Podcasts about Quality assurance

In this episode, Raul dives into the journey of Cynthia Abbott Kerr and Richard Kerr, the power couple behind Wellpay AI. Cynthia, a former corporate executive, shares how a trip to Japan and Rich's encouragement led her to start a business focused on helping other companies design and align their pay strategies using AI. The discussion touches on the complexities of building an AI-driven company, especially in a highly regulated industry, and how Wellpay AI addresses these challenges. Richard brings his extensive AI expertise to the table, emphasizing the importance of security and continuous learning in their technology. They also explore the future of work, how AI is transforming traditional roles, and the essential skills needed in this evolving landscape. Tune in to learn about their innovative approach to compensation consulting and the role of AI in making strategic business decisions.00:16 Cynthia's Journey to Founding Wellpay AI01:54 Building an AI Company: Challenges and Strategies03:13 AI in Compensation: Ethics and Compliance03:56 Rich's Expertise in AI Development05:35 Strategic Use of AI in Business10:41 Business Model and Pricing Strategy16:40 Quality Assurance in AI Systems18:08 Communicating Value to Clients18:37 Efficiency and Speed in Consultancy20:38 The Future of Work and Technology23:59 Leadership and AIConnect with Cynthia and Rich: • https://www.wellpay.ai/• https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiawellpay/• https://www.linkedin.com/in/datasciencedoc/ Connect with Raul: • Work with Raul: https://dogoodwork.io• Growth Resources: https://dogoodwork.io/resources• Connect with Raul on LinkedIn (DMs open): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dogoodwork/ 

Nicholas Capman of The FDA Group welcomes David Marlin, Co-Founder and CEO of Metacomet Systems, to explore the often-overlooked complexities of royalty management in life sciences.Drawing from his experience helping over 200 companies automate royalty payouts, David explains how biotech, pharma, and medical device firms struggle to manage licensing agreements as they scale. What starts as a simple once-a-year payment can quickly evolve into a tangled web of tiered rates, stacked IP, country-specific rules, and audit requirements.David breaks down where companies most often go wrong—managing rules in Excel, underestimating the operational burden, and lacking traceability across contracts, SKUs, and sales data. He discusses how automation not only reduces risk and effort but also preserves trust with licensors by ensuring accuracy and transparency.The conversation also covers how organizations can recognize when it's time to move beyond spreadsheets, what a successful royalty system implementation looks like, and why experience matters in such a niche space.Whether you're paying or receiving royalties, this episode offers valuable insight into a critical but often misunderstood area of life sciences operations._____The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. For project or resource needs, visit ⁠https://www.thefdagroup.com/

Say hello to Samuel Njoroge, Director of Quality Assurance & Sustainability at Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, joining our latest Breaktime episode with the fabulous Mari. Talking trash (literally), tech, and turning purpose into planet-saving action. From phone operator in 2009 to full-blown eco-legend today, Samuel's journey is pure SMACK: hustle, heart, and a whole lot of green ambition. What's on the Breaktime menu? - Climbing the ranks and building a regional sustainability strategy that actually works - AI-powered bins, data-driven food waste reduction, and how Winnow helped save 21,000+ meals - Why educating kids to plant trees and clean beaches is both adorable and revolutionary (warning: might trigger proud-parent tears) His vibe? Calm, clear, and climate-conscious: “Sustainability isn't just CSR. It's everyone's responsibility – and it starts at home.” Enjoy the show!

 We're super excited to talk to a member of the bargaining committee for ZeniMax Workers United CWA about how they unionized and what they won in their recent tentative agreement with the company. This is an important step forward for the video game industry. We also talk to a union painter in Tennessee about the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) ✦ ABOUT ✦The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing relevant news to workers in Alabama and beyond.Our single largest source of revenue *is our listeners* so your support really matters and helps us stay on the air!Make a one time donation or become a monthly donor on our website or patreon:TVLR.FMPatreon.com/thevalleylaborreportVisit our official website for more info on the show, membership, our sponsors, merch, and more: https://www.tvlr.fmFollow TVLR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheValleyLab...Follow TVLR on Twitter: @LaborReportersFollow Jacob on Twitter: @JacobM_ALFollow TVLR Co-Creator David Story on Twitter: @RadiclUnionist✦ CONTACT US ✦Our phone number is 844-899-TVLR (8857), call or text us live on air, or leave us a voicemail and we might play it during the show!✦ OUR ADVERTISERS KEEP US ON THE AIR! ✦Support them if you can.The attorneys at MAPLES, TUCKER, AND JACOB fight for working people. Let them represent you in your workplace injury claim. Mtandj.com; (855) 617-9333The MACHINISTS UNION represents workers in several industries including healthcare, the defense industry, woodworking, and more. iamaw44.org (256) 286-3704 / organize@iamaw44.orgDo you need good union laborers on your construction site, or do you want a union construction job? Reach out to the IRONWORKERS LOCAL 477. Ironworkers477.org  256-383-3334 (Jeb Miles) / local477@bellsouth.netThe NORTH ALABAMA DSA is looking for folks to work for a better North Alabama, fighting for liberty and justice for all. Contact / Join: DSANorthAlabama@gmail.comIBEW LOCAL 136 is a group of over 900 electricians and electrical workers providing our area with the finest workforce in the construction industry. You belong here. ibew136.org Contact: (205) 833-0909IFPTE - We are engineers, scientists, nonprofit employees, technicians, lawyers, and many other professions who have joined together to have a greater voice in our careers. With over 80,000 members spread across the U.S. and Canada, we invite you and your colleagues to consider the benefits of engaging in collective bargaining. IFPTE.org Contact: (202) 239-4880THE HUNTSVILLE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD is a union open to any and all working people. Call or email them today to begin organizing your workplace - wherever it is. On the Web: https://hsviww.org/ Contact: (256) 651-6707 / organize@hsviww.orgENERGY ALABAMA is accelerating Alabama's transition to sustainable energy. We are a nonprofit membership-based organization that has advocated for clean energy in Alabama since 2014. Our work is based on three pillars: education, advocacy, and technical assistance. Energy Alabama on the Web: https://alcse.org/ Contact: (256) 812-1431 / dtait@energyalabama.orgThe Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union represents in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to retail, grocery stores, poultry processing, dairy processing, cereal processing, soda bottlers, bakeries, health care, hotels, manufacturing, public sector workers like crossing guards, sanitation, and highway workers, warehouses, building services,  and distribution. Learn more at RWDSU.infoThe American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union proudly representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas. Learn more at AFGE.orgAre you looking for a better future, a career that can have you set for life, and to be a part of something that's bigger than yourself?   Consider a skilled trades apprenticeship with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Learn more at IUPAT.orgUnionly is a union-focused company created specifically to support organized labor. We believe that providing online payments should be simple, safe, and secure.  Visit https://unionly.io/ to learn more.Hometown Action envisions inclusive, revitalized, and sustainable communities built through multiracial working class organizing and leadership development at the local and state level to create opportunities for all people to thrive. Learn more at hometownaction.orgMembers of IBEW have some of the best wages and benefits in North Alabama. Find out more and join their team at ibew558.org ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, the hosts of Command Control Power discuss their personal lives and tech experiences, including outdoor activities and everyday tech issues. They delve into a peculiar issue one encountered with a MacBook Pro during an update, which turned out to be related to Dell Display Manager. The conversation also covers Backblaze backup anomalies, Apple's migration assistant quirks, and problematic customer service interactions with vendors like Microsoft and RingCentral. To wrap up, the team reflects on the importance of considering user behavior in quality assurance for tech products and services. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:54 Unexpected MacBook Pro Issue 03:33 Dell Display Manager Mystery 05:27 Annoying Software Bugs 08:48 Client Troubleshooting Story 17:55 Apple Watch Repair Misunderstanding 23:48 Backblaze Exclusions and Concerns 25:13 MacBook Air Story and Backup Issues 26:32 Backblaze Deduplication and Support 28:15 Trust Issues with Backblaze 30:48 Considering Alternative Backup Solutions 33:53 Client Concerns and Backup Costs 41:48 RingCentral and Phone Services 49:39 Quality Assurance in Tech 52:18 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Invitation

In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Safety Committee Deputy Chair CA Casey Ronayne about how FOQA works to improve safety in two primary ways — through crew contacts to discuss variance events, and through aggregate data analysis to identify trends and emerging threats. CA Ronayne notes that unstable approaches, late configurations, and long landings are among the most common events the program addresses, and he emphasizes FOQA's non-punitive nature. Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download.

