Podcasts about rotarian

When most people think about Lake Country, they picture beautiful sunsets, sparkling water, championship golf courses, and a community that's growing and thriving. But like every community, there's another story, one that isn't always visible. It's the story of families quietly wondering how they'll put enough food on the table. It's the story of grandparents raising grandchildren on a fixed income. It's the story of hardworking people who, because of an unexpected illness, job loss, or simply the rising cost of living, find themselves needing a helping hand. The good news is... they're not alone. Every month, something remarkable happens right here in our community. Long before most of us are enjoying our Saturday morning, a dedicated group of volunteers comes together with one simple purpose: to make sure their neighbors have enough to eat. It's called Second Harvest, and while thousands of pounds of food are distributed, what they're really delivering is something much greater: hope, dignity, and the reassuring reminder that this community cares. My guest today is Bill Bonnington, a longtime Rotarian and one of the leaders behind this incredible outreach. We'll talk about his own journey of service, the hidden reality of food insecurity in our community, and why Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" is much more than just words, it's something lived out month after month by volunteers who simply want to make a difference. Whether you've volunteered before, have wondered how Second Harvest works, or simply want to hear a story that reminds us of the very best in people, you're going to enjoy this conversation. Because at the end of the day, a strong community isn't measured by the wealth of its few... It's measured by how well it cares for those who need it most. Guest: Bill Bonnington - Second Harvest Website: https://secondharvestga.com/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

https://youtu.be/IQoIp4pY_bM Mailani Veney, CEO of Kana Systems, is driven by a mission to help people and organizations flourish through the aloha spirit by delivering trust and speed while transforming complex government data into actionable intelligence that empowers better decisions. By combining advanced AI-powered data solutions with a people-first culture rooted in trust, curiosity, and service, Mailani has built Kana Systems into a trusted defense technology company that helps government organizations solve mission-critical challenges faster while enabling employees, customers, and partners to thrive.  In this conversation, Mailani introduces The Aloha Way Framework—Know Who You Are & Why You Are The Prize, Aim for the Bullseye, and Co-Build with Speed. She explains why leaders must first understand their unique identity and value before attracting the right people and opportunities, how curiosity and empathy uncover customer needs while building lasting trust, and why collaborating with customers accelerates innovation and delivers measurable business outcomes. Mailani also shares how decades of service built the trusted reputation that led to government recruitment and enabled Kana Systems to transform siloed data into AI-powered solutions that strengthen long-term partnerships and dramatically improve operational efficiency. — Deliver Trust & Speed with Mailani Veney Good day. Steve Preda here with the Management Blueprint Podcast, and my guest today is Mailani Veney, the CEO of Kana Systems, a company changing the future of defense technology by transforming siloed, messy data into usable information to drive better insights for government customers. Mailani, welcome to the show. Aloha.  Aloha. You sent me a link this morning with the correct terms that I should be using for a Hawaiian native on the podcast, and I read the article. It was very long. But I figured that there are some terms that I may be able to use on this podcast as well. So thanks for doing that.  Yes, absolutely. So you have a very interesting background. You’re from Hawaii, but you studied in Central Europe, in Slovenia. You run a company in Nebraska, but right now you’re calling from Florida, so it’s a little bit confusing. So tell me, how did you fall into government contracting, and why not do it from Hawaii? So I actually was recruited by the largest customer in the world, our U.S. government, to help modernize technology, and it was in the area of nuclear weapons technology. So I actually didn’t choose this particular career path or this domain. I was running another technology company at the time, and our government found me and recruited me to help with this very important initiative. And this was pre-generative AI.  I had a platform that I was using in my other company to help small businesses make better decisions using data, and that was using machine learning and artificial intelligence. So I’ve since expanded the scope of what we’re doing across the department and spreading aloha spirit, which is helping others flourish. We help people be heroes at work. And when they do their work well, our country stays safe.  Wow. That is very cool. One of the terms that I noticed in your article was ʻohana.  Yes.  We’ve been staying in a beach house in Sandbridge Beach for the last few years called Ohana Bay, and we always thought it was something to do with Omaha Bay. I never thought it meant family, community, that kind of stuff. So that was super interesting. This is a super-secret project.  I don’t know if we are allowed to talk about it on the podcast. Your nuclear technology and machine learning, that’s probably highly confidential. So what I’d really like to ask you is, what is your personal ‘Why’, and how are you manifesting it in Kana Systems? Yes, and I want to relate this to the people who are watching. 