Maidan, and the Ukrainian Academy of Leadership. He is the author of four books and was a member of the National Reforms Council from 2014 to 2016, also advising Ukraine's Ministers of Economic Development and Trade during that time. Valerii is currently the Chairman of the Board of the Decolonization NGO.----------LINKS:https://conference.lvivmediaforum.com/speakers/valerii-pekarhttps://www.liga.net/en/author/valerii-pekarhttps://forumkyiv.org/en/speakers/valerij-pekarLVIV MEDIA FORUM:The NGO Lviv Media Forum strengthens media, institutions, and public figures capable of fostering healthy public dialogue in Ukraine and beyond. Our goal is an effective and democratic society united by healthy communication. The organization was founded in 2013 to bring together media professionals from Ukraine and around the world in Lviv for the annual LMF conference. Over the years, we have grown into an ecosystem of people, organizations, and projects that support the media, develop comprehensive solutions for them, and promote the best media practices in Ukraine and globally. We are moving from supporting and developing media and journalists to a broader strategic focus: empowering communication actors, including media, civil society organizations, government bodies, and more. https://lvivmediaforum.com/enhttps://conference.lvivmediaforum.com/----------Your support is massively appreciated! SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon CurtainNEXT EVENTS - LVIV, KYIV AND ODESA THIS MAY AND JUNE.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur first live events this year in Lviv and Kyiv were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. We may add more venues to the program, depending on the success of the fundraising campaign. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

In den vergangenen Tagen und Wochen haben viele Gemeinden und Städte ihre Rechnungen präsentiert. Dies auffallend oft mit Überschüssen. Erklärungen und Interpretationen dazu gibt es von unserem Sonntags-Gast: Jonas Willisegger, Professor für Public Management und Politik an der Hochschule Luzern. Weiter in der Sendung: · Das Spiel zwischen dem FC Luzern und dem FC Lausanne-Sport endet 1:1. · Marcel Bieri gewinnt im Schlussgang Joel Wicki und gewinnt das Schwyzer Kantonalschwingfest.

Aubrey converses with Prof Daniel Meyer, School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy at UJ, about treasury’s surprise U-turn decision to scrap the proposed VAT increase that had sparked concern across the country. What was meant to be a one percentage point rise over two years is now off the table, with the VAT rate staying at 15%. But with that decision comes a R75 billion revenue hole and plenty of political spin. What does this reversal really mean for South Africa’s fiscal health? Who's footing the bill? And what alternatives lie ahead?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DA's future in the government of national unity - GNU - appears to be hanging in the balance after it voted against finance minister Enoch Godongwana's budget on Wednesday. While analysts agree that the DA and ANC have been on the brink many times before, they say this time is the worst and most perilous for stability. Pressure also appears to be mounting from the ANC NEC for President Cyril Ramaphosa to deal with the DA especially after the party took the 0.5 percentage point VAT hike and the process of passing the fiscal framework document to court for review. The DA's federal executive has reportedly held meetings to decide on it's future in the GNU but the outcomes of the deliberations are yet to be made public. DA leader John Steenhuisen however told the SABC yesterday that his party remains committed to the GNU. On the other hand the ANC is expected to convene a special NEC meeting TOMORROW (Monday) to discuss it's next course of action following these recent developments For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Daniel Meyer from the School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy at UJ and Professor William Gumede from the School of Governance at Wits University

Today I am so pleased to introduce Toby Lowe who is a Visiting Professor of Public Management. We talk about what is wrong with New Public Management, and how it can lead to people manipulating the metrics. Toby talks about the pressures he faced while he was CEO of a charity to lie. We talk about how to govern and fund public services, and that there is choice in this, meaning that the old ways of doing things can be changed. Creating outcomes is complex. If people can respond to this complexity with trust and leaning this is the beginning of a new paradigm. The latest insights are also here:https://www.humanlearning.systems/uploads/WhatisHumanLearningSystemsRadicalPragmatism.pdf

In episode 181 with Robert Barnett, Rob and I were discussing the real constraints and difficult conditions teachers find themselves in as they try to prioritise the meaningful learning and growth of their young people. This week, we are taking a broader look at the kinds of institutional structures that might actually help rather than hinder these more generative ways of living and learning - the kinds of institutions suited to the transformative adaptations and systems change that we desperately need. So in this episode I'm really happy to be speaking with Thea Snow and Toby Lowe about taking a Human Learning Systems approach to management and governance of organisations. Thea and Toby in their work at Centre for Public Impact focus primarily on public sector management. However, these principles certainly apply more broadly to institutions in the private and third sectors. This is very exciting work as it feels much more authentically connected to the beautiful and complex realities that we know we live, learn and work in and that we want to prepare our young people to embrace. But we also know that the way we are held accountable for outcomes in our work often feels simplistic and naive and entirely dissociated from these complex realities. Thea is the Regional Director for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand at Centre for Public Impact. Thea's experiences span the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. She has worked as a commercial lawyer, a public servant, and, prior to joining CPI, at the UK's innovation foundation, NestaToby Lowe is Professor of Public Management at Manchester Metropolitan University and action researcher at Centre for Public Impact. He has also done policy work addressing poverty in neighbourhoods for the Social Exclusion Unit, worked as a public management action researcher developing the Human Learning Systems approach and held the position as Chief Executive of a participatory arts charity in North East England.You can find links in the show notes to a lot of the documents and sources we talk about in the conversation, especially if you'd like to find out more about implementing a Human Learning Systems approach in your organisation. Some of Thea's work includes:“The (il)logic of legibility – Why governments should stop simplifying complex systems”https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2021/02/12/the-illogic-of-legibility-why-governments-should-stop-simplifying-complex-systems/“Once upon a bureaucrat: exploring the role of stories in government“https://thepolicymaker.jmi.org.au/once-upon-a-bureaucrat-exploring-the-role-of-stories-in-government/“Why evidence should be the servant, not the master, of good policy”https://apolitical.co/solution-articles/en/Why-evidence-should-be-the-servant-not-the-master-of-good-policy“Public servants are tired of change-washing — not change”https://apolitical.co/solution-articles/en/public-servants-are-tired-of-change-washing-not-changeSome of Toby's work includes:Human Learning Systems: Public Service for the Real World: https://centreforpublicimpact.org/resource-hub/human-learning-systems-public-service-for-the-real-world/Harnessing Complexity for Better Outcomes in Public and Non-profit Services: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/harnessing-complexity-for-better-outcomes-in-public-and-non-profit-servicesHuman Learning Systems: A practical guide for the curious: https://www.centreforpublicimpact.org/assets/pdfs/hls-practical-guide.pdfVarious links from our discussion:https://www.humanlearning.systems/hls-insights-findings-from-our-research-2024/https://centreforpublicimpact.org/resource-hub/storytelling-for-systems-change/https://medium.com/centre-for-public-impact/embracing-ensembles-8e049c40b87fhttps://www.woodleigh.vic.edu.au/events-public-calendar/reimagined-conference