Christian Ararat, M.Sc., M.Eng. is a food safety professional with more than ten years of experience in food safety and quality. After earning a bachelor's degree in Food Science from Valley University in Colombia, he began his career in the bakery industry, where he implemented and enforced good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and prerequisite programs. After moving to Canada, Christian joined Natursource Inc., a Montreal-based food manufacturing company dedicated to producing healthy snacks. As head of the Quality Assurance department, Christian implemented the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) SQF food safety system; helped the company to achieve claims such as gluten-free, non-GMO, and Halal; and maintained certifications such as Organic and Kosher. Christian has continued his education and pursued a master's degree in Food Safety and a master's degree in Quality Systems Engineering. Currently, he serves as the Director of Quality and Laboratory at Geloso Beverage Group, the first wine manufacturer in Québec, Canada. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Christian [46:53] about: How variances in audit scores can cause issues for food safety professionals Things food and beverage companies should be paying close attention to on their audit results The importance of striving for continuous improvement over a specific audit score, and how this informs food safety culture How traceability is measured on audits and why food and beverage companies should still prioritize traceability, despite the recent 30-month extension of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Food Traceability Final Rule/FSMA 204 compliance date A $26-million budget cut coming to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in 2026, and how it could affect CFIA's surveillance and enforcement work The differences between certified “Organic” criteria required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) versus FDA's Foreign Supplier Verification program (FSVP), and how those differences affect organic food and beverage exporters to the U.S. Limitations imposed by FDA's evaluation protocols for FSVP-registered entities Potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) that could bolster food safety efforts, as well as possible pitfalls that should be considered when looking to leverage AI for food safety. In this episode, we also interview Joseph Corby [24.26], the recipient of Food Safety Magazine's 2025 Distinguished Service Award, about his career in food safety and his advocacy for a nationally integrated food safety system. After receiving a degree in Environmental Health, Joseph Corby worked for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for 38 years, beginning as a Food Inspector in 1970 and retiring in 2008 as the Director of the Division of Food Safety and Inspection. He then went on to become the Executive Director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), a role he held for ten years, and is now a Senior Advisor for AFDO. Joseph has served as an Instructor for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), AFDO, the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI), Louisiana State University, the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), the University of Tennessee, and Oregon State University. He continues to be an outspoken advocate for the advancement of a nationally integrated food safety system and works with numerous groups and associations in support of this cause. News and Resources News USDA Withdraws Proposed Regulatory Framework for Salmonella in Poultry After Years of Development FDA Announces Plan to Phase Out Synthetic, Petroleum-Based Food Dyes From U.S. Food Supply Rumored FDA Budget Proposal Would Cut Funding, Move Routine Food Inspections to States FDA Reportedly Reinstating Some Fired Food Safety Scientists, Inspection Support Staff FDA Testing Finds Bottled Water Samples Do Not Exceed EPA Limits for PFAS in Drinking WaterResearchers Develop Nanocage-Based Filter That Removes 90 Percent of PFAS From Groundwater Resources “Is AI 'Food Safe?'” by Christian Ararat, M.Sc., M.Eng. for Food Safety MagazineJoseph Corby to be Honored with Food Safety Magazine's 2025 Distinguished Service Award Sponsored by: Hygiena We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Tabatha Jones spent 20 years in the corporate world which she joined right out of high school. Soon after beginning work in a call center she began to discover her own leadership skills and began forging her own path in the corporate environment. Tabatha found that she could empower others to be better than they thought by providing a natural, honest and positive leadership style.   As Tabatha describes, she learned how to communicate and help connect the C Suite leaders in companies to those they lead. She learned to be a positive conduit to help all parts of companies where she served to learn and grow. She tells us stories about how she thrived as a leader and how she created positive change wherever she worked. She provides us with some really good leadership tips.   While Tabatha says her programs today are mainly to help women who more often do not have the confidence to lead, she states emphatically that her teachings do help men as well and she has male clients to prove it.   As Tabatha says, while she was a corporate leader for many years, she also used that time to coach and help others to learn leadership skills. Seven years ago Tabatha decided to leave working for others to form her own coaching firm, Empowered Leadership Coaching, LLC. She helps people learn how they can positively grow and advance in their own careers.   I very much enjoyed this episode and found that Tabatha and I have a lot of leadership views in common. For example, we discuss trust and the need for real trust in work environments. She tells a story about a mistake she made as a leader and how she dealt with it to keep the trust of all persons involved. I think you have a lot to gain from Tabatha. At the end of this episode she tells us how to get a free eBook that provides invaluable lessons to help you in your own efforts to rise in the work world.       About the Guest:   Tabatha Jones is the CEO of Empowered Leadership Coaching, LLC, a Career Advancement & Leadership Coach, author, and keynote speaker based in the SF Bay Area, working with clients nationwide. With over 20 years of experience leading high-performing technical teams in Corporate America, she transitioned into coaching at the age of 50, driven by her passion for helping women break through career barriers and achieve leadership success. Tabatha specializes in working with ambitious Gen-X women who are ready to stop playing small and make the next years the most impactful of their careers. Through her personalized coaching programs, she empowers her clients to develop strategic career plans, build unshakable confidence, elevate their visibility, and secure significant promotions. Her clients, including leaders at companies like Comcast, Cisco, Abbvie, PG&E, and Tyson, have successfully climbed the corporate ladder, developed standout leadership skills, and positioned themselves as top candidates for advancement. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Tabatha inspires audiences with actionable insights on leadership, career advancement, and empowerment. She is also the author of Promotion Ready in 3 Months: The Women's Guide to Career Advancement, available on Amazon.   Ways to connect Tabatha:   Website: https://www.empowered-leader.com/   Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabatha-jones-4485854/   Grab a Free Resource: GenX Promotion Planning Assessment: https://www.empowered-leader.com/promotionassessment   Purchase a copy of my book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gpoqjNw   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 ** 01:20 Well, hi everyone, and welcome to another edition, an exciting edition of unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet, and the unexpected is everything that doesn't have anything to do with inclusion or diversity, which is most things, according to my diversity friends, but that's okay, our guest today. How do I do this? Okay, I'll just be up front. As many of you know, I use a screen reader, which is a piece of software to verbalize whatever comes across the screen. And when my screen reader finds my guest today's name, it pronounces it Tabatha. Don't you like that? Of course, it's Tabitha, but Tabata, so, so Tabitha. Tabatha Jones, welcome you to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here.   Tabatha Jones ** 02:09 Oh, thank you so much for having me here. And Tabatha sounds fairly International, and maybe I'll take it, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 02:16 well, you can have it. It's yours. I don't think that the screen reader will mind a whole lot. But But what we're glad you're here now. I met Tabitha, as I have mentioned in the past with others, through an event that I attend, pada palooza. And Tabitha and I were both at the most recent pot of palooza. So what took you there? Are you starting a podcast, or are you just wanting to be interviewed by podcasters, or do you already have a podcast and you've done 1000s of episodes already?   Tabatha Jones ** 02:46 Well, I haven't done 1000s of episodes. I'm a fairly new podcaster. I've launched my own it's called the Gen X, free mix life, laughs and next acts. I think we're at about Episode 11. I was actually really interested in joining pada palusa to meet other podcasters. Here's some success stories and learn some great tips and tricks as I'm continuing to build mine out and and engage my audience well. So if there's   Michael Hingson ** 03:11 any way I can help, you, just need to shout out and glad to do it. And if you ever need a guest, and if I can fit the mold, I'm also glad to do that. It's always fun to to be a guest. When people want to come on unstoppable mindset, and I discover that they have a podcast, I always tell them, Well, you know, and many of them say, Well, do you charge for guests? And I say, Yes, I do. The charges you have to let me be a guest on your podcast, or if I go on to their podcast. I say I charge for that, and the charges that you have to come on my cop podcast to be a guest. So it works out.   Tabatha Jones ** 03:47 It's a fantastic tip. I'm taking that down and definitely having you on the podcast. Oh my gosh, yeah, that'd be fun.   Michael Hingson ** 03:53 Well, it it is cute. Actually, last week of a couple in Australia, a couple people emailed me and they they want to come on unstoppable mindset. And I was glad to do that. And they said, you know, but, but what's your charge? And I said, Well, I know you have a podcast. I have to be on yours. They said, Oh, we can, we can pay that. So it's fine. It is. You know, podcasting is so, so much fun. I did radio for years at the University of California at Irvine, and I like radio. Radio is a wonderful thing, but you're more structured because you have a limited amount of time. You've got to do certain things, you've got commercials you got to do, and sponsors that you have to satisfy, and some of that can happen with the podcast, but it's still not nearly as rigid, which makes it a lot of fun.   Tabatha Jones ** 04:45 Yeah, absolutely. And there's so much variety out there. One of the coolest things for me about starting a podcast is it's led me to so many other podcast shows that I had never listened to before, yours included. So now I think I'm following maybe. 30 to 40 different shows that I hadn't heard of until very recently, I'd say, probably the last six to eight months, and I'm loving it. I learned something new every single day. I learned something about someone's experience that leads me to check more into what they've shared. And it's really been fun. It's been a much more fun adventure for me than the social media that I was kind of, kind of dabbling in a little bit, but podcasts, it's just so much more personal and fun. It   Michael Hingson ** 05:27 is. It's much more connectional. And social media is just so impersonal, and people spend so much time doing it, and I'm amazed at some of the people who spend so many hours on it. I could, I don't do a lot of stuff on social media. I will post things occasionally, and I'm amazed at how fast some people, as soon as they as soon as I post, within minutes, they're responding to it. And I'm going, how do you do that? But anyway, it's people focus on that. But it's so impersonal compared to doing things like podcasting, because you do get to know people. You get to learn about people. And as I tell people constantly, if I'm not learning at least as much as anybody else who listens to this podcast, then I'm not doing my job well, which is kind of the way I look at it. And I always like to learn things from everyone who comes on and who I get to interact with because of the podcast.   Tabatha Jones ** 06:21 Yeah, so much fun. It is. You know, one of the things when we met that really connected me to you was just your story and sharing your author journey on top of it. So, yeah, you're kind of stuck with me in your fan club for a little bit following   Michael Hingson ** 06:40 you Well, thank you. And it is, it is fun to do that and following you back. It's, it's a lot of fun. And as I said, I enjoy getting to know people and connecting and learning which is cool, and to introduce you a little bit more to people, and I'll get to letting you do some of that too. But Tabitha is the CEO of empowered leadership coaching LLC, which is obviously a coaching organization, and you started doing that when you were 50. Of course I could, I could, circuitously get to and and how long ago was that, which would then tell us your age, but I won't that's   Tabatha Jones ** 07:25 all right. As a career advancement coach, I tell people all the time, don't put those long dates on your resume. People will start guessing your age, and then we've got another whole situation. I think the good thing with coaching is age and experience go together, and people see that a little bit differently, which has been fun. Yeah, I left it, you know, corporate at 50, and started my own business. I had been doing it on the side, but now I get to do it every day, and it's so   Michael Hingson ** 07:50 much fun. Well, seriously, how long have you been doing it?   Tabatha Jones ** 07:54 You know, for officially. Oh, I gotta do math. 2017. Is when I started. So,   Michael Hingson ** 08:01 oh, okay, well, there you go. So, 10 years, okay, yeah, and then   Tabatha Jones ** 08:04 I had been doing it as part of my job for more than 20 years. So as a leader in corporate, more than 20 years of coaching experience came from that sure   Michael Hingson ** 08:13 when you've got seven years of official long term, real life, constant experience, which is, which is great too. Well, tell us about the early Tabitha growing up and some of those kinds of things that would get us to know you better.   Tabatha Jones ** 08:28 Well, I grew up in a little town called Livermore. It's not so little anymore out here in California, in the East Bay, I am the oldest of four, and you   Michael Hingson ** 08:37 were never irradiated by the the accelerators, or any of the things that Livermore Labs.   Tabatha Jones ** 08:41 No, there was so much Hush, hush, secret stuff going on out there. But, you know, it was always very cool. They had a swimming pool you could go swim at. I think it was 75 cents to go swim for the whole day at the pool. And, you know, as a grown up, I'm all, should we really have been swimming there? I don't   Michael Hingson ** 08:58 know. Oh, it was safe. Well, it was absolutely Were you ever there after dark? No, so you don't know whether anything glowed in the dark or not. So you didn't probably you were safe.   Tabatha Jones ** 09:07 Probably safe. Yeah, nope. Genetics kids, when the street lights came on, we went home.   Michael Hingson ** 09:11 There you go. But anyway, so Livermore, yeah,   Tabatha Jones ** 09:15 Livermore, and then let's see. So I finished high school. Didn't really know what I was going to do. I stuck a little toe in the telecommunications industry at AT and T and got a job there right out of high school, answering phones and learning all kinds of great things. Did a lot of growing up in that space. Gosh, it was a it was an interesting journey. I actually was sitting in a call center taking phone calls during the 1989 earthquake, which, oh, boy, you may remember, right? I know I was training somebody, and I just looked at the person. I said, we're gonna hang up and go under the desk. That's what we're doing. And that was the day before my birthday. So I got my birthday off that year, which. You know, as they planned   10:00 out very well,   Tabatha Jones ** 10:02 yeah. But terrible, terrible, tragic earthquake, unfortunately. But, you know, I do just kind of try to make a little lighter of it with that. You know, the birthday off, but it is. It was an interesting time, for sure. I lived   Michael Hingson ** 10:16 in Vista, California at the time. Well, actually, I take it back. I lived in Mission Viejo. We hadn't moved to VISTA yet, although I had a job in Carlsbad, and I remember coming out to get on a bus to go from Carlsbad back up to Mission Viejo. And I was going to listen to the World Series, and it wasn't on, and it took me about 15 minutes before, I finally found a radio station that announced that there had been an earthquake. And then we got home, and then we started. We just Karen was was at home, and we just started watching it on TV, and they had all the the live shots and all that, and the freeway collapse and so on. It was, needless to say, quite the event. Karen and I survived. We were in, not married yet in, well, 19, whatever that would have been, 69 or 70 or 71 the Sylmar quake. I don't think it was in 74 I think it was earlier than that. But there was a big earthquake up in Sylmar, and we felt it at UC Irvine, and then we had the Whittier Narrows and Northridge quakes, so we felt those as well. But yeah, that had to be pretty rough in 89 for all of you up there.   Tabatha Jones ** 11:38 Yeah, it was pretty, pretty interesting. You know, from that point, you know, I just was training somebody as I as I mentioned, and, you know, we, we took that next day and couple of days kind of getting things together, working through the call center, handling a lot of emergency calls and things that were going on. And I'd say that's probably the first time I felt that call to leadership, you know, and realized I wanted to do more than being a call center, answering phones. There's nothing wrong with that, but for me, it wasn't the end all. And I started working on mapping out, how am I going to build my career here? Managed to advance a couple of times, and then went through a major layoff. So AT and T we all know, went through a lot of change over the years, but in the 80s and early 90s, there was a lot. So I did a couple of different things in between, and then one day, I walked into what was the Viacom cable office and decided I'm going to apply for a job here. It's just six months for experience, and we'll see where it goes. I fell in love with the cable industry. As weird as it sounds, I loved it, so I worked up really quickly into a lead role, and then started shifting into technology, which is where I spent most of my career, leading those technical teams and just really loving it. But yeah, yeah, that's kind of the journey from the early life into the career side of things. But   Michael Hingson ** 13:05 what kind of things did you do in as a leader for Viacom?   Tabatha Jones ** 13:09 So Viacom was where you in, went through. So I was in the call center. Initially became a lead there, moved into credit and collections and learned everything there was to learn there. It wasn't really my jam, but it was a great place to be. And then I moved into the Information Services Department, and you probably remember this back in the day of punching down phone lines in the little box, in different I don't know if you ever did that, but yeah, soldering cat five lines, crawling under desk, climbing up ladders, doing all those things. So that was early. It days before the internet. Still, I think crazy to say,   Michael Hingson ** 13:48 so did you do that? Or did you lead people who did that? So I   Tabatha Jones ** 13:52 did that early on. I learned everything I could in that department. I learned how to print reports. I knew learned how to compile data. I learned how to code the billing system, moved into project management from there, still on the information services side, and led some really huge projects through that time. We went through three companies. We landed at Comcast. That was where I was for the longest, but never really left, you know, my role, and just fell in love with the technology, because it changes all the time. It's never the same day twice. I loved working with technical people, and learned really quickly that one of my gifts was being able to translate between the Technical Suite and the C suite. So taking those great ideas and going and securing the budget or coming in with here's what the leadership team is thinking. Here's how I think we can do it. What are your thoughts and being able to translate and move things forward really fast. That's where I joined the leadership team and stayed, and I loved it. Climbing the ladder at Comcast was a lot of fun for me. Yeah. Do   Michael Hingson ** 15:00 you think that really taking the time to get that technical knowledge and learn those various jobs, even though you necessarily didn't do them all the time, but learning how to do those jobs? Do you think that was a valuable thing for you, looking back on it now,   Tabatha Jones ** 15:19 yeah, I do in some ways. And I spoke at a women in telecom sorry, it's women in tech and telecom seminar a few years back. And one of the things that we know is women don't advance as quickly into technical leadership roles, and being able to say in that room, leadership is not a technical skill. Just let the light bulbs off for people, because we hold ourselves back. And it's not just women, but it definitely happens in the female space, where we will hold ourselves back. Oh, I'm not technical enough, oh, I don't know enough. Oh, I can't code Python. It. It doesn't always matter for me, having the basis helped because I understood the work the team was doing. I understood quicker ways to do things. I had done them myself the hard way, but it gave me a little bit more, I'd say, street cred with the team, not that they ever expected me to code a macro or build an automation program, but because I could come and speak to them in a language that made sense, then they could go build the thing and do their jobs. So I do think it helped. It helped give me really great insight to what could be and let us really drive innovation quickly, which was super fun. I   Michael Hingson ** 16:41 agree with you on that I felt in everything that I did as a as a leader, working in a variety of different kinds of roles, I felt it necessary to learn the things that the people who worked for me and with me did because at least I could then articulate them. I could talk about them. I didn't necessarily have to do them all the time, and there were some things that I wasn't going to be able to do, for example, for four years or three and a half years, four I owned a company that sold PC based CAD systems to architects, computer aided design systems, for those who don't know, to architects and engineers and so on. And they were some of the early PC based CAD systems. We started in 1985 doing that. And needless to say, that was and and still is very much a highly graphic environment. And that isn't something that I'm going to be able to sit down in front of a computer terminal and do, because the technology, even today, doesn't exist to describe all of that information for me, so that I have access to it as quickly and as efficiently as a person who can see but even though I wouldn't be able to run a CAD system, I knew how to do it. So I could then sit down with an architect in front of a machine and ask them what they wanted to do, and then described them what they needed to do to make it happen. So I actually made them part of the process of showing themselves how the cast system worked by them actually working it. Now I also have people who work for me, but I did know how to do that, and I think that was extremely important. And I've always felt that having that knowledge is is helpful. I do tend to be very technical. I've got a master's degree in physics and so on. And I I think that having that technical knowledge is kind of part of the way I operate, which is fine, but still, I think that having that technical knowledge, really, even if it's only to be able to talk about it at the right times, was a very helpful thing and made me a better leader.   Tabatha Jones ** 18:59 Yeah, absolutely would agree with that, and understanding just the basics of what can and can't be done, or, you know, what my limitations were, and being vulnerable with going back to my team and saying, This is as far as I know how to take it. I need you to walk me through what the next steps are, or what your ideas are, or what your thoughts are. And I had a wonderful team. I'd say one of the benefits of not being the most technical person on the team is then I'm not seen as someone who's micromanaging. I'm not seen as someone who has all the answers. And for my teams, that worked out great because they loved showing their innovation. They loved showing ideas and bringing new technology, tools and things to the forefront, which made it a lot more fun for them, too. And I'd say one of the coolest things I did with my team was I was given, you know, in corporate world, you're sometimes gifted new responsibilities, and one of the new responsibilities. I was gifted with, was creating a quality control team, and this team was going to validate all of the data that the Information Services coding team was developing in the billing system. And it was needed the error rate, I mean, the accuracy rate, rather, was only about 70 ish percent. Wow. So it needed to change. It was impacting our frontline, impacting our techs. It was causing revenue gaps, right, customer experience problems. The vision that was given to me is we want you to hire three people, and they're going to manually validate this data all day long, and me being a hybrid technical people person said, Hold the phone. We're not doing that. So I went and hired someone who was an expert at SQL and Tableau. We then hired someone who was an expert at Quality Assurance, because that's what she had been doing in the call center, was validating orders and making sure the billing their statements were going out correct. So she had the manual aspect. And then we hired a third person who wasn't quite as technical as the first, but definitely a really good balance between the two and between the three of them and their ideas and their skills, and then my abilities as a leader to guide them through. You know, this is what we need. This is the vision. This is the budget, this is the the outcome that we want to get to. We were able to build something that was automated, that drove accuracy up to 98.1% Wow, and it's probably better today, but it's just because that the ability to see people who can bring in the best parts of their knowledge and then work together to build something. That's what helps technology advance so much faster.   Michael Hingson ** 21:44 Yeah, but it's but it's important to be able to do that. And you you learn to have the vision, or innately, you have the vision to to bring that about. And it sounds to me like all of the people that that you were leading really respected you, because you were, first of all, you were not a threat to them, and you clearly showed an interest in what they did, and you loved to hear them talk about it, because that taught you things that you didn't know   Tabatha Jones ** 22:17 exactly, oh my gosh, and they were great about what I'd say is dumbing things down. I'd sit there sometimes and would be listening to somebody, an analyst, who was excited and explaining all these great things they were doing. And finally, my face would say, okay, hold the phone. We need to step back just a teeny bit. I needed to bring it down, maybe just a little bit more. And once I got it, then everybody would be just jazzed and so excited and out to share, and, you know, made sure that they were getting to do part of the presenting when it went to higher levels, so that they could get credit and feel that value, which is so, so critical to help, you know, just boost that morale and keep inspiring people.   Michael Hingson ** 22:53 The other part of that, though, is you are also teaching them some probably sorely needed communication skills, because they're used to just talking very technical, and they're used to just talking to each other, and everybody gets it right away. But the reality is that I would think that they came to realize, well, maybe we need to present it in a little bit different way, because not everybody looks at it the way we do   Tabatha Jones ** 23:21 exactly that's where a lot of coaching came in and helping people work together better in the communication space, and then bringing it forward in a way that people understood. We did a really cool program. It was called insights. It exists out there, and there are people who are certified to administer it, but it basically is a personality assessment based on colors. So red, yellow, blue, green, and blue is generally your very technical, more introverted detail specific people. The Office of that is yellow, and I am very high yellow, which is your, include me. Bring me in. Let's have a party. Let's talk about it. So it was good for me, because it caused me to bring that yellow energy down a bit, which kept the, you know, the conversations going and the conversations open, and they learned to elevate that yellow energy a little bit so we could meet in the middle really well. And some of them had different, you know, red or green in there. But it was really interesting to be leading a team with such opposite energy. From that perspective,   Michael Hingson ** 24:27 did you ever find people who just resisted learning to meet in the middle or learning to do some of the things that you really wanted them to do, and they just didn't want to do that at all?   Tabatha Jones ** 24:41 Oh yes, yes, there were a couple, and that required more coaching, right? So one who had been used to working in a very specific way before we were reorganized and he was moved under me, it took multiple times and finally, a mild threat to. Get him to come forward and come on board with the new process, because sometimes it's really easy to stick in doing things the old way. He had been doing it for 1520, years. And I joke when I say threats. I don't threaten people, but you know, it was kind of a I need you to come up with the rest of the team. Here's what you're doing and how it's impacting the team, and even though it feels like it's making your customer happy in the long run, it's not because they're going to have to work with other people, and we need to make sure that they understand that this has changed, and then another who was more my way or the highway, and that took, you know, again, a bit of coaching. So his leader worked for me, and so his leader and I would come up with different plans and different strategies to put him in positions where he had to stay a little bit more quiet and let the team members bring forward their ideas. And rather than him jumping to a no, it was, we want you to start asking these three questions, and, you know, whatever the questions were to get the conversation going, and then the light bulb started going off for him. Like, wow. Some of these individuals have definitely had different training on, you know, whatever type of technology it is that makes perfect sense. What if we combine this so he was able to actually help us bring out the best in everyone, once he took that step back and really started listening and getting a bit more curious.   