348: Deliver Trust & Speed with Mailani VeneyShare on X That’s how I was raised. That’s how my ʻohana is. That’s how I run my businesses. That’s how I serve. It’s that mentality. It’s that service above self, which is the Rotary motto. I’m a fervent Rotarian. That is really the ‘Why’.  But let me dive into that a little bit more. I’ve taught fitness for 30 years. I still do. I run a defense intelligence company that the U.S. government recruited me to build. People don’t expect those two things to go together, but to me, they’re the exact same job because what I’ve done my whole life is one thing. I find people, and I help them flourish. So in a fitness class, that’s obvious. I help them feel good about themselves and their health.  In the businesses that I’ve started, when I was a professor, when I was the president of one of the largest Rotary clubs in the world, doing good across the world and in our own local communities, all of those things. And then the most important job I’ve ever had, which is raising three children, two of whom now help me run this company. I never did that to build a reputation.  Although when I was a professor at the University of Nebraska and we got to meet with Warren Buffett—he’s a pretty successful businessman—one of his famous quotes is about reputation. But what he told us in person was, “Your reputation is really the only asset you have.” People who chase building a reputation rather than authentically building it up—I think that’s the big difference.  So for me, we build reputation, and I build my personal reputation by doing good for others over and over and over for years.Share on X So when the government, I get asked this question all the time: “How did they recruit you?” They went looking for someone to trust—an entrepreneur to trust—in a very specific domain. They researched. They found me. They found 30 years of that. I didn’t chase that largest customer.  They came to me because of the service. And I build a business the same way I build a strong body—not with one big move. You can’t do it in one big move. You show up day after day, and you do good reps for a very long time. So that’s my ‘Why’. And that’s what I do for the world, for my ʻohana, and just in life in general.  I love it. Very inspiring. It’s very reassuring. So thank you for having that ‘Why’. That’s very powerful. I didn’t realize that you got recruited because of your reputation. I mean, they say they hire people for who they are and then train them for the skills. That’s basically what they did, I guess, on a big scale when they recruited you. Yeah.  And I specifically… At first, when they recruited me and I was running another company, I was getting ready to be president of Rotary 14, and I told them no because I don’t like to do a job that I can’t do well. So then, for about six months, they impressed on me the importance of bringing in small businesses with innovation, speed, and a different outlook. They’re called non-traditionals.  Originally, when they said they wanted me because I was non-traditional, I was thinking, “Well, it’s because of my gender, my ethnicity, or my age. I don’t know.” And they said, “No, no. It’s that you have not had a cost-based contract with the government.” So “non-traditional” has a very specific meaning. The government is very smart in recognizing that, “Hey, we need to bring in those waves of new ideas and entrepreneurs.” That’s what they were looking for when they found me.  And my reputation, they told me, I said, “What is the reputation you’re hearing?” And they said they heard that I was a good person, that I had a really strong culture, and that I got really good results. That’s the reason they recruited me. The technology that I brought over is a byproduct of those things, but they didn’t recruit me just for the technology. Okay. So now I’m very, very curious about your system. I know that it’s based on your personal identity, your ethics, and all that stuff, but I love to turn things into systems. And you say that your secret sauce is finding people and helping them flourish. So how do you do that? Do you have a framework that you can share with me and with our audience about the steps to finding people and helping them flourish? Sure. So we have our own Kana Operating System, and it's something I highly encourage companies to do—to really spend the time and create their own operating system.Share on X It’s not one-size-fits-all. But within that Kana Operating System, we have a system called The Aloha Way. So ha is breath, and aloha is, of course, the way we say hello, goodbye, and greetings. But it’s also a time to exchange good energy and compassion.  So really spending the time on The Aloha Way to think about what that operating system is—all of it stems around our values. And this will tie back to what you’re asking me as far as recruiting. There are three steps in this. One, you have to know who you are and know that you’re the prize. I think this is an area… I’ve been an angel investor for 20 years. I’ve been in the entrepreneurship world for decades now. Those companies, founders, and entrepreneurs who don’t know who they are, don’t know why they’re the prize, and cannot articulate that are at a severe disadvantage. So that’s step number one.  Number two in The Aloha Way is Aim for the Bullseye. And I can tell you how I do that a little bit later. But it’s finding that bullseye because it’s a two-way street. This is never about pushing on somebody, pushing on a company, or pushing on someone you want to hire. So, Aim for the Bullseye. How do you know what’s in the bullseye? And then number three is Co-Building with Speed. That is really what we’rezon AWS and Microsoft.  