It's been a whirlwind of executive action, with orders coming fast and furious and some already rescinded or blocked by the courts, since President Trump took office just 10 days ago. Like many presidents before him, he is pushing the boundaries of executive authority, testing limits, ignoring precedent and trying to shift the balance of power from the legislative branch to the executive. For more on what the president has done so far and where things might go from here, KCBS political reporter Doug Sovern spoke with William Resh, professor of Public Management and Performance at the Price School of Public Policy at USC.

Three small towns in Connecticut are seeking to share an administrator -- the first time that something like this has ever been attempted according to the organization conducting the recruitment. Joining me on the podcast to discuss this innovative approach is Alex Torpey from the Edward J. Collins Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston. This shared administrator will be tasked with helping the cities of Canterbury, Chaplin, and Pomfret while technically being employed by the Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (NECCOG). Canterbury (pop. 5,000) - Budget of $15,000,000 Chaplin (pop. 2,200) - Budget of $9,500,000 Pomfret (pop. 4,300) - Budget of $14,000,000 As the demand for public services exceeds revenues and the complexity of local government increases, is it inevitable that consolidation will become more common as jurisdictions seek to walk the financial tightrope? We explore this fascinating recruitment in this episode. SHOW NOTES: Alex Torpey's LinkedIn Page and email address: alex.torpey@umb.edu Link to Recruitment Brochure and email address for the Edward J. Collins Center: CollinsCenterRecruit@umb.edu EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is sponsored by Holbrook Asphalt. Maintaining your roads is one of the most difficult tasks for any city government. The good news is the secret to making it easier is only 3 letters: H-A-5. HA5 extends the life of roads and reduces the financial burden on taxpayers. HA5 is an innovative pavement preservation treatment trusted by over 300 public agencies. It keeps good roads in good condition, reducing repair costs and saving taxpayer dollars. Join the hundreds of other cities making the smart choice. Choose HA5 for longer-lasting roads and a healthier budget. Learn more at holbrookasphalt.com/city. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This episode of Embrace the Squiggle Dawn Creighton shares her squiggly path starting from her childhood dreams of being in cosmetology to her diverse roles in banking, sales, nonprofit management, and community outreach. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, following one's gut, and valuing personal experiences and connections above material possessions.Dawn Creighton is Assistant Vice President, Community Outreach Officer, Western Massachusetts Market, Liberty Bank. Dawn is highly connected in the Western Massachusetts community through her work past experiences with the Associated Industries of MA, Greenfield Community College, MassHire Holyoke, and Corporation for Public Management. She created many partnerships with local non-profits.Speed Round Answers:What colour brings you the most joy? Pearl / off-whiteWhat is your favourite place on earth? Being in a kayak.If you were to get a tattoo, what would it be? Something like her daughter's fish hook tattooWhat book recommendation do you have for our listeners? Are You There God, It's Me Margaret? Judy Blume https://a.co/d/iTCgNApConnect with Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawncreighton/Interested in being a guest on the podcast in 2025? Fill out our application here https://forms.gle/QX6a9a7cV76VYzbt9Connect and learn more from Colleen at www.maxady.com and on Linkedin at www.linkedin.com/in/comaraConnect and learn more from Kristine at https://www.kristinethody.com and on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinethodySubscribe to the podcast Embrace the Squiggle and listen every week for a new career adventure!And please leave us a rating on your podcast app, it really helps us out.

Has honour been restored to the Legitimate Interest legal basis after the CJEU Royal Dutch Tennis Association decision and subsequent EDPB Guidelines? Is the GDPR showing signs of rustiness? Has it instead become a new religion?  Rie Aleksandra Walle brings over seventeen years of professional experience across both the private and public sectors, having worked at Kristiania University College, Ernst & Young, Nordic Innovation and the Norwegian Agency for Public Management and eGovernment. Rie is behind the DPO Hub, which helps busy DPOs by offering concise summaries and key practical takeaways from key CJEU rulings, EDPB documents and DPA decisions, as well as by putting together a community around it. She is also the host of the Grumpy GDPR podcast. References: The Grumpy GDPR Podcast (NoTies Consulting) DPO Hub Rie Aleksandra Walle on LinkedIn Rie Aleksandra Walle on Bluesky KNLTB vs. Dutch DPA (CJEU decision) EDPB Guidelines 1/2024 on processing of personal data based on legitimate interest Guidelines on the technical scope of article 5.3 of the ePrivacy Directive Serious Privacy (Podcast): Comments on the KNLTB case and other updates  Peter Craddock: ePrivacy exceptions, advertising, analytics, the limits of consent and server-side processing (Masters of Privacy) Rie Aleksandra Walle: the DPO's guide to better resources, constructive debates, and a happier life (Masters of Privacy)

Host: Tracy ShuchartGuests: Harald MalmgrenHarald needs no introduction, and if I tried to read his entire resume, it would take the entire hour and then some…so I will do my best to summarize Harald Bernard Malmgren is a scholar, ambassador, and international negotiator who has been senior aide to US Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford, and to US Senators Abraham A. Ribicoff and Russell B. Long, United States Senate Committee on Finance. Following public service, he was appointed as a Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Smithsonian Institution, an adviser to the Senate Finance Committee, and Professor of Business and Public Management at George Washington University.In addition, He has acted as an advisor to many foreign leaders and CEOs of financial institutions and corporate businesses and has been a frequent author of articles and papers on global economic, political, and security affairs.Currently he provides global macro research via Malmgren Glinsman Partners among other projects.Richard Field Richard Field is the Director of the Institute for Financial Transparency, an organization focused on bringing valuation transparency to all the opaque corners of the financial system and the sponsor of the Transparency Label Initiative.Since the mid-90s, he has been a leader in defining and implementing transparency in the structured finance industry. Mr. Field designed, developed and patented a low cost information system to handle all of the complexity involved in making each structured finance security transparent.In April 2008, Mr. Field wrote a Learning Curve column for Total Securitization that described the gold standard for transparency for structured finance securities. Earlier in his career, he worked as an Assistant Vice President for First Bank System and as a Research Assistant at the Federal Reserve Board. Disclaimer: This material is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes and is not to be construed as a recommendation, solicitation, or an offer to buy or sell / long or short any securities, commodities, or any related financial instruments. Please contact a licensed professional before making any investment or trading decisions