Michael Hingson ** 26:30 Well, that that's, you know, of course, a wonderful skill to have, because people need to recognize that not everybody is where they are   Tabatha Jones ** 26:42 exactly. It's true. And you know, I kind of think back when we were talking about the leadership aspect and leading technical teams, I coach a lot of people on interview skills and helping them present their best selves for the job that they're interviewing for. And one thing that seems to be a habit for people who are very technical and are also leaders is deferring so much their technical skills, and it's good, but you've got to have that balance. When you're applying for a leadership role, what happens that is very disappointing, is they'll be told, Well, we're not really seeing your leadership skills or your leadership qualities or not feeling like you're a good fit with this team. Usually, when a company is hiring a technical people leader, they want to know you can lead people, because not everybody can do both,   Michael Hingson ** 27:40 right, or they haven't learned how to   Tabatha Jones ** 27:43 right. It's true. Not everybody wants to. Sometimes they think they do because it's the next logical step, but sometimes people are just really happy being hands on others. To your point, you can learn. You can step into maybe a lead role, and start learning how to let go of some things and and get more comfortable with not being the smartest person in the room, because once you're the leader, you've got to have that balance and, and it's a learning a learning curve, for sure,   Michael Hingson ** 28:09 yeah. And unfortunately, there are way too many people, certainly, a lot of them are technical who think they're the smartest person in the room, whether they are not, and then some of them are. But still, that's not always the solution to making things work, especially if you're working in a team.   Tabatha Jones ** 28:29 Absolutely, yeah, it's all about the team. And it can't be. They always say there's no me and team. But technically, if you rearrange the letters there, kind of is that's maybe snow i Maybe it's No, I in team. No, I in team.   Michael Hingson ** 28:43 Yeah, there's no i That's true. But you know, one of my favorite books I enjoy reading it often, is actually the Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. Have you ever read that?   Tabatha Jones ** 28:55 I have not read that. I am aware of it. I have not bought it yet. It's a   Michael Hingson ** 29:00 short book, relatively speaking, but it's great because it really puts teamwork in perspective, and it really defines what should happen in a well functioning team, including the fact that members of the team can hold each other accountable when the team is comfortable with each other. And then, of course, it's all the team leader who has to really bring people together and meld the team into a cohesive working group. But the good team leaders can do that and understand what their role has to be in getting everybody to operate at peak performance.   Tabatha Jones ** 29:39 Love that. I will get that back on my list. Radical candor is kind of similar, as far as you know, being able to say what needs to be said and feeling like you're in a safe space to say it. Yeah, that's one of the things that I always found a little, I guess, frightening as a leader, is when I would talk to another leader and say, What feedback have you given this person? Well. Feedback is so negative, like no feedback given with love is there with the intention of helping the person grow and do better and understand what they're doing really well so they can keep doing that. So yeah, being able to let the team members or ask the team members hold each other accountable, be honest with each other, this isn't about feelings. This is about respect, and sometimes it's a hard conversation. It's really crunchy and uncomfortable. But once it happens, the trust that is built is it's unstoppable, well,   Michael Hingson ** 30:30 but feedback can also be a very positive thing. And it can be that you're doing a great job. Here's what you're doing. It isn't necessarily but you're not doing this right? It, it can be exactly a very positive thing. And there, there are certainly times that we all like to get that as well.   Tabatha Jones ** 30:47 Absolutely feedback is my favorite F word. I always say it is just, it's so important. And I've worked with people who have said, you know, I can't get feedback from my boss. I said, Well, what do you mean? And they said, Well, he All he says is just, you're doing a good job. Keep doing that. Yeah. Well, what specifically am i doing that's a good job. So feedback in itself is a skill, both giving it in a positive way and giving it in a constructive way. But all feedback is good when it's given with the right intention and it's given with, you know, just honesty and love. And   Michael Hingson ** 31:20 there's a skill in receiving feedback too and recognizing if you trust the feedback, the feeder backer, if you trust the person giving you the feedback, then you know that they're not out to get you. Yeah. And that's part of it is breaking through the usual shell that most of us probably a build up. Well, that person has some sort of alternative agenda they're out to get me. And that isn't always the case. And, oh, absolutely, unfortunately, sometimes it is, but it doesn't necessarily mean it always is. Yeah, I agree.   Tabatha Jones ** 31:54 You know, if you think back to feedback that you've been given throughout your life, is there a piece of feedback that you were given that really changed the way you do things. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 32:06 I can think of some, and I think that most of us can, because the people giving us the feedback were concerned about trying to help and concerned to try to get us to hear what others in the world are are saying or thinking. And if we take that to heart, that can be a very positive thing.   Tabatha Jones ** 32:32 Yeah, absolutely. One of the biggest foundations for me as a leader is trust and trust with my team, both going both directions to them, from me and from them to to from me to them, and from them to me. So complete trust. It's so important. And you know, knowing that I've had employees come and give me feedback, and it doesn't matter what level I was at or what level they were at, once, I knew that they were comfortable giving me feedback. I knew our relationship was strong, yeah, and, you know, I've had people come and say, I didn't really like the way that you said that. It would have been more impactful if you had done this. I've had clients come and say, you know, when you said that, I really reflected on it. And maybe we're not in the same spot. So let me say this again and see if you can, you can address it a different way. Great. If we don't have trust, we're not going to go anywhere. So it's such an important piece of of building trust. In   Michael Hingson ** 33:26 my new book, live like a guide dog, true stories from a blind man and his dog about being brave, overcoming adversity and moving forward in faith. Long title, well at the end, the subtitle, but one of the things that I talk about is that I've learned a lot of lessons about dealing with fear and dealing with people from my dogs, because dogs do things differently than we do and don't have any near, anywhere near the stress that We do. For example, dogs are, I think, creatures that do love unconditionally, but they don't trust unconditionally. What dogs do, however, is that they tend to be less something is really hurt a dog. They tend to be more open to trust, and they want to build a trusting relationship with us if we're open to it, because they are, and when we recognize that and we truly build the trusting relationship, it's second to none. So then you've got the love part that is there, but the trusting part, it's a whole different story. And I know that when I start working with every guide dog and people say, Oh, how long does it take to really get used to a dog? My response is, it takes roughly a year. Because it takes a long time for both sides of the team to truly recognize and have enough confidence in the other that they have that trust that they need to have.   Tabatha Jones ** 34:59 Yeah. Dogs are so much better than people. I will tell you their behavior is so much better, but I get that and you know someone who adopted my last two dogs. One was three years old when I got her from the pound, and she lived to be 15, and my other one is she's eight. I got her when she was three from someone that was re homing her. But they do. They they teach you that I can love you, but I don't know that I trust you yet. I've got to build this up like I will lick you and throw a party when you come home, but don't be trying to pick me up yet. We're not there. Yeah. So, you know, I can imagine, with a guide dog, it's even more elevated, and I can't write to read your that book, because I just finished underdog. I did. I don't know why the name just went blank. I posted it on my Facebook and Instagram. I was so excited, but yeah, oh my gosh. I can't wait to read the new one. If you   Michael Hingson ** 35:48 get a chance with both of them, go review them at Amazon. So lovely. Get a we always appreciate reviews. So Amazon and Goodreads are the best places to go to go do reviews, and they're very helpful. But when you read, live like a guide dog, love to get your thoughts, and you're welcome to email me and love to chat about it as well. But you're right that there are so many things about dogs that really teach us a lot. One of my favorite things that I talk about a lot, and we deal with it and live like a guide dog is we, as people tend to what if everything to death. We What if everything well, what if this? What if that? And the reality is, most of the things that we're dealing with, what if about are things over which we have absolutely no control, and all we're doing is building up our own internal Sears, and we need to learn to get away from that. If we could just learn to focus on the things that we have control over and not worry about the rest. And of course, people will say, Well, but, but all this stuff is going on we gotta worry about. No, you don't. You can be aware of it without worrying about it. You can be aware of it without it interfering with your life. But you have control over that, but there are so many things in your life that you don't have control over. And my, my premier example of that, of course, is the World Trade Center. I am not convinced that all of the government departments working together would have been able to figure out what was happening and stop the attacks from half from occurring. But the result of that is, of course, that we had no control over the events occurring. What we absolutely have total control over is how we individually choose to deal with those events and how we choose to move forward.   Tabatha Jones ** 37:36 Yeah, absolutely, oh my gosh, it's so powerful and so true. And I'd say too with dogs is they don't let that little thing that bothered them four hours ago eat them up, or four days ago or four months ago. They don't generally hold a grudge unless something was pretty atrocious, where we will ruminate on a story or a conversation over and over and over again, sometimes it's just solved by a simple Hey, what did you mean when you said that? Or we'll just go and keep thinking about it and keep thinking about it. Dogs moved on. They're like, I've already had my snack in my walk, like we're good again. There's no grudge, there's no past concern, or I made a mistake this day. I'm never gonna cross that line again, because, you know, I did this thing, but humans are so are just wired so differently, just from, I'm sure, our life lessons and all the things that we've been through. But if we could live a little more like a dog, that would be kind of amazing. That guide dogs specifically,   Michael Hingson ** 38:35 I agree. And you know, the reality is that dogs do make mistakes, and one of the things that we learned to put it in terms of what we're talking about today, one of the things that we learn as guide dog handlers is how to give appropriate feedback, and that process has changed over the years, so now it's a much more positive process. We don't tend to yell at dogs, we don't tend to try to give sharp leash corrections, but rather, when they do it right, that's the time to truly reinforce it and say, what a good job you did it. And if you're training a dog to do a new thing or give them a new skill, reinforcing the time that they succeed is so much more powerful than ever saying you didn't do that right? And I think that's as true for humans as it is for dogs, but humans just don't tend to for all the reasons that you said, Trust like, like, maybe they should, but we always think that everybody has a hidden agenda, which is unfortunate, because we don't always necessarily have a hidden agenda. And even if we do, and if you feel like you can't trust me because you think I have a hidden agenda, you can always ask me about it, or you should, and that's something we just tend not to feel that much that we can do, because those aren't skills that we're taught when we're growing up.   Tabatha Jones ** 39:56 Yeah, it's very true, and you. Know when you mentioned the mistakes even thinking about that from a leadership perspective. When I first started leading in my last team, we had reorganized into a corporate structure, so I had new employees sitting across 40 some odd states. It was a big a big reorg, and I would be talking to people about different things. And I said, Well, why did you, you know, why did you do it this way? Oh, well, I realized I made a mistake, so I didn't want to get in trouble. So I thought if I went and I did this, then that would I'm like, wait a minute, stop. Let's let's pause, let's go back to get in trouble. Tell me about that. And I would hear, and I heard it from multiple people across the team that there was such a level of fear over making a mistake. And I said, you know, you're not coming to work with somebody's heart transplant in an ice chest, like, if you make a mistake, nobody's gonna die. Yeah, somebody's gonna get a little maybe mad because we're gonna hit a little bit of a revenue hiccup, or maybe have to send an apology notice to some customers that have a mistake on their bill. But nothing's that big that we can't learn from it, fix it correctly and make sure it doesn't happen again. And that was a huge shift, and that's something you know, where a dog will make a mistake they get through the correction to your point, positive reinforcement. We've got jerky treats, kind of redirect. If people only could take a jerky treat, that'd be great, but they don't. But you know, when a mistake happens, teaching people, teaching our kids, like it's okay to make a mistake, but let's talk about what we learned from it. Make a plan to do better, and figure out how we just don't let that happen again, and then if it happens again, okay, let's have a different conversation. What? What did you notice? Did we miss something in the process? Less last time? Let's fix that, and then let's take the next steps forward, and let's go back and present to the team how we can improve this process and what we've learned from this mistake, like we can make it positive and as leaders, we can help our employees go faster. We can help our dogs learn faster. Can help our kids learn faster by just being a leader and managing mistakes correctly.   Michael Hingson ** 42:06 How do we get that process kind of more into the mainstream of society? How do we get people to recognize that it's okay when you make a mistake, we'll fix it and really give them and teach people to give the positive reinforcement that we need to do. Because I think it's, it's very true. We don't teach it.   Tabatha Jones ** 42:27 We don't teach it. I feel like younger parents that I'm seeing, in some ways, are getting there, you know, I remember back in the day when we would accidentally break something, or, you know, be roughhousing a little, and the glass would get knocked off the counter, and it was a huge thing, right? You're going to clean it up. You're going to go to your room. You're going to stop playing around in the house. And, you know, with my son, I know when He would break something and be like, Hey, let's clean this up. I need you to be more careful. You know, it's not you need to go sit in your room. You made a mistake. It's okay. And I see the difference in myself. Still, when I make a mistake, I beat myself up when he makes a mistake, he cleans it up and moves forward. So it's definitely happening through parenting and the way that we handle it as parents. We have that great opportunity as leaders once adults are full grown and in the workforce and still have those tendencies of fear and oh my gosh, I need to cover it up, teaching them, I had a situation where I made a mistake, shocking. I know I made a mistake, just kidding. I do it all the time, but I had made a mistake with some data that I collected from my team, I'd had individual skip level meetings, and decided kept all the notes in a spreadsheet, and I had told the team as I spoke with them. Whatever you tell me, it's in confidence. I'm taking themes of the conversation and I'll present it back to your leaders. They're not going to have names. We're not going to know who said what. That's not what this is about. It's about me helping drive improvements through my leadership team so that it's better for you. And they were really open, and it was amazing. It was such a gift to have that trust from the team. Well, I went and took my compilations, put all my notes together on a spreadsheet, sent it to my leadership team, and never took off the original notes. And I was like, shoot, now, what do I do? So I asked a peer. I said, Hey, this is what I did. What would you do? And she said, Well, I would tell my leaders, they need to be leaders, and they need to keep it confidential. And I was like, oh, not good enough. I'm not doing that. So I thought about it, yeah. And I said, You know what? This is a teachable moment. This is the opportunity I've been given to practice what I preach. So I pulled my entire team, 50 some odd people on the phone, on a teams call. So we were on camera, and I said, I need to talk to you about something. And I said, I made a mistake, and because of that mistake, I have let you down, and I've broken my word. And I explained what I did. I explained, you know, I got really excited by the information, because I saw things we could do, which then led me to moving way too fast, and I completely sent your comment. Comments with your names to your leaders, and I apologize. And going forward, when I take data and information from you, I will be learning from this mistake. I will keep two separate spreadsheets. I will not be, you know, just adding to the individual spreadsheet, I will quality control, check it before I send it out, and I will make sure that I do better. And I just ask that you forget me. On this one, I got so many texts and emails and instant messages that just said, Thank you so much, and someone that said, thank you, it helps to see that a leader owned up to a mistake, and I'm like, that's that was a teachable moment so nobody died. I didn't lose a heart. I broke a little confidence and a little trust. But we can fix things, and that's how,   Michael Hingson ** 45:46 yeah, and, and that makes a lot of sense, and we, we just tend to, oftentimes do knee jerk reactions. I was sitting here thinking about sometime after we moved to New Jersey in 1996 my wife and I were in our living room, and I don't remember what was going on. We were having a great time, and we each had, each had a glass of champagne, and my fourth guide dog, Lenny, was with us. And Lenny, like any good lab has a tail that never stops. And Karen, I think it was Karen, I don't even remember, sure. I think it was. Had put her glass down on the coffee table, and tail hit glass, glass, which was crystal, went all over floor, hardwood floor, you know, and I can think of so many people who would blame the dog. And actually, I think Lenny blamed herself for a little while, and we kept saying it wasn't your fault we screwed up. And eventually, you know, she well within, within an hour, she was mostly Okay, but, but the bottom line is that she, she, she knew that something happened, but it wasn't her fault, and it is important to own up to to things and and as I said, I think it was Karen, because I think Karen said I should never have put my glass down, or I should have put it back further away from her tail, because she was So excited. You know those   Tabatha Jones ** 47:21 tails, lab tails are crazy things, yeah, oh my gosh, right, but Lenny didn't stop wagging her tail because of that little mistake, right? It's something that Karen was able to own up to. You two were able to clean it up, and then Lenny was able to go on and keep wagging her tail. Everyone's being more careful. Now,   Michael Hingson ** 47:39 what's really funny is that, because it was a hardwood floor and crystal, there were her pieces that we found days later, but   Tabatha Jones ** 47:47 really years later, oh my gosh. But   Michael Hingson ** 47:50 you know what Lenny was? Was, was a cutie, and Lenny was the, probably the most empathetic dog that I've ever had. We had a pastor, and we had who we had come to know, and we were at a party, and she was at this party, and she came up to us and she said, we let Lenny visit everybody, but we just let her loose. Um, Lenny is the most empathetic dog I've ever seen, because you let her loose. And she went to the person who was feeling the most pain first, and then she worked the rest of the room, and we're talking emotional pain, but Lenny could sense that and and she did. She went to the person who was hurting the most for whatever reason. And then after she felt she had done all she could with that person, then she went around to the rest of the room. Oh, what a wonderful experience that was. Yeah, I know, and we hadn't noticed it, but sharee told it to us, and we we realized it from then on, yeah, she's right. I   Tabatha Jones ** 48:52 always think that the companies that allow people to bring their dogs to work are probably the companies that have the highest performance and productivity. I can't prove this yet, but there is something about having a warm, fuzzy little Snuggler with a cold nose right next to you that makes such a difference. Yeah, like I said, you know, mine's by me all the time, but they're just so intuitive. They pick up on your moods. They pick up on what's going on when you've had a bad day, you know, when you're feeling unconfident. I've worked with people a lot on helping them build confidence. And she'll even come around like, Hey, why you down? Like, what's going on? Let's go play. Go play. And then, you know, they're always so excited when you just do the smallest things. It's like, you know what? All right, I am making somebody, somebody happy today. It's just not that, maybe that other person, or whatever it is. But, yeah, oh my gosh. What made   Michael Hingson ** 49:40 you decide? What Madeline just caused you to decide to go from working for other companies in the corporate world to starting your own coaching career full time.   Tabatha Jones ** 49:52 You know, I just love the coaching aspect, helping people who struggle to speak up for themselves or who. Struggle to recognize the value that they bring to the workplace or to the world in general, just really lights my fire. I work mostly with women in their 50s, mostly with women who are already leaders but feel a bit stuck, and help them just remember who they are. Help them remember you know you are a leader. This is how you can set yourself apart, and this is how we can start preparing for your next promotion. I wrote my book promotion ready in three months, the Women's Guide to career advancement, which was released in August. Just because the concerns were so similar, I thought, you know, I'm going to put these specific the specific framework together in a book so that women who maybe don't have time for coaching right now, or they don't have the means, for whatever reason, they can get that framework in this book and get started on setting themselves apart and rebuilding that confidence. And I just love it. I feel like we tend to play really small, especially after a simple mistake or a simple breach of trust or a simple someone said something, and it just really stuck in our head for whatever reason. So I want women to stop. I want them to start feeling more empowered and start going after those things that they want. Because I don't know if you've seen the movie The longest game. But one of the quotes is the, you know, the field isn't the golfing green. The field is the five inches between your ears. And that's life. It is a fact. It is whatever is going on in that space between your ears is what's going to tell you you can and it's going to tell you what you can't do. So we want to only five inches. They say five inches. I haven't actually measured mine either. I say it and I touch it every time, because I'm like, I don't know if it's really five inches. Maybe it's, maybe it's four and a half. I don't know. I've always prided myself on having, you know, a skinny forehead.   Michael Hingson ** 51:57 Well, you know, but, but it's interesting and and, of course, sort of on principle, just for fun. I'll ask, do you ever find that that men read it or that that you coach men as well? Do you find that there are men that will benefit, or choose to benefit from the same things that you're talking about with most women? Absolutely,   Tabatha Jones ** 52:15 I say I work mostly with women and a few lucky men, because there are men who don't feel as confident or who might be a little bit more of that quieter later, and the strategies in there are obvious. Is probably not the right word. But there are things that are really simple and easy to do, but so often overlooked. So for anyone who finds themselves really kind of hiding behind the keyboard, not getting out and about and working on their visibility and relationship building. There are a lot of great strategies for that. The worst thing to do is wait until the promotion opportunity posts to start getting out there and building your brand. It doesn't serve anyone, and it's going to keep you behind. So, yeah, absolutely, that's a great question. If you   Michael Hingson ** 53:05 want to be noticed, then you have to work at what you need to do to be noticed. And that is a an important skill to learn. And it is all about brand, which doesn't mean you're trying to be so calculating that you're trying to do in other people, it is all about doing the things that you need to do, both to learn and to be able to advance in a positive way.   Tabatha Jones ** 53:30 Yeah, exactly. And there are strategies just for even man, even managing your time, because that's so obvious to some of us who have been there, but to others, they'll allow their calendar to be blocked from 7am to 7pm with everyone else's priorities, and it's important to make yourself a priority so that you can start standing out before the job posts. And that's kind of the secret sauce. A lot of people, like I said, they wait until the job posts and they've just been working hard and then can't figure out why they're not getting ahead. So we want to start doing things, taking action every day before that position posts, one   Michael Hingson ** 54:09 of the things that that I do is on my calendar page, I have time blocked out every day and and people will say, Well, I want to schedule something, but this time isn't available, and this is the only time that I can do it. And what I tell people is I have the time blocked out so that I can do the things that I need to do or that I might want to do. And one of them is responding positively to the fact that you need a certain time to meet, and that time is in one of my block times, but I block times so that I have free time to do what needs to be done. So let's schedule it, and, you know, and I, and I find that that works really well, because it gives me the time to make choices and do the things that I want to do. And I think it's so important to be able to do that. So.   Tabatha Jones ** 55:00 Yeah, the calendar is key. I always say your calendar equals clarity equals confidence. I mean, it just it builds that confidence. What I see happen a lot in the corporate space is the calendar gets booked for again, everybody else's priorities, 7am to 7pm I will see someone sitting in a meeting, totally disengaged. And when I would say, What are you doing? And I ask clients now too, so how do you prepare for this meeting? Because almost always the answer is, oh, I have a big meeting coming up in a couple of hours, and I'm not ready yet. Like, well, why are you in this meeting? If that meeting matters so much, why are you here? Because you're hurting your brand here, looking disengaged, asking, Can you repeat that 72 times where you could have just sent a delegate, or you could have blocked that time to think and prepare, which is so important, the calendar blocks. I don't think I could live without them. They're critical, right? That's how we get things done. That's how we make sure we're focused on the right things. That's how I prepare for clients. I don't just get on and wing it, because that's not going to go well, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 56:02 and that's why on, on unstoppable mindset. I asked people to send me some things because I want to appropriately prepare, because if, if I'm doing my job right, I learn all I can to be able to be involved in an intelligent conversation, and people have so many skills that I haven't learned or don't have, I get to use the information that they send to prepare and learn about some of those skills, which is part of why I say if I'm not learning at least as much as anyone else who is listening To the podcast, and I'm not doing my job right? Because it's so much fun to be able to explore and talk with people, and it's and it is so much fun. So I I appreciate exactly what you're saying. Well,   Tabatha Jones ** 56:53 thank you. Yeah, it's, it's a, I mean, tooting my own horn a little bit. It's a great book full of strategy. And if you just took it, take it and start implementing those small changes, you'll see a huge difference. And I say that you'll see it, but not only you, your leader will see and your team will see that you're making changes and and making a difference. So yeah, it's just that calendar is so helpful.   Michael Hingson ** 57:16 Life is is an adventure, as far as I'm concerned. And if we're not always learning we're not doing our job right exactly which is so important? Well, do you have any kind of last thoughts of things that you want people to to think about, as far as leadership or as far as moving forward in the corporate world, or or any of those kinds of things? Yeah,   Tabatha Jones ** 57:40 absolutely. And thank you so much for asking. I do want to tie it back to unstoppable mindset, because you are absolutely unstoppable. It's a matter of clearing those blocks, the things that are in your way, the things that are in that five inches, or whatever it really is between your ears that is getting in the way and telling you you can't do something. And I encourage you if you're struggling, if you want to get ahead, if you've had some bad experiences when trying to get ahead, connect with me on LinkedIn. You can find me at Tabitha Jones and D, H, A Jones, thank you. Yes, all A's, Tabata, Tabatha. You can call me what you want. Just spell it right so you can find me. But absolutely connect with me there, and let's talk about what's going on and see how we can help you start moving forward again. Absolutely, we'll share strategies to give at least a little bit of a boost and kind of start relieving some of the discomfort that may be going on, but kind of back to that point you are completely unstoppable. It's just about investing in yourself, and that may look like time, energy or financially, just to get yourself out of, out of where you're at and into that next thing.   Michael Hingson ** 58:52 What's your website? You must I assume you have a website. I   Tabatha Jones ** 58:55 do have a website. It is empowered. Dash leader.com, and if you go out there, I actually have a free gift. I've recently published an ebook which is a career confidence playbook for women over 50, and that also has some great strategies, as well as workbook and journaling pages to help you really flesh out those goals and start taking those small action steps,   Michael Hingson ** 59:21 and guys, the concepts are the same. So don't think it's just for women. Otherwise, learn nearly as much on this podcast as you   Tabatha Jones ** 59:29 should. That is true. That's very true. The color is a little purple and black. Don't let that send you anywhere. Just it's perfect. Come on in. Let's talk   Michael Hingson ** 59:39 colors. Don't bother me.   59:42 Outstanding.   Michael Hingson ** 59:44 Well, I want to thank you for being here. This has been really fun. I knew it was going to be, and it was every bit as fun and and informative as as I thought it would be. So I hope people will reach out to you on LinkedIn and go off and. Uh, go to the website as well. Get your free ebook. I'm going to go get it and and I really think that you've offered a lot of good insights that will be helpful for people. I hope all of you listening and watching out there agree. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please email me. Let me know what you think of our episode today. You can email me at Michael M, I C H, A, E, L, H i at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S,