We’ve literally had meetings this morning and yesterday where, again, they’re emphasizing how fast we work as a company—with good results and trusted results. So those three things make up The Aloha Way: Know You’re the Prize, Aim for the Bullseye, and Co-Build with Speed. And where do people fall into this? They’re at the very top. People always come first in what we’re doing. When we know who we are, what our mission is, and the fact that we're here to make an impact in a good way, we have a terrific track record of recruiting the right people. People know they're going to flourish. People know we're going to treat…Share on X  And in turn, they become excellent partners with us. We just got off the phone with our 401(k) provider. We are one of the very few companies they know of where, when they ran the data, we give a 5% match to every employee, whether they’re part-time or full-time. We don’t call them interns in our company because everybody has value. Part-time and full-time employees get the 401(k) match from day one. For us, that’s investing in our people because we know we’re the prize. We know our people are going to be doing really good, impactful work, and we need to treat them very well. So that’s just one example. People like to be paid well.  They do. So, Mailani, please explain to me exactly what it means. Why are you the prize? Is this something because your mission is more attractive, or what does it mean?  This goes back to some mentoring that I had from Oren Klaff. Oren Klaff has a whole system on teaching companies and people how to pitch and raise money. Although we’ve never raised money, our cap table is completely clean. But the reason why this is important is it goes back to who you are and what your identity is. So that’s the very first thing that I do whenever I start a company or start an organization.  We have a lot of thoughtful discussion about who we are. When you know who you are, and you know why you're unique, and you know why you can do something better than almost anybody else, that makes you the prize for the right people, for the right organization, and for the right circumstance.Share on X We’re the right company right now because we invested early on, saying, “Hey, people making decisions with this overload of data.” Our core product is called Kana Wave.  So instead of getting crushed by the wave, we help them ride it. It’s a little surfing analogy. But we were ahead of our time with that, and we knew that in the future this was going to be more and more important. Obviously, when GenAI jumped on the scene, it became vastly apparent. So knowing we’re the prize in this area is very important because then you’re able to attract the right people, you attract the right opportunities, and really not pay attention to those that don’t fit.  One of the best things that we do is we get to no fast. That is something we chase. Getting to a no is a gift. It’s a gift because then that opens you up to the right yes. I see this too often. People want to hold on. It’s the wrong thing. It’s a little bit of yes, but it’s not enough. So get to no.  Yeah, I love it. This is very smart. It’s very wise. Okay, so knowing who you are and why you’re unique, why you’re the prize, I love it. I love the sentiment behind this, the pride behind it. It’s fantastic. So what is number two? Aim for the bullseye. What does that mean? What do you mean by that?  I love that question. There’s a very famous “sell me a pen” in The Wolf of Wall Street, and when I do this, I do it differently. So I ask people to sell me a pen. If they try and just tell you about the features of a pen, “Here’s my pen. You should buy this pen because of this,” or, “Do you need something to write with?” there’s so many assumptions in your background that go into those things. The easy button that most people don’t do is they just ask.  You can do all the research. I researched you, Steve. I listened to a whole bunch of the podcasts when you guys reached out wanting to have me on this podcast. But at the end of the day, all I have to do is ask, “What’s most important to you, Steve, for having me as a guest on your podcast?”  I’d like to learn your framework. Okay.  And I’d like to learn about you and see why you’re the prize.  “See why we’re the prize.” So that very thing right there is the bullseye. A lot of times people miss the bullseye, and it doesn’t do anybody any good. That’s the “get to no fast” as well. So if I’m trying to tell you about the Kana Wave platform and you’re doing something completely different, we’re just wasting each other’s time, right? I don’t want to do that. There is a lot more than I can cover in this podcast, but that’s what we do when we train our people.  A lot of it starts with empathy, and it starts with that aloha spirit.Share on X So when you go into something not trying to push or sell or win something, but you’re genuinely curious, and when people ask me, “What’s the one quality that everybody in my company, everybody that we contract with, and our major vendors and partners all have?” We all are curious. A lot of that curiosity is in the form of intelligence, but it’s that curiosity first.  When you’re curious, you ask the right questions. So I have two magic questions for your audience. One, “What are you looking for?” Two, “What’s important to you?” Sounds so simple. I see it happen so rarely in business, and I see it happen so rarely in relationships. People would just get along a lot better if we could just have upfront, honest, transparent conversations around those two things. Right off the bat, what they’re telling you is a guide as far as, “Do you want to continue this conversation? Is there a way that we can help?”  