Jeffery Thompson is the director of the Romney Institute of Public Management at the BYU Marriott School of Management. He was raised in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from BYU with a BA in Japanese and a Masters degree in business. Jeff then earned a PhD in organizational behavior, with an emphasis in ethics, at the University of Minnesota, and then taught for four years in the business school at Miami University of Ohio prior to returning to BYU. Jeff's research focuses on organizational ethics and meaningful work. And in 2009, Jeff and his coauthor, Stuart Bunderson, published a paper that went viral in the academic world, and has been cited nearly 2,000 times. Much of our conversation today revolves around findings from that work. In this episode we discuss the following: Jeff found that the zookeepers he studied, consistent with others who have found their calling, have three things in common: First, they do work that has an other-orientation, a sense of service. Second, they embrace, and leverage, their own unique gifts. And third, they describe a sense of destiny, as if it were fate that had led them to their position. And even though Jeff eventually found his own calling, he realized that there was more to his calling than he initially thought, as he accepted new positions and embraced new opportunities.    Connect on Social Media: X: https://twitter.com/nate_meikle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natemeikle/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nate_meikle/

Host: Tracy Shuchart for MicDropMarketsGuests: Harald Malmgren and Richard FieldHarald MalmgenHarald needs no introduction, and if I tried to read his entire resume, it would take the entire hour and then some…so I will do my best to summarize Harald Bernard Malmgren is a scholar, ambassador, and international negotiator who has been senior aide to US Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford, and to US Senators Abraham A. Ribicoff and Russell B. Long, United States Senate Committee on Finance. Following public service, he was appointed as a Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Smithsonian Institution, an adviser to the Senate Finance Committee, and Professor of Business and Public Management at George Washington University. In addition, He has acted as an advisor to many foreign leaders and CEOs of financial institutions and corporate businesses and has been a frequent author of articles and papers on global economic, political, and security affairs.Currently he provides global macro research via Malmgren Glinsman Partners among other projects.Richard Field Richard Field is the Director of the Institute for Financial Transparency, an organization focused on bringing valuation transparency to all the opaque corners of the financial system and the sponsor of the Transparency Label Initiative.Since the mid-90s, he has been a leader in defining and implementing transparency in the structured finance industry. Mr. Field designed, developed and patented a low cost information system to handle all of the complexity involved in making each structured finance security transparent. In April 2008, Mr. Field wrote a Learning Curve column for Total Securitization that described the gold standard for transparency for structured finance securities. Subsequently, he consulted with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners on their July 2012 white paper on financing home ownership. Earlier in his career, he worked as an Assistant Vice President for First Bank System and as a Research Assistant at the Federal Reserve Board. Disclaimer: This material is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes and is not to be construed as a recommendation, solicitation, or an offer to buy or sell / long or short any securities, commodities, or any related financial instruments. Please contact a licensed professional before making any investment or trading decisions

In the first episode of the 2024-2025 season of Tech in the Arts, hear from Jessica Bowser Acrie, the director of the Arts Management and Public Management programs at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College. Having recently attended the Christie's Art + Tech Summit, Bowser Acrie shares her key takeaways for arts managers.

Nompilo Nyandeni is a qualified Paralegal Practitioner, Bcom Law student and Sister in law mentee. She also holds a diploma in Public Management and Economics from the Durban University of Technology and a certificate in Labour Law from the University of Cape Town . Nompilo works as an Investigating Officer in the Labour Law Section at the Provincial Government. Nompilo has demonstrated leadership skills through her involvement in various leadership structures including the RCL. her dedication has earned her to participate in a programme called Emerging Leaders in the Public Service amongst 99 other young people across the Province. As a born-again Christian, she values excellence, integrity, honesty, respect, love, and family, and is dedicated to applying her knowledge of the law to become a representative who makes a positive impact. Outside of her professional interests, Nompilo finds joy in spending time with her sisters and engaging in church activities, where she is taught valuable life lessons.We would love to hear from you. Follow us on instagram @sister_in_law_ @_mpilonyandeni

Simplenight AI Presents DeepTech and Healthcare/Techbio Investments for Family Offices with Ruchi Dana July 19 About Guest: Ruchi Dana, Partner, Dana Group   / danaruchi   About Ruchi: Dr Ruchi Dana is a qualified medical practitioner, who has transitioned successfully into a seasoned entrepreneur and Business Leader. Ruchi did her MD from AMU and her full-time MBA from Stanford University. Ruchi also received her PMP Certificate in Public Management and Social Innovation from Stanford University. Ruchi is a frequent speaker at various industry conferences and sits on multiple Corporate, startup, non-profits and University boards including Dana Group of Companies, Dubai, Duluth Medical Technologies Inc, USA, NGO Aaroogya Foundation, India and the California State University, Chico Cybersecurity Advisory Board. Ruchi has been recognized by Forbes Middle East as the “Next Generation Business Leader, Arab World” for 3 consecutive years 2017, 2018 and 2019. She has also been recognized by Campden Wealth as the “Women to Watch” in September'18 issue, and was conferred with the Yuva Ratna Award, 2018. Ruchi has also been recognized as “Top 75 Family Business Leaders” 2019 by Campden Research (UK). Recently, Dr Ruchi was featured on the Forbes ME Top Power Businesswomen 2020. Since joining Dana Group, Ruchi has been instrumental in starting the Value-added Steel manufacturing division in 2008, Lubricants and Grease manufacturing division and also Retail and Real estate divisions for Dana Group in 2014. She is also actively involved in strategic planning for Dana Group and manages the family office investments. Ruchi has also worked with Golden Seeds, an investment firm in New York and New Silk Route Growth Capital, a PE firm in Dubai, she has mainly focused on healthcare related investments at both these firms. #SimplenightAI #DeepTech #HealthcareInvestments #Techbio #FamilyOffices #RuchiDana #InvestmentOpportunities #AIInnovation #FutureOfHealthcare