In Episode 101 of the Construction Royalty Podcast, host Irvin is joined by his girlfriend Ewelina as they dive into Irvin's experiences in podcasting and real estate. They discuss the roots of his podcasting journey, his early interviews, and his transition to construction-focused content. Irvin shares insights into his current project—building a house in Edinburg, Texas—covering detailed steps like choosing land, blueprint development, and the construction process. They also touch on the importance of quality in building, market trends, and the challenges faced in real estate development. Join us for an insightful look into the world of construction and podcasting!    00:00 Nervous Beginnings and Client Rants 00:34 Introduction to the Podcast 01:15 First Podcast Experiences  04:49 Podcast Evolution and Guest Variety 06:05 Focusing on Construction 07:37 Memorable and Unreleased Episodes 09:19 Community Events and Future Plans  10:59 Starting a Construction Development 12:40 Building a House: Step-by-Step Process 17:37 Navigating Permits and Inspections 22:40 Inspection Process and Plumbing 23:26 Scheduling and Conducting Inspections 23:56 Rebar and Structural Details 25:04 Contractors and Quality Assurance 28:00 Cement Pouring and Weather Concerns 30:02 Framing and Roofing 32:44 Interior Work and Inspections 33:19 Challenges and Adjustments 36:41 Neighborhood Standards and Aesthetics 38:23 Future Plans in Real Estate 41:56 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up   Follow Us! Website Follow Ewelina! Instagram