If their bullseye matches up with your value, or the value of your company, your product, or your service, then you’re off to the races to have a conversation. But you can’t do that without that foundation. It really flips it on its head from when I was trained in corporate sales at the beginning of my career. I like this a lot better because then we really genuinely get to know what somebody else wants. At the end of the day, businesses, organizations, and the military are a bunch of people. So treat people like people. That's the Hawaiian part. That's where the aloha spirit really comes in.Share on X  So when you’re explaining this, I’m thinking that “know who you are” and “why you’re the prize” is basically the way to build trust. Then “Aim for the Bullseye.” Then you’ve already built the trust. Maybe I’m getting this wrong, but then you can ask those questions that require some level of vulnerability from the other person to actually tell you what they’re really looking for.  They’re not going to tell it to a stranger they don’t trust because they might feel sensitive about it or they might not want you to know. So is there something to do with trust and trust allowing you to aim for the bullseye?  One hundred percent. That is one of the two things that we deliver. We deliver not just speed, but we deliver trust. For us, trust is solving one problem, and it expands, and it becomes the next and the next. That’s what I’ve seen in my corporate career, my other companies that I started, and especially in this company. Trust begets trust. Again, it’s like, “Well, how do you build trust?” You start with your mindset. “I want to help you flourish, Steve.” “I want to help my customers flourish.” “I want to help our bank flourish.” We’re paying our bank, but I want to help them flourish too.  If you have that mindset first, those are the reps I’m talking about that build your reputation, that build your trust, and then people start referring you. It’s such a beautiful flywheel when it’s done well. The other famous Warren Buffett quote is, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” So just doing good over and over again. For me, trust starts with the mindset first.  Yeah. I always believe that you can only create trust by trusting first because people cannot trust someone who doesn’t trust them. I think it’s a very dangerous place to trust someone who doesn’t trust you, right?  Yeah.  Because they won’t have your best interest at heart. So I love it. Go first. The aloha spirit. Look for ways to help the other person, then be curious and learn what the bullseye is so that you can aim at it. Then what do you mean by Co-Build with Speed?  Thank you for asking. That’s the final step. In the three steps that we do, that’s the final one. What we deliver is a solution that makes people’s lives better. One of the key psychology pieces is that most people want to feel important in whatever job they’re doing, in whatever aspect of life they are. So let’s empower people to feel important and to be heroes at work, regardless of what the job is.  With that mentality, we came in and said, “Okay, we’re really, really, really good and experts at developing advanced technology solutions.” But here’s what we’re not really good at. We’re not really good at everything outside of that. That’s where we have to have a partner. So we do not sell commercial off-the-shelf software. We do not sell custom software. We're in this really awesome, scalable center where we have Kana Wave, which is a very powerful data and intelligence platform that can be used like Lego.Share on X  What we don’t have is the front-end piece that matches everybody’s workflow. But this is where the speed comes in. We can quickly build that, and the way we do that is we partner with our customers. They know their domain. They know their workflow. They know the problems and challenges. So we do a little bit of tweaking on that, and that’s how we’re able to generate products so quickly that really are unique and maximize the value to the customer in the work they’re getting done.  As an example, our very first project was the “Can I Fight Tonight?” Dashboard. Our country has nuclear weapons. Underpinning those nuclear weapons is the technology to make sure everything is running. The philosophy behind nuclear weapons is strategic deterrence. But in order to deter, you have to have the credibility that everything works. So every two weeks, five people in an underground location were pulling together all of this information manually, putting it into spreadsheets upon spreadsheets, massive horse blankets of spreadsheets, PowerPoints, and manually handling all of this data.  It was taking five people two weeks. We came in, we worked with them, we built the solution. We worked with them to co-build what they actually needed, and we brought that down to where one person could do it in 30 minutes. We’ve done that over and over and over again. We’re working with another government customer right now where it’s taking them 150 hours to get a project done, and we can do it in one hour.  So when I’m talking about co-building with speed, we’re building the last little bit that they actually need on top of this really powerful engine. That has proven to be such a successful model because they’re the ones who care about getting the problem solved, and we’re turning them into the heroes at their own job. It’s so gratifying. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had in my career because we see the impact every single day of what we’re doing.  