Host Will Hutton hears from four leading social scientists on how the new UK government should tackle the country's most pressing challenges. In this special episode marking the end of the general election and the start of Season 6, we apply a social science lens to issues concerning the stagnating economy, the climate crisis, adult social care, and universities. We speak to Professor Jagjit S. Chadha, an economist who is the Director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, Jo Johnson, who is chairman of FutureLearn and a former Conservative party minister, Catherine Needham who is Professor of Public Policy and Public Management at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham, and Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, the Director of the  UK Centre for Climate Change & Social Transformations (CAST), University of Bath. In the run-up to the UK election, the Academy of Social Sciences gathered over 100 social scientists to showcase their ideas on the policies the new government should prioritise based on robust evidence for our Academy of Social Sciences Campaign for Social Science Election 24 project. In this special episode of the We Society, we bring you just a few ideas from this project, which covered key policy areas, including the cost of living crisis, immigration, and healthcare, to name just a few. To learn more about the project and the Academy, visit our website, www.acss.org.uk. Season 6 of the We Society Podcast from the Academy of Social Sciences continues to tackle the big questions through a social science lens.  Hosted by Academy president and acclaimed journalist Will Hutton, you'll hear some of the best ideas to shape the way we live.  Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the We Society on your favourite podcast platform, and you can email us on wesociety@acss.org.uk and tell us who we should be speaking to or follow us on X https://twitter.com/AcadSocSciences

This episode is with Zorina  Pritchett, a small business owner who has been through a lot. Zorina is a cum laude graduate from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Management. She is a caregiver and helps Veterans to obtain their disability benefits. She is a disabled veteran who struggles with severe mental health, she has a good days, and bad days, but she does all this while having her own business, and being a caregiver for her brother who is in a wheelchair due to a stroke. She created two card games- ZomadicShift and ZomadicShift PASS-n-Play currently sold online at Walmart. Zorina's third game ZomadicShift FACE-OFF is coming soon   Her website  https://zochey.com

260: The Blueprint for Building Exceptional Nonprofit Teams (Will Sparks)SUMMARYHow can you harness the power of organizational culture to drive optimal performance in your nonprofit? In episode 260 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dr. Will Sparks, an expert in leadership and organizational culture, delves deep into the dynamics of culture, leadership, and team performance. Drawing from his extensive research and experience, Will unpacks the nuances of leadership influence and the role of executive tenure in shaping organizational culture. He explores the challenges and opportunities for new leaders in transforming established cultures, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and candid communication. From navigating board dynamics to founding the Center for Human and Organizational Potential (CHOP), Will offers actionable strategies and valuable insights for nonprofit leaders seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence. ABOUT WILLWill Sparks is the Dennis Thompson Chair & Professor of Leadership at the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte, where he also serves as the Director of the Office of Leadership Initiatives. In 2008, he founded the McColl School's M.S. in Organization Development (MSOD) Program and served as Director until 2013. Will serves as the Managing Director for William L. Sparks & Associates, LLC, and as a Partner with Peter Browning Partners, LLC, a consulting firm providing board governance and executive coaching. His TedX Talk “The Power of Self Awareness” released in 2018. He is the author of “Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow & Maximizing Your Potential” and co-authored (with Peter Browning) “The Director's Manual: A Framework for Board Governance” (2016, Wiley). He completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development under the direction of Dr. Jerry B. Harvey from The George Washington University's School of Business and Public Management, where his research focused on group dynamics, organizational culture, and leadership.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESActualized Teamwork: Unlocking the Culture Code for Optimal Performance by William L. SparksHear more from Will on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership in episode 14.Have you read Patton's book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

Carolina Pozo, an economist, innovation expert, and speaker, hails from Quito, Ecuador. She studied Economics at York University and holds a Master's in Public Management from Università SDA Bocconi. Carolina founded Cacao EcoVillage, MUZE Chocolate, and Avanti, focusing on innovative social impact projects. Her accolades include being a former member of the Global Shapers Community and being recognized by The McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Carolina led Quito's first open government and innovation lab and has been involved in creating the Public Innovation Lab in Honduras. Currently, she is driving initiatives in the chocolate industry and mobile banking for financial inclusion.   In this episode, Carolina discusses the transformative power of open innovation in government and how it can foster significant societal improvements. She shares insights from her time as the Director of LINQ, Quito's Innovation Lab, emphasizing the lab's role in pioneering open government policies. Carolina's stories from the front lines of innovation highlight the challenges and triumphs of implementing new policies that are transparent and citizen-centric.   Carolina also delves into her current projects, which marry her expertise in economics and her passion for social entrepreneurship. She talks about the creation of MUZE Chocolate, a social business aimed at transforming the chocolate industry by prioritizing sustainability and community involvement. Furthermore, she explains her role in advancing mobile banking solutions to enhance financial inclusion, detailing the impacts of these services on underserved populations in Ecuador. Listener Engagement: Discover the songs picked by Carolina and other guests on our #walktalklisten here.  Connect with Carolina: Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, Muza: Twitter and Instagram and Avanti: Instagram and Twitter. Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us. Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram. Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives. Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and as well as the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).  