Explore how AI can automate quality assurance and testing for marketers and content teams.  QA experts Giselle Castro and Carlos Obaldia share how they compared two leading AI tools, Katalon and BrowserStack. Together, they discuss how these platforms help teams test faster, cover more ground and free up valuable time for creative and strategic work. Listeners will get a firsthand look at how Mod Op's QA team approached the comparison, the real challenges they tackled (like reducing manual testing and overcoming change resistance) and the measurable improvements they achieved.  Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  Contributors: Giselle Castro, Quality Assurance & Authoring (QAA) Carlos Obaldia, Senior Quality Assurance & Compliance Assurance (QA & CA) Guest Host Patty Parobek: As Vice President of AI Transformation, Patty leads Mod Op's AI practice group, spearheading initiatives to maximize the value and scalability of AI-enabled solutions. Patty collaborates with the executive team to revolutionize creative, advertising and marketing projects for clients, while ensuring responsible AI practices. She also oversees AI training programs, identifies high-value AI use cases and measures implementation impact, providing essential feedback to Mod Op's AI Council for continuous improvement. Patty can be reached on LinkedIn or at Patty.Parobek@ModOp.com.

Kibit Solutions Ltd is launching in Ireland at this year's Dublin Tech Summit. Kibit Solutions is building software with the best people and provide software development teams to help you with any IT projects that you might be planning in the future. Based in their global headquarters in Budapest, Kibit Solutions has assembled a complete team tailored to your needs, comprising roles such as Scrum Master and Quality Assurance, who adhere to your functional requirements. This team is overseen by Kibit Solutions, ensuring a smooth operation, whilst also delivering meticulously tested solutions to meet your goals. Kibit Solutions team, consists of Business Analysts and seasoned professionals, assists in clarifying your needs, drafting detailed functional specifications, assembling a suitable team, and ultimately delivering thoroughly tested solutions to meet your objectives. Kibit Solutions Irish Business Advisor Ronan Leonard said: "We are looking forward to entering the Irish market, offering our unique development solutions to startups and SMEs. It is a privilege to launch at Dublin Tech Summit, one of Europe's fastest growing international tech conferences." Kibit Solutions launch is taking place at an after party on May 29th between 5:30 and 7:30 In Madigan Square Gardens, the outdoor area of the Horseshoe House, just across the road from the RDS where the Dublin Tech Summit is taking place. Attendees will hear how Kibit Solutions can help with any upcoming I.T. projects that they may have. Places are limited, so to confirm attendance at the after party or to get more information on Kibit Solutions please email ronan.leonard@kibitsolutions.com See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

What if robots could become the ultimate partners in the service industry, seamlessly blending with human efforts to create the best customer experience possible? That's precisely what Marianela, the trailblazing CEO and founder of To Do Robotics, is working to achieve. Join us as Marianela recounts her compelling journey from a pivotal encounter with a server robot in South Korea to her efforts in reshaping the food service industry. Through persistence and vision, she navigates the challenges of market development and the unexpected turns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Marianela shares her heartening stories, including the uplifting moments at CES in Las Vegas and the hurdles she faced, such as a board decision that initially halted her passionate robotics project. Her story is one of resilience and dedication, offering a treasure trove of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike. We also dive into the fascinating world of robots in commercial cleaning, where Marianela sheds light on how her innovations are transforming the hospitality sector. Robots like Bella Bot are not here to replace jobs but to enhance human capabilities, assisting waitstaff in focusing more on delightful customer interactions. In hotels and casinos, cleaning robots tackle labor shortages and elevate cleanliness standards by consistently maintaining public spaces and offering detailed task reports. It's a revelation in efficiency, setting new quality benchmarks in service-oriented businesses. Listen in as we explore these cutting-edge advancements and their potential to revolutionize the service and hospitality industries, painting an inspiring picture of a future where humans and robots thrive together. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome to Business Legacy Podcast 00:00:12 - Marianela's Background and Entry into the Robotics Industry 00:02:15 - The Spark of Inspiration: Encounter with a Server Robot in South Korea 00:03:45 - The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Marianela's Journey 00:05:00 - Discovering Commercial Robots at CES in Las Vegas 00:06:30 - Overcoming Communication Challenges with Manufacturers 00:07:45 - Marianela's Initial Robotics Project and Board Setback 00:09:30 - The Unwavering Vision to Revolutionize Food Service with Robotics 00:12:07 - Exploring the Role of Robots in the Service and Hospitality Industry 00:13:45 - How Robots Complement Human Workers in Restaurants 00:15:30 - The Impact of Cleaning Robots in Hotels and Casinos 00:17:00 - Alleviating Labor Shortages and Enhancing Cleanliness Standards 00:18:15 - Addressing Concerns: Robots as Personal Assistants to Staff 00:19:45 - Training and Integration of Robots into the Workforce 00:21:00 - Expanding Robotics Applications Beyond Food Service 00:22:30 - Partnering with Temi and AGH Telemedicine for Healthcare Solutions 00:24:00 - Addressing Fears of Job Replacement and Educating Staff 00:25:30 - The Lifecycle and Maintenance of Commercial Robots 00:27:00 - Consistency and Quality Assurance in Robotic Cleaning 00:28:30 - Final Thoughts and Insights on the Future of Robotics in Hospitality 00:30:00 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Information About To Do Robotics Episode Resources: Find out what Marianela is up to here:https://todorobotics.com/ Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.

In this episode, Cyrille Michaud from MD101 will explain us how to prepare for Cybersecurity compliance for your medical device. We will review the US and EU requirements and provide you a list of legislation and standards you should look at. Cyrille will also share his experience related to the reviews done by a Notified Body and an FDA.  Who is Cyrille Michaud?  Co-founder and managing partner of MD101 Consulting. Consultant in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs for software in medical devices and software as medical devices. Specialties: Software Processes Management. CE Mark & FDA 510k 21 CFR 820 - ISO 13485 - ISO 14971 - IEC 62304 - IEC 62366 - IEC 60601 - IEC 82304-1 - UL 2900-1 - IEC 81001-5-1 Agile Methods applied to medical device software design. Cybersecurity applied to medical devices. Who is Monir El Azzouzi?  Monir El Azzouzi is the founder and CEO of Easy Medical Device a Consulting firm that is supporting Medical Device manufacturers for any Quality and Regulatory affairs activities all over the world. Monir can help you to create your Quality Management System, Technical Documentation or he can also take care of your Clinical Evaluation, Clinical Investigation through his team or partners. Easy Medical Device can also become your Authorized Representative and Independent Importer Service provider for EU, UK and Switzerland.  Monir has around 16 years of experience within the Medical Device industry working for small businesses and also big corporate companies. He has now supported around 100 clients to remain compliant on the market. His passion to the Medical Device filed pushed him to create educative contents like, blog, podcast, YouTube videos, LinkedIn Lives where he invites guests who are sharing educative information to his audience. Visit easymedicaldevice.com to know more.  Link Cyrille Michaud LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrillemichaud/  MD101 : www.MD101.io  Trainings on Cybersecurity : https://blog.cm-dm.com/pages/Medical-Device-Software-Trainings  Blog post sur cyber et normes : https://blog.cm-dm.com/post/2023/10/06/Final-2023-FDA-Premarket-Cybersecurity-guidance-released  FDA resources on cybersecurity : https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excellence/cybersecurity IG NB checklists : https://www.ig-nb.de/veroeffentlichungen (page in German but download links in the page are in English)  Standard IEC 81001-5-1 and 81001-5-2: https://blog.cm-dm.com/post/2024/10/04/IEC-81001-5-2%3A-AAMI-SW96-cousin-and-IEC-80001-5-1-sister  Blog IEC 81001-5-1: https://blog.cm-dm.com/post/2024/02/23/IEC-81001-5-1-Right-Here-Right-Now Social Media to follow Monir El Azzouzi Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/melazzouzi Twitter: https://twitter.com/elazzouzim Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/easymedicaldevice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easymedicaldevice

The equation seems simple - quality patient care is driven by quality administration. And yet, too many DSOs underestimate the importance of the quality assurance department and its process. Why is that? Tune in to the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show as host, Mike Huffaker, welcomes Dr. Mariz Tanious aka Dr. T, Chief Dental Officer at Affinity Dental Management, to explore the criticality of robust quality assurance processes, how a quality-first approach can elevate organizational culture and operations, and the profound impact it can have on levels of patient care at your practice. From implementing effective documentation protocols to leveraging AI technology for better patient outcomes, Dr. T shares invaluable insights from her two decades of experience, reminding us all that the only thing more important than the numbers your business is bringing in, is the quality of those numbers.

Dal Perio is a Senior Manager of Sensory & Product Insights at Starbucks, with 30 years of experience in Sensory Science, Consumer Research, and Marketing Research across seven Fortune 500 companies including Johnson & Johnson, Diageo, and Unilever.   His expertise spans Product Innovation, Consumer Research, Quality Assurance, and Product Testing. At Starbucks, he focuses on Sensory & Product Insights for various channels, ensuring optimal research solutions. He's actively involved in numerous professional sensory organizations and was mentored by Rose Marie Pangborn.   To be put in touch with Dal, please contact Aigora. To learn more about Aigora, please visit www.aigora.com

Darren O'Neill, a Chartered Quality Professional, started his career in Quality in 2007, since then has worked in scientific, laboratory and data centre environments each bringing their unique learnings and applications of Quality Assurance. Part of the Surrey and Sussex Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) branch and a big supporter of the work of the CQI.

Bettina Moench, a certified aromatherapist, shared her insights on caregiving and essential oils, stressing the need for scientific backing before associating claims with products. She recounted her experiences in hospitals and caregiver groups, illustrating how essential oils can alleviate burnout, enhance energy, and foster emotional resilience. The discussion also covered the challenges faced by caregivers, the advantages of essential oils for both. Bettina Moench's Journey in Caregiving and Oils - Certified aromatherapist introducing Doterra essential oils in South Florida hospitals. - Essential oils used to alleviate caregiver burnout, boost energy, and enhance emotional resilience. - Stressed the importance of scientific evidence in product claims. - Involved in workshops for Alzheimer's caregivers after introducing oils to a memory disorder center social worker.   Caregiving Challenges and Emotional Toll - Highlighted the vast number of caregivers: 100 million adults, 14% of the US population providing unpaid elder care. - Spoke at a caregiving event about the emotional and physical toll on caregivers. - Emphasized the need for fun and support to combat caregiver isolation and stress.   Essential Oils for Caregivers - Essential oils can reduce stress and improve sleep; simple to use in diffusers. - Suggested self-care practices for caregivers, including essential oil baths and aroma touch for emotional support. - Oils can complement medications without adding to the recipient's regimen.   Dealing With Family Members' Delusions - Shared personal experiences with family members experiencing memory deficits and delusions. - Advised on handling such situations with calmness and respect, acknowledging the individual's viewpoint.   Nurse Challenges and Essential Oils - Joined a hospital's Quality Assurance team and Holistic Health Council to introduce essential oils. - Gained insights into nurses' challenges, including long shifts and exposure to illness.   Emotional Aromatherapy for Medical Staff - Discussed emotional challenges faced by medical staff, including burnout and compassion fatigue. - Shared a success story of a nurse finding relief using the "Forgive" oil after a traumatic event.   Essential Oils for Digestive Support - Highlighted essential oils' benefits for digestive health and stress relief. - Mentioned the inclusion of Doterra's peppermint soft gels in a healthcare reference.   Approaching Caregiver Groups for Support - Suggested engaging caregiver groups to introduce Doterra products and build credibility. - Encouraged connections with various support groups for broader outreach.   Caregiving Challenges and Self-Care Importance - Stressed the significance of self-care for caregivers to maintain their health. - Shared positive experiences from talks about essential oils in senior living communities.   Essential Oils for Health and Community - Personal experience with essential oils for her mother's dementia; applicable for all ages. - Encouraged sharing knowledge about essential oils within communities and announced upcoming products. Connect with us: Aisha Harley- www.aishaharley.com / Instagram @aisha.essentialwellness  Ariana Harley - https://www.arianaharley.com/ Josie Schmidt- FB Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/josie.h.schmidt Arin - https://msha.ke/jasmineandjuniper/ Contact Email: aishaharley@comcast.net Welcome to the Visionary Leaders Podcast Here you will gain the knowledge you need to bring essential oils, plant medicine, wisdom, supplementation, and functional medicine into your life. We have a weekly show: “Learn to Be the Healer in Your Home,” where we hear stories from our community on how they integrated essential oils, supplementation, and functional medicine into their lives as a pathway to healing.  