That’s fascinating. So the Kana Wave platform—you said it’s like Lego. It’s a data engineering platform, and then you take the workflow of that customer and adapt it to this, or somehow interface it with this platform, or use the knowledge of that workflow to essentially streamline the process and go from 150 hours to one hour? Love it. That’s very interesting. So what’s one thing that you’re trying to figure out in Kana Systems right now?  The thing that keeps me awake is not optimizing the opportunities we have. So we’re trying to figure out who the right partners are. We’re a small business, and we know we’re a small business. That’s our superpower, but it also holds us back in some regards. So the thing we’re trying to figure out right now is which companies to partner with. Like I told you, we’ve partnered with Microsoft and Amazon.  They’ve been phenomenal partners in the technology-enabling area. There are other partners out there that we’re considering right now. Again, the only metric I care about—I run the company off one metric. For me, it’s about aloha spirit. How much aloha do we deliver? The way that we look at this is how many people find what we’re helping them with to be useful. Everything else derives from that, right? The growth. The revenue. We make millions, but that’s not the metric I’m chasing.  So what I’m looking for with these new partners is who can help us improve that one metric so we can deliver more aloha. Naturally, we’re looking at larger companies. There are a few small companies that we’re looking at that have interesting edge AI use cases where we can help out. Those are the things that are really challenging me right now as CEO and founder.  So is it about how you measure the deliverable aloha quotient of those target partners that’s the challenge, or is it reaching the target partners to have the opportunity to provide the aloha for them, or is it about something else?  I think it’s a matter of choosing the right partners in a fast, trusted way. It’s a process. With us working so quickly, being able to choose the right partners, but we also don’t choose the wrong partners. So it’s less about the aloha metric. If we’ve qualified them enough that we’re interested in partnering with them, we can figure that part out pretty quickly. But it’s getting over those last few. Do you have any answers?  Yeah. I wonder if it’s something to do with the judgment, whether the judgment to choose those partners is scalable in the company or not. And to what degree your growth is constrained by your ability to transfer the ability to judge the partners to the rest of the organization. So it’s no longer a constraint at your level. What would it look like for the growth of Kana Systems if you didn’t have to be part of the partner selection process anymore because the judgment would be equivalently good at lower levels in the organization?  Well, in that case, then I would think it would be faster.  Okay.  We’re in incredible times right now. As an example, our platform can ingest all kinds of data, tag it, chunk it, organize it. There are entire companies worth billions of dollars just doing one segment of that. The fact that we can do all of that at a fraction of the time and a fraction of the cost—that’s why we’re situated very well right now for growth, and that’s why we’re having so much fun right now. It’s a really fun time in our company.  We have a lot of people who are interested in not just partnering with us and investing in us and acquiring us. We’re getting inundated with a lot of requests for that. Trying to stay focused on who are the right people and companies to be speaking with right now, in addition to our customers, of course. So I think that’s a challenge that companies dealing with factors of scale have to deal with.  Okay. So what makes a potential partner, listening to this podcast, know that they’re the one, that they should give you a call because they would be a big recipient of aloha?  Yeah. Actually, that’s a great question. The things that we look for, number one, they don’t have to call it aloha spirit. It goes by different names. But at its heart, they are people or organizations that are here to do good. What we’re doing right now in the world of defense are things that absolutely can carry over into any line of commercial work. The fact that we can work with sensitive data in some of the most trusted environments in the world means that we can do that in other areas.  We’ve talked to people in finance, capital structures, and energy. There’s a lot of interest in those kinds of other areas to carry over some of our best practices and learnings. We absolutely want someone who is helping us be the best version of ourselves. There is an opportunity for us to sell all or part of the company in the next few years to a strategic partner. That’s something that we would entertain as well.  But really it’s that idea that, hey, together we can build something that’s more impactful than what we currently have. So we can sniff out pretty quickly if people are aligned with the same kind of reasons that we are.  But what I understand is that your two ideal companies, the clients you mentioned, were AWS and Microsoft. These are both huge companies, which means there are huge opportunities to create value, Aloha, perhaps. And you mentioned energy. You mentioned defense. So are these big infrastructure-type platforms where aloha can best be manifested or delivered? What are the commonalities?  Because we don’t know on the face of it whether those companies have the kind of people that you’re looking for. Sometimes you can know that a company has a lot of good people, but for larger companies, it’s harder to know. So what are the commonalities?  