In this episode, host Sarah Samuels, CFA, CAIA, sits down with Lily Lyman, General Partner at Underscore VC, a Boston-based VC firm for bold, seed stage founders. Together, they delve into Lyman's insights garnered from her experiences in fostering entrepreneurship globally, her impactful role in spearheading international expansion efforts at Facebook, her journey in venture capital leadership, and the significance of venturing beyond one's comfort zone.   Show notes Lily Lyman has been a founder, investor, and operator in mobile technology. She came to Underscore VC from Facebook, where, as a growth leader, she launched products that drove 100M new users in 4 years. Prior to Facebook, she held strategy, operational, and entrepreneurial roles, including co-founding an Agtech & CPG startup while at Stanford. Today she is a Board Director for the New England Venture Capital Association, MIT Sandbox Funding Board, and is a leader of the Boston All Raise chapter. Lily earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. She also holds a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Columbia Business School and a Certificate in Public Management from Stanford GSB, and was a founding member of the Yard Venture's Investment Committee.   Disclaimer This podcast is the property of the CFA Society Boston. It may not be copied, duplicated, or disseminated in whole or in part without the prior written consent of CFA Society Boston. ​The comments, suggestions, and advice provided in and during this podcast are of the applicable host and guests and not of their respective employers or CFA Society Boston, its members, employees, or volunteers. This proprietary podcast is provided for general informational purposes only and was prepared based on the current information available, including information from public and other sources that have not been independently verified. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, correctness, appropriateness, completeness or reliability of the information, opinions, or conclusions expressed in the podcast and by the presenters. ​ Information in this podcast should not be considered as a recommendation or advice to own any specific asset class.  This podcast does not take into account your needs, personal investment objectives, or financial situation. Prior to acting on any information contained herein, you should consider the appropriateness for you and consult your financial professional.  All securities, financial products, and transactions involve risks, including unanticipated market, financial, currency, or political developments. Past performance should not be seen as a reliable indication of future performance and nothing herein should be construed as a guaranty of results. ​ This podcast is not, and nothing in it should be construed as, an offer, invitation or recommendation of any specific financial services company or professional, or an offer, invitation or recommendation to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in any jurisdiction.   Pull Up a Chair is produced by Association Briefings.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has dismissed some of the charges against former President Donald Trump and others in the 2020 Georgia election interference case. WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas discusses the latest. Meanwhile, Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist, and Tammy Greer, a clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University in the Department of Public Management and Policy, provide a recap of the Georgia primary. They also explain how both major political parties might campaign moving forward now that President Joe Biden and former President Trump have secured their respective parties' presidential nominations. Plus, the "Leave it Blank" campaign, from the Listen to Georgia Coalition, requested for Democratic primary voters to leave their ballot blank when they headed to the polls on Tuesday. The campaign was an attempt to put pressure on President Joe Biden for a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas War. Azka Mahmood, an advisory board member of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Action Georgia and a member of the Listen to Georgia Coalition, discusses the results of the campaign. Lastly, Rivian has paused its plans to build a $5 billion manufacturing facility in Georgia. Larry Williams, the president and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia, discusses how Rivian's decision could impact the state's economy and reputation as an electric vehicle and tech hub.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rie Aleksandra Walle brings over seventeen years of professional experience across both the private and public sectors, having worked at Kristiania University College, Ernst & Young, Nordic Innovation and the Norwegian Agency for Public Management and eGovernment.  Rie is behind the DPO Hub, which helps busy DPOs by offering concise summaries and key practical takeaways from key CJEU rulings, EDPB documents and DPA decisions, as well as by putting together a community around it. She is also the host of the Grumpy GDPR podcast. With Rie we will explore her own tips and tricks to stay sharp and up to date, avoiding a myriad of shallow or confusing sources and digging for the best possible answers at all times - all of it while avoiding clickbait, radical opinions and the avalanche of so-called privacy experts clogging LinkedIn feeds. References: How to stay up to date as a DPO The Grumpy GDPR Podcast (NoTies Consulting) DPO Hub Rie Aleksandra Walle on LinkedIn  

Our Ability has a long-standing relationship with Albany Medical Center. Over the years, Albany Med has supported our Journey Along the Erie Canal, a hand cycle trip to support individuals with disabilities in upstate New York. As we have grown our employment outreach throughout New York State, Albany Med has come on board to support our work, most importantly, sourcing candidates. Sandra "Sandy" Castilla represents Albany Med, and we have an open and enjoyable conversation.   Castilla is Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer for the Albany Med Health System. Castilla joined Albany Medical Center in 2005 as the Associate Director of Compensation and Benefits. She was subsequently promoted to Director of Human Resources, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, and then Vice President. In her role, Castilla oversees benefits, compensation, and human resources management. She leads the team responsible for executing retention and recruitment strategies for clinical departments and non-clinical business departments. Along with her extensive experience in the healthcare sector, Castilla has held human resources leadership roles in the finance, manufacturing, and gaming industries. Castilla holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from the State University of New York at Potsdam and a master's degree in Business and Public Management from the State 

What have we learned from season two of Reimagining Government? Athena Hughes, Naja Nelson, and our host Adrian Brown revisit highlights and delve into the topics we covered. Join us to explore failure, imagination in government, and what on earth a paradigm shift is. Read the blog here. Read the full written episode transcript here. Featured in this episode: Adrian Brown (Host) - Executive Director, Centre for Public ImpactAthena Hughes (Host) - Senior Associate, Centre for Public ImpactNaja Nelson (Host) - Senior Associate, Centre for Public ImpactDan Vogel - CEO, Flourish FundDr. Oliver Escobar - Professor of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation, The University of EdinburghHannah McDowall - Co-Director, CanopyJaime Junior - Advocacy and Community Education Coordinator, Disability Network of Wayne County DetroitJaviera Godoy - Programme Manager, Centre for Public ImpactKaren Lawson - Interim Co-Director for Europe, Centre for Public ImpactMartin Begley and Lara Colraine - Inverclyde Early Help in Custody ServiceToby Lowe - Visiting Professor in Public Management, Centre for Public Impact

About the Speaker: Jim Carter is a Senior Fellow with the America First Policy Institute's Center for American Prosperity. Previously, as Director, he oversaw the Center's operations, including research and policy development impacting economic growth, tax and budget policy, regulation, trade, and labor productivity. For nearly a decade, Jim was Vice President of Government Affairs at Emerson, a diversified global manufacturing and technology company based in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to managing Emerson's global, federal, and state government affairs, Mr. Carter's lobbying portfolio included tax policy, international trade, and management of the company's political action committee. Before joining Emerson, Mr. Carter served in the Bush and Clinton Administrations, as a senior staff member on the Senate Budget Committee, and as a policy advisor to former Senators John Ashcroft, Sam Brownback, and Connie Mack. Jim has served as a Deputy Undersecretary at the Department of Labor, a Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Treasury, and Associate Director of the National Economic Council at the White House. While at the Treasury Department, he received the Secretary of the Treasury's “Exceptional Service Award” and a separate award for his work on behalf of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Mr. Carter has been published more than 200 times on fiscal policy, economics, and other public policy matters for leading publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Investor's Business Daily, Politico, The Hill, The Daily Caller, and USA Today. He is a frequent speaker, including as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University and as a lecturer in the Public Management program at Johns Hopkins University. Jim is a 2014 recipient of Johns Hopkins University's “Excellence in Teaching” award. He also appeared in season three of House of Cards, playing a U.S. senator. Jim recently served on the board of directors for both the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and the National Capital Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. He is a former president of the Business-Government Relations Council, a non-profit organization that seeks to increase governmental awareness of the role of business in national affairs. He holds degrees from George Mason University and Truman State University.