Joining me this week is Kyle Taylor, owner and operator of @gogauge Kyle is currently a Certified Welding Supervisor prepping for his CWI and ultimately aspiring to become a Certified Welding Engineer. In this episode we chat about some of the cool metals he gets to weld on, testing requirements, procedure development and of course the Go-Gauge.   Follow Kyle on Instagram Here   Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/   Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Weld Summit https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/welding-summit/registration#regform Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods   International Welding Bureau Internationalweldingbureau.com   Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders  YouTube: Everlast Welders         Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Walter Surface Technologies https://hubs.ly/Q034MdgX0 ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.  Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase    

We're excited to welcome Oeystein Kjoersvik to AI Uncovered. Oeystein leads the Generative AI program within the Quality Assurance team at Merck, where he focuses on developing AI tools and applying a quality-first approach to ensure safe, effective use of AI in GxP-regulated environments.In this episode, Tim and Oeystein delve into the challenges of adopting AI in regulated settings, the complexity of validating GenAI tools, and the transition from traditional processes to AI-augmented systems. They also explore Oeystein's work with the IMPALA Consortium and the importance of cross-industry collaboration to identify and scale high-value use cases for Generative AI.Before his current role, Oeystein served as a Product Owner in Analytics at Merck IT, building analytics platforms and integrating data science across systems. He also contributed as a Machine Learning Subject Matter Expert to TransCelerate's Intelligent Automation Group, advancing AI applications in pharmacovigilance.Oeystein brings a rare blend of technical expertise and regulatory insight. He's passionate about helping teams adopt AI responsibly and transparently—ensuring innovation aligns with quality across the pharmaceutical landscape.Welcome to AI Uncovered, a podcast for technology enthusiasts that explores the intersection of generative AI, machine learning, and innovation across regulated industries. With the AI software market projected to reach $14 trillion by 2030, each episode features compelling conversations with an innovator exploring the impact of generative AI, LLMs, and other rapidly evolving technologies across their organization. Hosted by Executive VP of Product at Yseop, Tim Martin leads a global team and uses his expertise to manage the wonderful world of product.

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Feld interviews Stefan Seidel, Chief Technology Officer at Pankl Racing Systems. The discussion covers Pankl's innovative use of additive manufacturing (AM) in motorsports, aerospace, and high-performance sectors. Stefan elaborates on the transition to AM post-COVID-19, the stringent quality standards required in motorsports, and groundbreaking applications like the roll hoop and other high-stress components. Additionally, the podcast dives into Pankl's history, its vertical integration approach, and how it collaborates with partners and educational institutions to develop industry-leading solutions and nurture talent. The episode concludes with insights into future advancements in AM and regulatory changes in Formula One for 2026. Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at additive.snack@eos-na.com. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS.  For more information about Pankl, visit their website and connect with Stefan Seidel on LinkedIn.  00:41 Diving into Additive Manufacturing in Motorsports 02:13 The Impact of COVID-19 on Additive Manufacturing 03:27 Key Additive Manufacturing Components in F1 08:39 Panko's Journey and Innovations 20:38 Quality Assurance in Additive Manufacturing 32:33 Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace and High-Performance Vehicles 42:46 Talent Development and Partnerships 48:00 Future of Additive Manufacturing in Motorsports 50:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

In this episode of the Additive Snack podcast, host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Isabelle Hachette, CEO of Interspectral, to discuss the intersection of healthcare and additive manufacturing (AM). Isabel shares her journey from a 20-year career in medical imaging to pioneering in AM space. The conversation covers how Interspectral's software transforms sensor data into actionable insights, aiding engineers and improving production efficiency.  The episode also delves into the application of AI in error detection and process monitoring, aiming to advance AM through innovative solutions and standardizations. Key highlights include the integration of AI into AM, the importance of data fusion, and the advancement of regulatory standards in the industry. Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at additive.snack@eos-na.com. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS. For more information about Interspectral's innovative solutions, visit their website and connect with Isabelle Hachette on LinkedIn. 02:11 Isabelle's journey from healthcare to additive manufacturing 06:29 Interspectral's role in additive manufacturing 09:58 Data integration and error detection 14:38 AI and future developments in additive manufacturing 25:27 Closing remarks and outlook for Interspectral 

On this episode of The Defense Unicorns Podcast, the question isn't just how to deliver software—it's how to do it faster, safer, and smarter. According to Bryan Finster Distinguished Engineer at Defense Unicorns, the answer isn't in rigid frameworks or bloated processes but in embracing continuous delivery, shortening feedback loops, and eliminating the bureaucratic roadblocks that hold teams back. Host Rebecca Lively sits down with Bryan to debunk DevSecOps' myths, tackle the frustrations of “Agile theater,” and explore why real software success comes from a culture of ownership, not just following a set of rules.Bryan makes a compelling case that rigid processes, review boards, and bureaucratic bottlenecks don't make software safer—they make it fragile. He argues that adaptability is the real key to security, and that organizations clinging to outdated waterfall-style contracts are setting themselves up for failure. Drawing on experiences from Walmart's supply chain to government defense systems, he explains how fostering a culture of ownership, feedback, and accountability leads to better outcomes—not just for users, but for the engineers who build the systems.If you're tired of buzzwords and top-down mandates that miss the mark, this conversation will hit home. Bryan isn't just here to talk about DevSecOps—he's here to challenge the way you think about software, leadership, and even history. Whether you want to deliver better software or just hear an unfiltered take on why Agile often fails in practice, this episode is worth a listen.Key Quote:“ The goal we have is number one, I need to be able to respond to the realities of what's happening in production as quickly as possible safely. I don't want to be making up ways to. Make change, I don't want to be cowboying change in when something's going wrong in production, either with security breach or functional problems or whatever it is, then I don't want to be throwing gasoline on a fire  at three o'clock in the morning. I need to be able to recover from what's currently occurring as quickly and safely as possible. So operational responsiveness is key. The other part is, if I'm building something new, software development is not the same as building a car.  Unless you think of it as designing the car we're going to build. We're prototyping everything all the time. And the bigger the thing is that we deliver.  The more wrong is in that prototype. And so it's not about speed. It's about feedback.”Bryan FinsterTime Stamps:(01:39) Balancing Speed and Safety in DevOps(03:53) The Role of Feedback in Software Development(12:35) The Power of Feedback and Continuous Improvement(18:35) Understanding Conway's Law(23:55) Building a Strong Engineering Community(28:26) DevOps and Quality Assurance(33:48) Being Agile in High-Risk Environments(40:13) Lightning RoundLinks:Connect with Bryan FinsterConnect with Rebecca LivelyLearn More About Defense Unicorns

SymPhysis Medical, the Galway MedTech company seeking to address the distressing condition of fluid in the chest in cancer patients, has announced a significantly strengthened senior team and plans for rapid growth as it prepares for its device's US launch. With clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) targeted by 2026, SymPhysis Medical aims to launch its device within the next 18 months and to reach €40M in revenue by 2030. Founded by CEO Tim Jones and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Michelle Tierney, SymPhysis Medical has developed a device, releazeTM, which can be used by cancer patients who are receiving palliative care to relieve the symptoms of fluid in the chest. These symptoms include shortness of breath, discomfort and pain. The condition, experienced by approximately 50% of late-stage cancer patients, limits movements and activities, while necessitating regular medical appointments at a time when many wish to be at home and spending time with loved ones. The company founders expect their device's launch in the US to mark a transformation in the care, and quality of care, of these patients. In the most recent funding round, SymPhysis Medical has raised €2.8M and expects to close a further €3.7M from a combination of current and new investors by April 2025. Investors have been impressed by SymPhysis Medical's ambitious growth plans and focus on a market, worth €860M in the US and Europe alone, which has lacked innovation over the last 25 years. The company was endorsed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) in February 2025, receiving the Seal of Excellence, which highlights the value and impact of the innovation. SymPhysis Medical expects to represent 20% of the US market by 2030 and 10% of the European market in the same period. This will mean that 35,000 patients could be benefiting from releazeTM by 2030. Driving SymPhysis Medical's post-launch growth and momentum will be an enhanced senior team whose track record covers some of the world's largest MedTech and life sciences companies. Their expertise includes sales and distribution of medical devices, business strategy and regulatory affairs. Joe Villanova, VP Sales and Marketing, will drive SymPhysis Medical's penetration of the US market. He has more than 35 years of experience in commercialising medical devices, with 15 years of experience in those addressing fluid in the chest. He has held leadership roles in multinationals including Baxter Healthcare and Becton Dickinson. Meanwhile, Niamh St John Lynch, Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, has 30 years of international experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Her knowledge of medical device regulations, FDA clearance and risk management, through previous work with Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific, among others, will help to drive global regulatory approval and adoption of releazeTM. The team will also benefit from a strengthened board of directors. David Uffer has almost 35 years of experience in the life sciences industry. His experience has seen him lead business development for multinationals including Boston Scientific, Abbott and Medtronic. With extensive experience in the commercialisation and launch of early stage medical device companies, he will be pivotal to SymPhysis Medical's launch and success in the US. Meanwhile, Gerard Ryan is a serial entrepreneur and experienced investor. Gerard founded Longboat Clinical (sold to Advarra in 2020 in a multimillion Euro deal) and Firecrest (sold in 2011 to ICON plc for €50M). One of SymPhysis Medical's first investors, Ryan will help to drive SymPhysis Medical's strategic direction. Tim Jones, CEO, SymPhysis Medical, said: "This is an exciting time for our company. For six years, we have been laser-focused on our mission to help late-stage cancer patients - and, indirectly, their loved ones - to ease a very distressing condition at an extremely difficult time for them. I am immensely proud of our...

In this episode of the Grow Your Nutrition Business podcast, host Nicole Aucoin, founder of Healthy Steps Nutrition and HSN Mentoring, delves into the essential systems needed to build and scale a professional nutrition coaching program. She breaks down four key areas: client journey, client management, coach development, and quality assurance—emphasizing the importance of personalized accountability, streamlined sales processes, and consistent coaching experiences. Nicole also shares insights on the Gym Accelerator Summit and provides valuable resources for those looking to enhance or launch their nutrition coaching programs, including HSN Mentoring's turnkey solutions and a hiring guide for nutrition coaches. What You'll Learn: Building a Nutrition Coaching Program – Understanding the foundational elements of a successful coaching system. Defining the Client Journey – Structuring a clear path for clients to follow from onboarding to long-term success. Effective Client Management – Implementing streamlined processes to enhance client engagement and retention. Coach Development – Training and supporting coaches to maintain consistency and high-quality service. Quality Assurance in Nutrition Coaching – Ensuring program effectiveness through continuous evaluation and improvement. Streamlining Sales Processes – Creating an efficient system to attract and convert new clients. LINKS: Episode Blog Post HERE. Free Downloadable Guide - 3 Steps To Hiring & Training A Nutrition Coach: HERE   Join us in person at the Gym Accelerator Summit[GAS]:  Live event hosted by HSN Mentoring for gym owners, managers and nutrition coaches to help bridge the gap between fitness and health inside your gym.  April 3-5, 2025 in Nashville, TN.  Tickets & Details: HERE https://growyournutritionbusiness.com/gas/)     ▼ ▽ Connect With Us HSN Mentoring Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/hsn_mentoring  Healthy Steps Nutrition Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/healthystepsnutrition Nicole Aucoin Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/nicole_rd_hsn    ▼ ▽ About Healthy Steps Nutrition & HSN Mentoring:  We believe something as fundamental as nutrition shouldn't be complicated, which is why we focus on a simple habit-based approach. We know that helping you become the best and healthiest version of yourself isn't just about telling you what to eat or going to the gym a few hours a week. Our holistic coaching program addresses nutrition, mindset, sleep, daily movement, support system and lifestyle paired with our expert coaches for accountability and support. Our mission is to help one million people take control of their health one step at a time. In order to do that, we need gym owners and coaches with their boots on the ground, using the Healthy Steps Nutrition framework to empower their communities to make health a way of life. HSN Mentoring provides a turn-key solution for gym owners to build, launch and grow a professional nutrition coaching program in their gym, including training, business systems, nutrition coach certification, an exclusive app to manage clients, and ongoing mentoring. ▼ ▽ Next Step For Gym Owners: Book a FREE Discovery Call {For Gym Owners Only} HERE | https://growyournutritionbusiness.com/book-a-free-call   

Nicholas Capman of The FDA Group welcomes David Festa, Director of Corporate Quality at Thermo Fisher Scientific, to explore whether pharmaceutical and medical device companies are auditing suppliers too frequently and with the right personnel.With over 25 years of experience in quality management and oversight of tens of thousands of suppliers, David advocates for a more strategic approach that balances quality, compliance, and business needs through "exception-based" auditing.Rather than rigidly adhering to calendar-based audit schedules, David suggests companies should assess suppliers based on performance metrics, risk factors, and the criticality of materials they provide. He challenges the industry norm that every supplier must be visited at predetermined intervals, arguing that well-performing suppliers with stable processes may not require frequent on-site visits.David emphasizes the importance of matching auditor expertise with supplier categories. For example, an auditor with deep knowledge of plastics manufacturing will provide far more valuable insights when evaluating a plastics supplier than someone familiar only with general standards. This targeted approach has helped Thermo Fisher predict quality issues and decrease the percentage of poor-performing suppliers.The conversation explores how post-pandemic practices have evolved, with companies developing more harmonized approaches to global auditing and implementing centralized audit portals. David also introduces the concept of a "supplier pricing index" that quantifies the true cost of poor quality, providing a more accurate picture of supplier value than piece price alone.While ISO certifications provide a foundation for quality systems, David cautions against over-reliance on certifications or imposing unnecessary standards on suppliers. The most effective approach focuses on whether suppliers can maintain control of their manufacturing processes and consistently deliver quality products, regardless of certification status.For companies looking to optimize their supplier quality programs, the key is putting the right people in the right places, implementing quantifiable metrics, and taking a holistic view that integrates quality with other business functions.____The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. For project or resource needs, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thefdagroup.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and host Seth Tandett discuss the excessive costs and challenges associated with low carbon concrete, particularly Type 1L cement. They delve into the implications for the cement industry, the struggles faced by Departments of Transportation (DOTs) with new cement standards, and misconceptions surrounding blended cements. The conversation covers the shift towards performance-based design, the implications of ACI 323 on concrete practices, and the role of concrete pumping in quality assurance. They also highlight the importance of long-term testing for new materials and the need for research and development in ready-mix concrete to address industry challenges. Takeaways Low carbon concrete has significant cost implications for the industry. Misconceptions about blended cements are prevalent in the industry. The shift to low carbon cements has led to premature cracking issues. Concrete performance is not solely determined by its strength. Performance-based design has shifted the responsibility from prescriptive to outcome-based. Long-term testing is crucial for new concrete materials to ensure reliability. Research and development in ready-mix concrete is often neglected in contracts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Low Carbon Concrete 04:31 The Cost Implications of Low Carbon Concrete 08:06 Challenges Faced by DOTs with New Cements 12:42 Understanding the Shift in Cement Standards 16:45 The Impact of New Cements on Concrete Durability 20:32 Misconceptions About Blended Cements 24:15 Abrasion Resistance and Concrete Performance 27:14 The Concrete Industry's Strength Assumptions 29:39 Performance-Based Concrete Design 31:24 Impact of ACI 323 on Concrete Practices 32:53 The Role of Concrete Pumping in Quality Assurance 34:51 Historical Challenges in the Concrete Industry 37:59 Research and Development in Ready-Mix Concrete 40:43 The Importance of Long-Term Testing 46:34 The Future of Type 1L Cements 49:43 Balancing Perspectives in Concrete Discussions ***Did you learn something from this episode? Would you like to support the concrete industry's favorite podcast? If so, donate at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . When YOU donate to the show, you will be listed as a producer of the next episode that is released! Join the Concrete Logic Academy! Enhance your learning from our podcast with engaging quizzes that test your knowledge and help you earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Support Concrete Logic and take your education to the next level!