In the first episode of 2024, Department of Criminal Justice Training Instructor Gabe Gillingham talks about the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar, tools for coping with trauma and day-to-day stress, first-responder self-care, resiliency training and more.For more information about DOCJT's Resiliency Section, click here.For information about the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar, click here. Contact Gillingham at gabe.gillingham@ky.gov. ABOUT OUR GUESTGabe Gillingham is an instructor within the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training's Resiliency Section. He is also a peer support provider and program coordinator for the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar. Before joining DOCJT, Gillingham spent 12 years with the Hopkinsville Police Department –serving as a patrol sergeant and SWAT commander- and eight years on active duty with the Military Police. He served two combat deployments with the 101st Airborne Division. Gillingham holds a bachelor's degree in Homeland Security with a minor in Public Management from Austin Peay State University, a master's degree in justice, Policy and Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University and several other certifications within the criminal justice and mental health professions. In addition to his life of service, Gillingham spends his time with his wife, Melissa, and his four children, Blaine, Taylor, Ollie and Bailey. The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training's Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky. Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at critley.kingsmith@ky.gov to share feedback. Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.

The Premier says the 2024/2025 Budget is in full compliance with the Principles of Responsible Financial Management as prescribed by the Public Management and Finance Act, or PMFA and those specified in the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility (the FFR). An update from Finance Committee on the projects surrounding a new high school for Cayman Brac. and Plan Cayman is back on the radar. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rcnews/message

The quality of public services – whether health, education, water supply, or sewage disposal – has a big impact on all of our lives. How to enhance that quality is therefore one of the big questions for political studies.Professor Marc Esteve is one of the leading experts on exactly that issue. We have recorded this special episode of our podcast to coincide with his inaugural lecture as Professor of Public Management here in the UCL Department of Political Science.  Mentioned in this episode:Assessing the Effects of User Accountability in Contracting Out, Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory.Determinants Of Network Outcomes: The Impact Of Management Strategies. Public Administration.The Political Hourglass: Opportunistic Behavior in Local Government Policy Decisions. International Public Management Journal You can watch Marc's inaugural lecture on our YouTube channel, where it will be uploaded in January 2023.

In this podcast, we talk a lot about change.  We don't just want to change policies or attitudes, but the whole paradigm. But what on earth is a paradigm? Join us to explore what a paradigm is, hear practical examples of paradigm shifts, and try to solve the mystery of how we can shift paradigms in public service. Featured in this episode: Adrian Brown (Host) - Executive Director, Centre for Public ImpactToby Lowe (Host) - Visiting Professor in Public Management, Centre for Public ImpactHenk-Jan Dekker - Researcher, International Centre for Environmental Research and DevelopmentJessica Studdert - Deputy Chief Executive, New Local

In this episode, Dan and Lauren are joined by Dr. Sonia Ospina, one of the 2023 ILA Lifetime Achievement Award Winners. The recently retired Ospina served as Professor of Public Management and Policy at New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and former Faculty Director of the Research Center for Leadership in Action (RCLA). She is a sociologist by training and an expert in participatory and qualitative research methods. Her interests in the participatory, inclusive, and collaborative dynamics of democratic governance have produced research on social change leadership, engaged scholarship, social innovation, public accountability, and public sector reform, both in the United States and in Latin America.

Hundreds of people protested near the proposed site for the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center on Monday. For a roundtable discussion, just one day after the demonstration, Beliks Terán, the mother of environmental activist Manuel Terán, Jamie Peck, a spokesperson for Block Cop City, Dr. Jacqueline Echols, board president of South River Watershed Alliance, and Rev. Keyanna Jones, an Atlanta-based minister and an organizer with Community Movement Builders, joined “Closer Look.” The guests discussed several topics, including Manuel's life and legacy, why they oppose the building of the $90 million facility, the overlap between civil rights and environmental justice, and ongoing efforts to stop the construction of the training center.Plus, a little under one year away from the 2024 presidential election, the race is heating up. Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, and Dr. Tammy Greer, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Public Management and Policy at Georgia State University, discuss last week's election and who is leading in polls for the presidential race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I engage in a deep and candid conversation with my friend from undergrad, Danielle Blanks, who recently faced extreme loss, leading to the most challenging of life transitions. We explore the intricacies of her loss and the complex emotions of identity, grief, and burnout, with both of us sharing our ongoing and cyclical grieving processes. We discuss the layered nature of grief and the challenges of fully processing each loss individually. Listeners will hear about the healing strategies that have helped Danielle in her growth journey with an emphasis on the importance of trusting God, self-care and resilience.  As we discuss heartbreak, grief and loss, you will be taken on a journey of resilience and self-discovery, with insights into the transformative power of adversity. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about the trials of life and the strength that emerges from navigating life transitions. Danielle is a lawyer from Chicago's South Side who lives in the Washington, DC metro area with her dogs. She has a career in public service and nonprofit, with over ten years of experience in various areas of the federal sector.  She received her bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Black World Studies from Loyola University Chicago, her Master in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and her Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law, where she was an Opportunity Scholar. Topics Discussed: Divorce and breakup Layoffs Losing Home Grief Identity Christian faith Books and programs mentioned in show: Believe It: How to go from Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima Episodes mentioned: Remember who You are I was laid off Networking during a pandemic with Farrah Belizaire Follow Danielle Blanks on Instagram @customihd Check out her website: Custom Interior Home Designs LLC

The state of men's discipleship in the church today is anemic at best. Our guest today, Bob Jamison, President and Founder of Adam's Quest Men's Ministry, helps us think through the significance of men's discipleship in the church, as well as the critical role of mentorship. We discuss the impact of the book, Four Chair Discipleship: Growing a Movement of Disciple-Makers, on Bob and his ministry with CLC. You'll gain a valuable framework for understanding the development of a disciple.Bob Jamison served for 24 years as President of Family Guidance, Inc., one of the region's strongest programs for at-risk youth and families. Before coming to Family Guidance, Bob served in college administration at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.He has a B.A. degree in communication from Carnegie Mellon, a marketing certificate from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master's Degree in Public Management from the Heinz School at Carnegie MellonBob is co-founder of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Leaders Prayer Breakfast, Prayer Over Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Prayer Evangelism and has served on the Mayor's Youth Policy Council and the advisory boards for The Pittsburgh Experiment, CityReachers, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Mentoring Partnerships, and the National Fatherhood Initiative, Friends of Propel Charter School, Gang Free Schools Steering Committee for the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and Urban Impact Foundation. His life and ministry are highlighted in The Story Behind the Success: Learning from Pittsburgh Professionals. He has traveled in mission to Mexico, Argentina, England, and Brazil.RESOURCES:AdamsQuest.org Four Chair Discipleship: Growing a Movement of Disciple-MakersCLC's All-In CurriculumCLC's Getting Real CurriculumMEN'S WEEKEND DETAILS:Empowered Manhood Men's Weekend  (https://www.empoweredmanhood.com/event-details/empowered-manhood-mens-weekend)ISRAEL EXPERIENCE:Empowered Manhood Israel Experience (https://registernow.ittworld.com/)Tour Code: Empower24Spouses are welcome!Contact Mike Hatch: mhatch@clchq.orgOrder Mike's book, Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the GospelJoin the Empowered Manhood Facebook GroupCLC Website: https://www.clchq.org/Contact Chris Bolinger: https://chrisbolinger.com/author/Chris' Devotionals:Daily Strength for Men: A 365-Day Devotional52 Weeks of Strength for Men

Currently Cassie Armstrong is an assistant professor at the University of Louisville Brandise School and a Kentucky State Senator that represents Kentucky's political district 19 in Jefferson County. Professor Armstrong is a 2015 graduate of Harvard Law School, where she was President of the Legal Aid Bureau. She subsequently was selected to be a Skadden Fellow and with that award worked for two years as an attorney at Louisville Legal Aid Society and the Kentucky Equal Justice Center, where she represented victims of domestic violence in family law matters, designed and implemented a comprehensive program to provide legal services to rural victims of domestic violence and litigated appeals on poverty law issues. Most recently, Professor Armstrong worked as an Associate at the Louisville firm of Kaplan Johnson Abate & Bird LLP. Before that, she clerked for Judge Amul Thapar, now at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and then a Judge at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. She also clerked briefly for Judge Phillip Shepherd of the Franklin Circuit Court. Professor Armstrong received a B.A. from Yale College, summa cum laude, in 2010, an M.P.H. from Yale in 2011 and an M.Sc. in Public Management and Governance from the London School of Economics in 2012. She is a native Kentuckian, having grown up in eastern Kentucky. Her book, Hill Women: Finding Family and a Way Forward in the Appalachian Mountains was published by Random House in 2020. She was elected to Louisville Metro Council's District 8 seat in June 2020. From 2018-2020, she served as the Vice Chair of the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeijken  is an experienced INGO and philanthropic actor-focused consultant, leadership development trainer and coach, change management expert, author, evaluator and analyst with strong knowledge of international development, civil society organizations, leadership development, organizational development/organizational change, social development and gender and leadership. Excellent strategic, organizational, team management, communication and mentoring skills. Strong analytical, research and evaluation skills. Co-author of ‘Between Power and Irrelevance: the Future of Transnational NGOs', with Hans Peter Schmitz and George Mitchell, and published by Oxford University Press (July 2020). Co-author of several academic articles in peer reviewed journals; author of many practitioner-oriented reports, blog posts and essays. Podcast host of ‘NGO Soul+Strategy'. Tosca is a Dutch national who has worked in multiple regions around the globe and who currently is living in the United States.   Tosca's experience spans think tanks, NGOs, the World Bank, UN and academia. She has worked on civil society issues and social development since 1988. Prior to being the Principal Consultant at Five Oaks Consulting, Tosca worked in a European think tank focused on governance in Sub-Sahara Africa and the Caribbean; various UN agencies and an American NGO in Cambodia; as Social Development Specialist in the World Bank; and as ‘pracademic' at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Management at Syracuse University, USA, where she directed the Transnational NGO (TNGO) Initiative. The TNGO Initiative focuses on the governance, leadership development and effectiveness of transnationally operating NGOs.   Social media: Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Do check her blog.   Stay in-the-know about the civil society sector by signing up for our email list Take our FREE mini-course ‘5 Steps to Turbo Charge Your Virtual Team Leadership'  Future-proof your skill set by signing up for our online course ‘Virtual Team Leadership Essentials'.   The songs picked by all our guests can be found via  our playlist #walktalklisten here.    Please let me/us know via our email innovationhub@cwsglobal.org what you think about this new series. We would love to hear from you.   Please like/follow our Walk Talk Listen podcast and follow mauricebloem on twitter and instagram.  Or check us out on our website 100mile.org.  We also encourage you to check out the special WTL series Enough for All about an organization called CWS. 

Mykenna Roy recently completed her first year at The Ohio State University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Biology while being on a pre-med educational track. Deaf in both ears since birth, Mykenna wears bilateral hearing aids. She has utilized resources in and out of school to help with her disability, including support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).When she and a few of her peers realized that they had experienced similar challenges in the healthcare system, they decided to do something about it. Their startup company Aleph Innovations is working to leverage artificial intelligence technology to better address the most pressing issues affecting patients.“My work is important to me because as a young individual who is growing up in a world that was built by generations before me, I know that if I want to see things change, I'm going to need to be the change,” Mykenna explained.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.Connect with OOD on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOODTwitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohioood/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ood/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOODSign up for our newsletter and other email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHOOD/subscribers/qualify.