O paulistano Felipe teve um computador em casa desde criança e, entre um joguinho e outro, sempre fuçava no sistema. O contato com o tio programador lhe deu a primeira exposição ao mundo do desenvolvimento e, depois de tentar fazer um curso técnico de mecatrônica, ele acabou fazendo faculdade de Análise de Sistemas. Na primeira oportunidade de estágio, na IBM, ele acabou indo trabalhar com QA, área em que atua até hoje.Neste episódio, o Filipe detalha sua trajetória até a inesperada mudança para Portugal, e comenta como é o dia a dia, os desafios e as vantagens de se morar na terra onde há mais do que bacalhau. Fabrício Carraro, o seu viajante poliglota Felipe Cepriano, Quality Engineer na radicantLinks: Bluesky do Felipe Mastodon do Felipe Instagram do FelipeConheça o curso Quality Assurance: plano de testes e gestão de bugs da Alura e aprenda sobre qualidade de software com a criação de um plano para modelar e executar testes, além de conceitos fundamentais para atuar como profissional de QA.TechGuide.sh, um mapeamento das principais tecnologias demandadas pelo mercado para diferentes carreiras, com nossas sugestões e opiniões.#7DaysOfCode: Coloque em prática os seus conhecimentos de programação em desafios diários e gratuitos. Acesse https://7daysofcode.io/Ouvintes do podcast Dev Sem Fronteiras têm 10% de desconto em todos os planos da Alura Língua. Basta ir a https://www.aluralingua.com.br/promocao/devsemfronteiras/e começar a aprender inglês e espanhol hoje mesmo! Produção e conteúdo: Alura Língua Cursos online de Idiomas – https://www.aluralingua.com.br/ Alura Cursos online de Tecnologia – https://www.alura.com.br/Edição e sonorização: Rede Gigahertz de Podcasts

In this episode of the Liquid Weekly podcast, host Karl Meisterheim and co-host Taylor Page welcome Paolo Vidale, founder and CEO of Hidden Gears, to discuss the intricacies of technical debt, quality assurance, and the evolution of Shopify development.Paolo shares his journey into development, emphasizing the importance of understanding technical debt both in-house and inherited from previous projects.The conversation delves into the philosophy of quality assurance, the challenges of JavaScript, and innovative approaches like inside-out re-theming to manage technical debt effectively. The episode concludes with insights on the latest changes in the Shopify ecosystem and personal picks from the hosts.Takeaways:• Technical debt is a crucial aspect of development that can accumulate over time.• Quality assurance should be viewed as a philosophy rather than just a task.• Diligence in testing involves anticipating user behavior and potential errors.• Inside-out re-theming allows for gradual improvements without complete overhauls.• JavaScript can introduce complexities, especially with conflicting libraries from apps.• Effective QA processes can prevent surprises and ensure a smoother development experience.• Collaboration with app developers can lead to better product outcomes.• Accessibility testing is an essential part of the QA process.• Understanding the implications of headless architecture is vital for successful implementation.• Using tools like Nacho Nacho can help manage SaaS subscriptions effectively.Timestamps:• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction• 01:15 Paolo's Origin Story in Development• 07:40 Transitioning to Shopify and E-commerce• 09:59 Balancing Marketing and Development• 12:31 Quality Assurance in Development• 17:08 Understanding Quality Assurance• 21:14 Design QA vs. Development QA• 25:06 Accessibility and ADA Testing• 29:19 Navigating Complexity in Design and Accessibility• 30:10 Tools for Accessibility Testing• 33:18 Quality Assurance in Development• 34:32 Diligence and Destruction in QA Testing• 39:23 Understanding Technical Debt• 49:02 Inside-Out Re-theming for Technical Debt• 54:17 JavaScript Challenges and Solutions• 57:13 Dev Changelog and Picks of the WeekFind Paolo Online:• Website: https://www.hiddengears.com• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hiddengears• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolovidali/• Twitter(X): https://x.com/paolorobotResources:• ARIA DevTools: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/aria-devtools/dneemiigcbbgbdjlcdjjnianlikimpck?hl=en• Browserstack: https://www.browserstack.com/• Deque University: https://dequeuniversity.com/• WAVE: https://wave.webaim.org/• JAWS Inspect: https://www.tpgi.com/arc-platform/jaws-inspect/Dev Changelog:• Removing unnecessary RELEVANCE sort options: https://shopify.dev/changelog/removing-unnecessary-relevance-sort-options• Events and Origins in Store Credit Account Transactions: https://shopify.dev/changelog/events-and-origins-in-store-credit-account-transactions• Attribute Marketing Consent to Retail Locations: https://shopify.dev/changelog/track-the-retail-locations-where-your-customers-update-their-marketing-consentPicks of the Week:• Paolo: Saas and AI Marketplace (https://nachonacho.com/)• Karl: Logseq (https://logseq.com/)• Taylor: Wahl Clipper/Trimmer (https://amzn.to/4keu34q)Signup for Liquid Weekly Newsletter:Don't miss out on expert insights and tips—subscribe to Liquid Weekly for more content like this delivered right to your inbox each week: https://liquidweekly.com/

"He needed us more than we needed him." - Nick GaylordThis is a powerful one! Hosts Natalie and JJ sit down with Nick Gaylord to explore the raw realities of caregiving, grief, and complex family dynamics. Nick opens up about the emotional toll of caring for his father, the struggles of managing a difficult relationship, and the conflicting emotions of loss, relief, and anger after his passing.This heartfelt conversation sheds light on:✅ The challenges of caregiving for a parent with whom you have a complicated past✅ Processing grief, denial, and emotional burnout✅ The importance of seeking support and sharing your story✅ How forgiveness can lead to healing and personal growthIf you're navigating the ups and downs of caregiving, loss, or strained family relationships, this episode offers honest insights and real-life experiences that can help you feel seen and supported.Learn more about Nick Gaylord:Nick has always been driven to help others. With a talent for numbers, he built a 28-year career in pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ensuring life-changing medicines reach those in need. Yet, he longed for a deeper connection.In January 2024, Nick launched Our Dead Dads, a podcast that creates a safe space for grief, laughter, and open conversations about losing a parent. Inspired by his own complex relationship with his late father, he hopes to normalize discussions around grief, trauma, and healing—helping others feel seen, heard, and less alone.Social Media:Website: https://www.ourdeaddads.com/Twitter: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourdeaddadspodPodcast URL: https://ourdeaddads.buzzsprout.com

Dive into our latest episode as we explore the critical need for laboratories to evolve from mere compliance to a thriving culture of continual improvement. Brian Johnson shares valuable insights from the recent Mid-Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshop, highlighting a new strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing operational practices within laboratories. Throughout the episode, we address the pivotal role that AASHTO plays in guiding laboratories towards adherence to rigorous standards, emphasizing that compliance is just the beginning. We underscore the importance of understanding the root causes of nonconformities and foster a proactive mentality that seeks systemic solutions over temporary fixes. Listeners will appreciate the actionable examples provided, including how to utilize proficiency sample data for setting realistic quality objectives. With a focus on collaboration, Brian stresses the necessity for communication among all stakeholders involved, paving the way for a unified approach to quality management.This episode speaks directly to laboratory managers and quality assurance professionals seeking to enhance their practices. Are you ready to elevate your lab's standards? Tune in to learn how to integrate continuous improvement into your quality framework effectively. Don't forget to subscribe and share; let's foster a community committed to excellence in laboratory quality!Send us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.

In this episode of the Predictable B2B Success podcast, host Vinay Koshy invites Alex Natskovich, the innovative head of MEV, a strategic partner in software development, to delve into the art of cultivating robust cross-functional collaboration in business organizations. Did you know companies boasting strong collaborative efforts are five times more successful in achieving their goals? Yet, many businesses find themselves hindered by silos and communication breakdowns, leading to missed opportunities and stifled growth. Alex shares his journey from being an engineer intrigued by business complexities to developing MEV, a company that excels by focusing on the "why" behind client needs. In this insightful conversation, Alex unpacks the three key dimensions he deems crucial for successful collaboration: people, process, and tools. Discover how MEV has become an essential ally for its clients by building trust through transparent communication, rigorous processes, and a deep understanding of client needs. Whether you're grappling with startup constraints or navigating the complex dynamics of large organizations, this episode offers valuable lessons on building a winning culture that transcends traditional business barriers, ensuring both parties thrive symbiotically. Tune in to explore how you can steer your organization toward sustainable success. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Cross-functional Collaboration Challenges: Discussion on the importance and challenges of maintaining effective cross-functional collaboration within large organizations.Starting MEV: Alex Natskovich talks about the origins and the driving principles behind creating MEV as a software strategic partner.Importance of Understanding Client Needs: The emphasis on understanding clients' deep needs to deliver successful software projects.Framework for Successful Collaboration: Alex describes a framework that involves people, processes, and tools to foster effective collaboration.Building and Managing Trust: The importance of building trust with clients to foster better collaboration and outcomes.Iterative Development and Metrics: The use of iterative development processes and key metrics to measure success in delivering software projects.Examples of Successful Client Projects: Anecdotes about client projects that had a surprising or significant impact.Quality Assurance in Fast-paced Environments: How MEV approaches quality assurance from the onset of a project.Growth Strategies in Competitive Markets: Insights on driving growth in a competitive Red Ocean market through experimentation and delivering client value.Under-acknowledged Aspects of Strategic Partnerships: Alex discusses aspects of client engagements that don't get much attention, such as cultural alignment and defining success criteria.And much, much more...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dani Grant, co-founder of Jam.dev, as she shares her journey from Cloudflare PM to startup founder. Learn how Jam.dev persevered through eight failed attempts before finding product-market fit and growing to 85,000 users. Dani reveals valuable lessons about product-led growth, building in public, and raising venture capital. From tactical fundraising tips to creative community building strategies like jam.pizza, this episode is packed with practical insights for founders and anyone interested in the startup journey. SponsorConvex is the backend for founders. Convex is the backend application platform for product-obsessed founders. Show Notes0:00 - Intro0:29 - Sponsor: Convex1:08 - Meeting Dani Grant1:41 - Early Career at Cloudflare3:09 - Finding Internships & Career Growth5:25 - Starting Jam.dev11:56 - Product Evolution & User Growth16:57 - Product Features & Implementation21:22 - Monetization Strategy23:37 - Technical Deep Dive: How Jam Works27:49 - Future Plans & Mobile Development29:12 - Fundraising Tips & Strategies34:00 - Supporting Developer Communities36:18 - Picks and Plugs LinksCompanies/Products:Jam.devCloudflareConvex (sponsor)SentryData DogHotjarFullStoryJIRAMetabaseNotionSocial/Personal:Dani Grant's TwitterDani Grant's email (dani@jam.dev)Brad Garropy's Twitter (@bradgarropy)Learn Build Teach DiscordDeals for Devs projectBooks/Media:"Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" (book mentioned by Dani)Matt Wolf's YouTube channel (AI recaps)Career Resources:jam.dev/careers (mentioned they're hiring)jam.pizza (community meetup sponsorship form)Technical Tools Mentioned:ViteRemixES BuildProducts Similar to Jam:FullStoryHotjarSentryDatadogDevelopment Tools:Chrome Extension Store (where Jam is available)Community:LearnBuildTeach.comDeals for Devs

“Excellence is never an accident. It results from high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities."   – Aristotle (adapted interpretation) In this insightful episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn interviews three key members of RESNET's team.: Ryan Moore, Jordi Kimbrough in Quality Assurance, and Michael Matthews in Programs. Each brings a unique background and perspective to their roles, strengthening RESNET's mission to ensure high-quality standards in energy-efficient home ratings. Ryan Moore, the Quality Assurance Investigations Program Manager, shares his journey from a varied background in environmental studies, construction, and tourism to his pivotal role at RESNET. Ryan emphasizes the importance of a level playing field in the rating industry, using investigations to ensure compliance and education among stakeholders. Jordi Kimbrough, Quality Assurance Project Manager, reflects on her serendipitous entry into the rating world and her focus on making providers' challenging roles more manageable. She highlights her goals of streamlining processes, providing training, and gathering feedback to reduce ambiguity and enhance the industry's efficiency. Michael Matthews, Programs Engagement Specialist, rounds out the conversation with his passion for connecting people and advancing energy efficiency. From his early days in weatherization to his current role, Michael facilitates stakeholder conversations, promotes better building practices, and supports t's RESNET's ambitious goals. The episode concludes with discussing the value of teamwork, service, and a shared commitment to sustainability, underscoring the human connection behind RESNET's impactful work. Here is the contact info for our guests: Jordi Kimbrough: Jordi@resnet.us Michael Matthews Michael@resnet.us, https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-matthews-a8931928/ Ryan Moore: Ryanmoore@resnet.us, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rymoore/ Here is a link to the complaint resolution process: https://www.hersindex.com/about-resnet/complaint-resolution-process/ and the Complaint form https://www.hersindex.com/file-complaint-resolution/   Job Posting for Regional Positions for QA specialists: (Posted 12-4-24) https://www.resnet.us/articles/job-posting-resnet-qa-compliance-specialists-regional-positions/ To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

Nicholas Capman of The FDA Group welcomes Ashley Preston, SVP of Global Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance at BlossomHill Therapeutics, to discuss the critical elements of successful regulatory agency meetings. With over 20 years of experience in regulatory affairs and quality assurance, Ashley shares expertise on preparing for and executing effective interactions with FDA and EMA.While the FDA and EMA are both considered first-tier regulatory agencies, they handle meetings differently. FDA offers various meeting types with structured timelines, while EMA takes a more committee-based approach through the CHMP.FDA meetings include several key types, from pre-IND consultations to end-of-phase meetings. The end of phase two meeting, where sponsors agree on pivotal trial designs, and the pre-NDA meeting are considered required interactions. Recent initiatives like Project Optimus have made end-of-phase 1 meetings increasingly critical, particularly in oncology. While FDA meetings are covered by PDUFA fees, EMA scientific advice can cost 70,000-80,000 euros unless the product has orphan designation.Meeting preparation requires careful strategy and timing. Preston emphasizes the importance of having sufficient data to support proposed development plans, noting that companies sometimes seek meetings too early, leading to delays or unfavorable feedback. Teams must craft focused questions and present just enough data to make persuasive arguments without overwhelming reviewers.Effective negotiation during meetings requires understanding agency perspectives and finding a middle ground when disagreements arise. Preston advocates for a partnership approach, recognizing that regulators share the ultimate goal of bringing safe, effective medicines to patients. Teams should prepare for various scenarios and be ready to suggest alternative approaches that address agency concerns while maintaining development efficiency.Documentation has evolved in the post-COVID era, with the FDA often drafting minutes during meetings. This real-time approach allows sponsors to ensure critical decisions and agreements are accurately captured. Follow-up mechanisms, from informal clarifications to formal Type D meetings, provide opportunities to address any remaining questions or challenges that emerge during implementation.Preston recommends that companies prepare for their first agency meetings by viewing these interactions as opportunities to build relationships and understand agency expectations. While virtual meetings have become common and efficient, maintaining professional, science-based discussions remains crucial regardless of format. Companies working with both the FDA and the EMA should consider how to harmonize feedback, potentially using sequential meetings to incorporate initial FDA input into EMA discussions.———The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our regulatory affairs expertise spans the entire drug development cycle, from pre-IND strategy through approval. For project or resource needs, visit ⁠thefdagroup.com⁠.

Nicholas Capman, CEO of The FDA Group, welcomes Harri Järveläinen, an independent consultant specializing in non-clinical and regulatory affairs, to discuss the realities of working with Chinese Contract Research Organizations. With over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry—including experience with AstraZeneca and in Chinese biotech—Harri shares first-hand insights on selecting and managing Chinese CRO partnerships while addressing common misconceptions. Chinese CROs have evolved significantly over the past two decades. Initially focused on medicinal chemistry, they have expanded into full-service providers across all areas of preclinical development. Government support in the mid-2010s fueled rapid growth, leading to an industry that today services both domestic and international clients, including many U.S. biotech and pharmaceutical companies. While some remain hesitant about working with Chinese providers, many of these organizations now operate at a level of quality that rivals their Western counterparts. Regulatory compliance is a key consideration when selecting a CRO. Many of the largest Chinese CROs undergo regular inspections from the U.S. FDA and OECD, ensuring adherence to global standards. For sponsors evaluating potential partners, it is critical to review their inspection history and any recent Form 483 letters to identify potential regulatory risks. Harri emphasizes that working with well-established providers mitigates concerns about compliance and operational transparency. Many companies are drawn to Chinese CROs due to their cost-effectiveness, faster turnaround times, and unique capabilities. During the pandemic, pricing disparities between U.S. and Chinese CROs were extreme, with some U.S. providers charging up to ten times more. Today, the cost advantage remains significant, particularly for studies involving research primates. Faster lead times also make Chinese CROs attractive, as some studies that take six months in the U.S. can be completed in just two months in China. Certain specialized studies, such as continuous infusion studies in rodents or research involving obese primates, are more commonly performed in China than in the U.S. or Europe. While concerns about intellectual property remain, Harri argues that they are largely outdated. Past issues, particularly in the early 2000s, created lasting skepticism, but established CROs today have stringent protocols in place to protect client data. Language barriers present a more tangible challenge. English proficiency among younger study directors has declined in recent years, making communication more difficult. Many CROs now assign English-speaking project managers to facilitate interactions and ensure smooth collaboration. Regulatory uncertainty is another area of concern. The pending Biosecure Act has raised questions about the future of U.S.-China collaborations in life sciences, but Harri clarifies that current discussions primarily focus on manufacturing rather than non-clinical or clinical research. The U.S. FDA continues to evaluate Chinese CROs based on performance and compliance rather than geopolitical factors. For companies considering working with a Chinese CRO, Harri advises starting with well-established providers that have a strong track record and regular FDA inspections. Conducting audits before engagement and maintaining oversight throughout the study process is essential. Cultural differences, particularly around work expectations and communication styles, should also be accounted for to ensure smooth collaboration. ____ The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle, from clinical development to commercialization, with a focus in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. For project or resource needs, visit: thefdagroup.com.

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Kseniia Duplyakin, Sr. QA Analyst with Learnix Tree Center about opportunities as a Software Quality Assurance. From testing software for bugs to ensuring a seamless user experience, SQA professionals play a vital role in delivering high-quality products. Kseniia talks about the skills needed, tools used, and different career paths within QA, including manual testing, automation testing, and performance testing. Kseniia Duplyakina is an expert in Automated Software Testing. She has a degree in Computer Science from Odessa Polytechnic University, Ukraine. Since moving to the USA, she quickly became an industry leader in designing and implementing Quality Assurance processes for software solutions for government and commercial projects as a QA Architect and Product Owner. Kseniia brings her years of experience to her students at Learnix Center, where she designed the “Automated Testing Tools” course for the Software Quality Assurance program.   If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment. MORE ABOUT KSENIIA DUPLYAKINA LinkedIn: Kseniia Duplyakina Website: Learnix Tree Center ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

About Us: Our mission is to teach historically excluded people how to get started in programmatic media buying and find a dream job.  We do so by providing on-demand lessons via the Reach and Frequency® program (https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com ), a dope community with like-minded programmatic experts, and live free and paid group coaching.  We can help 2 ways:  Customized a training roadmap for teams of programmatic traders (https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ ), adops, customer success, AMs, etc focusing on campaigns performance increase, cross-departmental communication, and revenue growth overall 

I take a look at how the Terran cards from the miniset are playing out before playing Terran Taunt Warrior on the ladder. You can find the deck import code below the following contact links.  Join our Discord community here or at discord.me/blisterguy. You can follow me @blisterguy on Bluesky. Subscribe to my Youtube channel. You can support this podcast and my other Hearthstone work at Patreon here. # 2x (1) Concussive Shells # 1x (1) Garrosh's Gift # 1x (2) Quality Assurance # 2x (2) Shield Block # 2x (2) Starport # 2x (3) Lift Off # 2x (3) New Heights # 1x (3) Photographer Fizzle # 2x (3) Tortollan Traveler # 2x (4) Arkonite Defense Crystal # 1x (4) E.T.C., Band Manager #   1x (3) Zola the Gorgon #   1x (5) Mind Control Tech #   1x (9) Odyn, Prime Designate # 1x (4) Yamato Cannon # 2x (5) Brawl # 1x (6) Hamm, the Hungry # 1x (7) Jim Raynor # 1x (7) The Exodar # 1x (8) Boomboss Tho'grun # 2x (8) Hydration Station # 1x (8) Sleep Under the Stars # 1x (0) Zilliax Deluxe 3000 #   1x (0) Zilliax Deluxe 3000 #   1x (4) Virus Module #   1x (5) Perfect Module # 1x (100) The Ceaseless Expanse #  AAECAe+VBwz9xAWs0QX3lwbHpAaRqAbsqQbVugb6yQb23Qaq6gav8Qbp8QYJiKAEjtQEpLsG0MoG88oGi9wG2PEGu/QGvPQGAAEGltQE/cQFpfYF/cQF9LMGx6QG97MGx6QG6t4Gx6QG8eYG/cQFAAA=

In her conversation with Dr. Kerl, Dr. Julia Georgesen shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Mars Veterinary Health. She discusses her early influences, career development, and the challenges and rewards of owning a veterinary practice. Julia emphasizes the importance of teamwork, quality in veterinary medicine, and the role of partnerships in enhancing animal health. She also highlights her current responsibilities in sourcing and quality assurance, and the significance of having veterinary technicians involved in decision-making processes. Dr. Georgesen discusses the vital roles of veterinary technicians, the importance of sustainability in veterinary practices, and her involvement in charitable work aimed at improving access to veterinary care. She also shares insights on global vaccination efforts in Africa through her work with the Africa Network for Animal Welfare- USA and offers advice for veterinarians considering career changes, emphasizing the value of relationships and staying curious.Visit our website: vcavoice.comAll episodes produced by dādy creative

2024 had some incredible self-inflicted wounds by some big names in Business.  We review the top ones and discuss the ramifications of not being in tune with what your customers want and also on how to take accountability for your errors and not double down on stupidity.

How does someone go from humble beginnings to shaping the future of architecture? In this episode of my podcast, I talk with Christian Giordano, the president and co-owner of Mancini Duffy, a firm that's worked with Netflix, Disney, HBO, and other global brands. Christian's achievements are nothing short of remarkable.Christian shares how his struggles with dyslexia and learning difficulties as a child shaped his work ethic and drive to succeed. Encouraged by parents who never doubted his potential, Christian worked harder than most, eventually earning degrees in architecture and overcoming every obstacle in his path.As the driving force behind Mancini Duffy, he has transformed the firm into a leader in cutting-edge design by embracing technology like VR, AR, and AI. These tools are not only changing how buildings are designed but also speeding up the entire process, making projects more efficient and accurate. Under Christian's leadership, the firm has grown significantly, taking on some of the most exciting and large-scale projects in the industry, including the new Netflix campus in New Jersey.Beyond his work, Christian is the host of the Anti-Architect Podcast, where he takes an honest look at the industry, celebrating what works and tackling what doesn't. His story is proof that with hard work, bold decisions, and a clear purpose, it's possible to achieve extraordinary things. Tune in to hear how Christian's drive and vision are leaving a lasting mark on architecture.00:00 - The Journey to Success 03:02 - Overcoming Early Challenges 05:55 - The Path to Leadership 09:13 - The Courage to Take Risks 12:02 - Building a Successful Firm 15:10 - Defining Success and Leadership 18:04 - Embracing Mistakes as Lessons 26:20 - The Importance of Personal Growth Through Challenges 27:43 - Innovations in Architecture and Construction Technology 31:18 - The Future of Architectural Design with AI 34:35 - The Role of AI in Quality Assurance and Efficiency 38:37 - Fostering a Culture of Innovation in Architecture 43:47 - The Birth of the Anti-Architect Podcast 48:25 - Transformational Projects and Community Impact Christian on Socials: IG: @christiangiordano X: @cgantiarchitect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdgiordano/ Youtube: @theantiarchitect https://theantiarchitect.com/ Jon on Socials:IG: @streetschultz FB: Jon Schultz X: @JonSchultz_Onyx LinkedIn: jonschultz1 www.jonschultz.com

In this episode, Jill Stuber and Tia Glave discuss their extensive experience and passion for leadership development within the food safety and quality industry. Jill and Tia share their personal journeys into the sector, offering insights into the importance of shifting mindsets, building self-awareness, and practicing intentional leadership. They highlight real-life examples of how their programs have transformed leaders and teams, emphasizing the importance of culture, human connection, and investment in people. This episode is a call to action for leaders to proactively develop their leadership skills and create supportive environments that uplift their teams. Episode Highlights: 07:55 The Birth of Catalyst LLC 12:43 Ideal Clients and Leadership Development 22:09 Building Self-Awareness 31:26 Key Attributes of Effective Leadership Catalyst LLC is the preferred provider of leadership development and culture solutions for the food and beverage industry. Founded by award-winning leaders Tia Glave and Jill Stuber in 2021, Catalyst drives world-class cultures that build strong leaders in food, people skills, and dynamic organizational management. Through coaching-based solutions, they empower professionals to unlock unforeseen opportunities and reach their fullest potential at work and home. Learn more about Catalyst and its mission to transform how people lead in food at www.foodsafetycatalyst.com.Jill Stuber, the Vice-President and Co-Founder of Catalyst, LLC, has over 25 years of food safety and quality experience in food manufacturing. As an ICF-certified coach with a BS and MS in Food Science and an MS in Quality Management, she engages with organizations that believe in developing individuals and teams to increase confidence and clarity and build community so they can achieve the success they deserve as technical leaders in food.Tia Glave is the President and Co-Founder of Catalyst, LLC with over a decade of experience in large and small food companies. Being a master-certified coach and chemical engineer, she uses systems, data, and proven methods to develop and implement a food safety and quality strategy, all while using servant leadership principles. How to connect with Jill and Tia: Website: www.foodsafetycatalyst.com. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodsafetycatalyst   For more insights: Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn  Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3T09kVc Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49SmRV3   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When TopDog Law discovered they were overstaffed but still missing calls, they knew something had to change. In this episode, James Helm reveals how they transformed their intake from a traditional answering service into a data-driven powerhouse that's converting at elite levels. Dominate your market today. Grab a copy of Chris' latest book, Personal Injury Lawyer Marketing: From Good to GOAT.  Your firm can live and die by intake. In this episode of Personal Injury Mastermind, James Helm returns to share how TopDog Law scaled their in-house intake team while improving conversion rates. From AI-powered quality control to precision scheduling, this is the blueprint for building a modern intake operation. If you're ready to move beyond basic CRM and transform your intake into a revenue engine, this episode is your roadmap. We discuss: The real reason most law firms miss calls (hint: it's not understaffing) How Top Dog improved web form conversions from 25% to 29% with one change When to choose out-of-box solutions vs. enterprise platforms like Salesforce Using AI to flag high-value calls and monitor quality Data-driven scheduling that eliminated overflow calls The exact metrics that matter for measuring intake performance Guest Details James Helm is the founder of TopDog Law, handling thousands of calls monthly across multiple states. Under his leadership, TopDog has built one of the most sophisticated intake operations in the legal industry, combining cutting-edge technology with precision operations management. James Helm: LinkedIn TopDog Law: Instagram, Website, TikTok, Facebook  Chris Dreyer and Rankings Details Chris Dreyer is the CEO and founder of Rankings.io, the elite legal digital marketing agency.  Rankings: Website, Instagram, Twitter Chris Dreyer: Website, Instagram Newsletters: The Dreyer Sheet  Books: Personal Injury Lawyer Marketing: From Good to GOAT; Niching Up: The Narrower the Market, the Bigger the Prize Work with Rankings: Connect Time Stamps 00:00 Intro 04:01 Evolution from Call Center to In-House Operations 08:24 Agent Performance & Turnover Management 13:19 Converting Web Forms vs Inbound Calls 16:42 Quality Assurance & AI Integration 22:00 Staffing & Scheduling Challenges 28:27 Tech Stack & Salesforce Implementation 30:21 CRM Solutions for Different Firm Sizes 33:43 Future of AI in Legal Intake 35:30 Outro Additional Episodes You Might Enjoy 80. Mike Papantonio, Levin, Papantonio, & Rafferty — Doing Well by Doing Good 84. Glen Lerner, Lerner and Rowe – A Steady Hand in a Shifting Industry 101. Pratik Shah, EsquireTek — Discovering the Power of Automation 134. Darryl Isaacs, Isaacs & Isaacs — The Hammer: Insights from a Marketing Legend 104. Taly Goody, Goody Law Group — Finding PI Clients on TikTok 63. Joe Fried, Fried Goldberg LLC — How To Become An Expert And Revolutionize Your PI Niche 96. Brian Dean, Backlinko — Becoming a Linkable Source 83. Seth Godin — Differentiation: How to Make Your Law Firm a Purple Cow 73. Neil Patel, Neil Patel — Digital A New Approach to Content and Emerging Marketing Channels