“HACE, or The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, is an organization that I am honored to lead,” says Patricia Mota. “Headquartered in Chicago, national in scope, its mission since 1982 has been to positively impact workplaces by cultivating the pipeline of Latino talent and providing the community the insight, the access and the support to be successful in their careers.”Since taking the reins eight years ago, HACE has grown more than tenfold in annual revenue, reaching five times as many people.AI Summary* Patricia Mota is the President and CEO of The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE).* HACE cultivates the pipeline of Latino talent and provides insight, access, and support for them to be successful in their careers.* HACE's programs include leadership development, coaching, mentoring, and networking events.* The organization has a reach of nearly 100,000 individuals and nearly 200 corporate partners across the United States and 13 countries.* Under Mota's leadership, HACE grew revenue by over 10x and the people reached by over 5x in just eight years.* One of HACE's core pillars is its pipeline and leadership development programs.* Mota believes that true impact and transformation do not happen unless through an intentional model that builds a community of trust, self-awareness, and honing an authentic self in roles.* Patricia discussed the importance of self-awareness in leadership development, the power of networking and building strategic relationships, and launching programs even if they are not perfect.* Mota highlights the importance of embracing diversity and building inclusive spaces.* Individuals and companies can join HACE through their website or events.HACE has “three core pillars,” Patricia says.“One is through talent acquisition. So programs, services, events where we're actively connecting job seekers to career opportunities to our employer partners, to talents, anywhere from interns to senior level talent across all business functions across various areas,” she says.“Secondly, which has been over the last decade, our fastest growing is our pipeline and leadership development programs. These are cohort initiatives that start as young as the high school level all the way to the senior level, where we work with a group of individuals, 15 to 25 or so at a time, various cohorts at a time, going through individual coaching, leadership assessments, culturally relevant content. But what I'm most proud of, it's enabled us to create a strong, multi-generational support network across the nation where we have executives, senior leaders and subject matter experts coming back and giving back through our programs and those in their careers doing the same not only for professionals but for our students,” Patricia says“The third and final area, which is just as important, is what we consider thought leadership. These are opportunities that we bring organizations, employers together to share best practices, to network with one another and to shine a light on those that are doing great work that help fulfill our mission,” she says.“We have a reach of nearly 100,000 individuals that we serve across the country, nearly 200 corporate partners. These are some of the bigger employers that we work with to support our mission and have graduates from our programs from the US and now 13 countries since we went virtual in 2020,” she says.Patricia began her work at HACE, leading a program called Mujeres de HACE, a Latina leadership program. When she took over, it operated as a series of workshops taught in Chicago. Today, the program has over 3,200 alums from 135 cities in the US. She credits the program with helping women “not only increase their pay, increase promotions, but get into leadership roles.”“I kind of fell into the fundraising, but because I was so passionate about the impact and the work, I was bringing in additional partners and funders,” she says. Not surprisingly, her leaders encouraged her to focus on that.When her predecessor left in 2014, she was tapped as an interim head. Some in her circle encouraged her to put her own name forward as a permanent replacement. She did and was chosen.“Since April 2015, eight years I have been serving as president and CEO of the organization,” she says, adding when prodded, “At that point in time, we were under 20,000 members, individuals that we had served. Now we're 100,000. At the time, we were at just under a $400,000 operating budget. Now we're at the 5 million mark.”She has a remarkable superpower:  the ability to build and scale solutions.How to Develop the Ability to Build and Scale Solutions As a SuperpowerPatricia scaled HACE's women's leadership program by leveraging her network and relationships. In college, she discovered a sort of sorority of Latina professionals who provided mentorship and networking. She used their connections to expand the program to new markets. Patricia continues to build her network and recently joined the Economic Club of Chicago and Chief, a women's executive club. Her strategy involves cultivating a few core relationships that help her achieve her mission.In addition to networking to develop the ability to build and scale solutions, she suggests remembering it's “okay if it's not 100 percent perfect and launching anyway.”She adds, “Another part of the skill set is having enough confidence in seeing the bigger picture that it may not be a success the first time around, but you need to get it started.”By following Patricia's example and advice, you can develop the ability to build and scale solutions into a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Guest-Provided ProfilePatricia Mota (she/her):President/CEO, The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement - HACEAbout The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement - HACE: The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) is a national nonprofit dedicated to the employment, development, and advancement of current and aspiring Latino professionals. Since 1982, HACE has served as a resource for Latinos in the workplace and is a subject matter expert for corporations seeking to access diverse talent. Through professional development, resources, and networks, and by facilitating access to meaningful career opportunities, HACE helps Latinos succeed in every phase of their career. HACE works with employers to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic economy by helping them attract, develop and retain Latino and diverse professionals. Website: haceonline.orgTwitter Handle: @Hace_OnlineCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/HispanicAllianceforCareerEnhancementBiographical Information: Patricia is an innovative trailblazer, advocate for access & equity, startup entrepreneur, author, connector, public speaker, and compassionate leader with a particular strength that exemplifies the mission of the Hispanic Alliance of Career Enhancement (HACE); to positively impact the workforce by cultivating the pipeline of Latinx/a/os talent and providing insight, access and support to their careers. Patricia serves as the President & CEO for HACE, leading strategy, fundraising & development, leadership programs, and expanding organizational reach on a national and international scale.Patricia is also a co-founder of SHENIX™, a Fintech tool to close the wealth gap that impacts Latinas. Patricia's story of transition is one that is representative of many of the stories of those positively impacted by programs and opportunities through HACE. Patricia is a proud Mexican-American Latina, daughter of immigrants, and first-generation college graduate and professional. She is a fitness enthusiast, health and lifestyle aficionado.Patricia has a strong history of serving in capacities that garner access to education, meaningful jobs, and advancement, also reflected by her service on various boards and accolades, serving on the Associated Colleges of Illinois, Indiana University's O'Neil School of Public Affairs Distinguished Alumni Council, Chicago Theological Seminary Board of Trustee, Illinois Treasurer Charitable Trust Board and most recently awarded the SHERO award by the Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW) in 2021, the Nonprofit HR Top Leaders to Watch in 2020, and Crain's Chicago Business Top 20 Most Powerful Latinos in Chicago in 2019.Patricia earned a double Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University-Bloomington in Spanish and Communication & Culture and a Master's in Public Affairs (MPA) in Public Management from Indiana University's School of Public & Environmental Affairs (SPEA)-Indianapolis, along with executive leadership certificates from both Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Patricia is also a certified coach and Insights Discovery© licensed practitioner and a proud 2022 World Economic Forum at Davos Delegate, 2019 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and 2019 Aspen Institute Festival of Ideas Scholar.Twitter Handle: @PatriciaMota77Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/patriciamota1110/Instagram Handle:@PMota7, @HACEOnline Get full access to Superpowers for Good at devinthorpe.substack.com/subscribe

Grateful government. Ian Coyle, County Administrator for Livingston County, New York, joined the podcast to talk about mindfulness in local government. He discussed the mindfulness framework, what makes it unique to local government, and incorporating mindfulness tactics into your everyday work. Host: Lauren Palmer