At its stake, of course, these are large companies. We’ve been really fortunate that we work with small groups within these very large companies. Those small groups, we can tell right away whether or not they’re a fit. Both of those companies have been very good. We’ve partnered with other much, much smaller companies than that. Well, let me tell you one of my personal ways that I determine ethics.  It’s the Four-Way Test from Rotary. Of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? I run through that all the time, and I hold my team and myself to that very standard. We’re always looking to do things that are beneficial to all concerned. They don’t have to be equally beneficial, but they cannot benefit only one party. So as we’re looking at partners, those are some of the things that we’re considering too.  The other piece… We’re in a capitalistic society. We totally embrace that. But you can do good and still be a capitalist. That’s what we’re proving over and over again. I lost my train of thought with what the last part of your question was, Steve.  No, I think you answered it. Basically, it’s not a size issue.  No.  It’s an attitude issue. You’re looking for win-win partnerships. If you find the right kind of people, then the chance of successful collaboration is going to be great. Obviously, as you grow the company, you want to leverage yourself more with your people, which means that you’ll tend to do business with larger companies as well, I believe.  Yeah. You know what’s been so fun about this? I’m one of the 3% of women who own a defense technology company, according to the Small Business Administration. There aren’t very many women in this space. It’s been really interesting because I lead with the soft skills first. A lot of people ask me if I have a background in computer science or artificial intelligence. I have a background. My number one Gallup strength is Strategic. But what I really care about is helping people flourish, optimizing people, and bringing people together for a common mission—not only to accomplish it, but to have fun doing it.  I think that’s something that gets lost. I’m a Gen Xer, and I was taught that you’ve got to put in your chops, you’ve got to sacrifice, and it’s got to be hard. I don’t believe in that. I like to have fun. I like things that are easy. Everybody likes easy things. If I’m good at something, it’s really easy. So trying to give people the opportunity to do those things. This is where it’s been so much fun. Business can be super fun, and I think that’s something we lose out on. In Hawaii, there’s an ancient way of fishing called the Hukilau.  It’s one of our product names. In the Hukilau, instead of fishing by yourself, there’s a hula with this. Instead of fishing by yourself, where you only catch fish for yourself, as a community you come together and fish. You throw out a big net, then you pull the net in together. Here’s the really cool part. Everybody can be different. A little kid next to a big person next to an older person.  But together you’re bringing it all in. Then the part that’s really great—and Hawaiians are known for this—we have the luaus. We party. We eat. We drink. We have music. We dance. We enjoy it. That makes you want to do it again. So why can’t we do that in business too? Why can’t we do this in a super-serious, top-secret environment? Most of our team have Top Secret clearances. We have our facility clearance. It’s pretty unheard of, as small of a business as we are, to have all of these things. But we still have fun.  We still have fun doing all of this. I think that’s something with the Aloha Way that I didn’t call out. How do we actually get to that? If you have the mentality, then people want to show up and continue doing good work. Even our customers will say, “Oh, this is my one fun meeting of the day with Kana Systems.” We just had a meeting with one of our partners, and they said, “This is the one meeting that we look forward to all week because we have a good time.” So I think that needs to be highlighted as well.  No, I agree. People can learn, absorb, and buy in when they have fun much more than if they’re forced to do something. That’s obvious, and I totally relate to it. All right. So if someone is listening to this and they say, “I might be a company that could create these impacts with Kana Systems,” then how do I find out? How do I get in touch? How do I learn more? How do I connect with you guys?  They can email us at aloha@kana.systems. K-A-N-A dot systems. That’s one way. They can reach out to us on LinkedIn. I can be found pretty easily. There’s nobody else with my name on there. They can go to one of the events. We’re going to be speaking at the Amazon DC Summit at the end of the month. We’ll be in San Diego next month for the War Hackers Hackathon. We’re out and about at quite a few defense- and technology-related events. Yeah, that’s about it. Don’t send smoke signals. We can’t see those.  Fantastic. So if you’re looking for a partner who brings a technology platform that could leverage you, and you want lots of good vibes, good results, and a fun work environment, then check out Mailani Veney, who’s the CEO of Kana Systems. She’s on LinkedIn. She’s easy to find. The website has an interesting domain, kana.systems. Check her out speaking around the country. Mailani, thank you for coming and sharing your wisdom and your frameworks. Super fun. If you’re listening and enjoyed this, then make sure you tune in because twice a week we come out and share with you an exciting story from a unique entrepreneur. So thanks for coming, Mailani, and thanks for listening.  Aloha, everybody.  Aloha indeed.  Important Links: Mailani's LinkedIn Mailani's  website Mailani’s Email: aloha@kana.systems

Dr. Eric Shapira highlights how ageism can contribute to loneliness among older adults by fostering stereotypes that diminish their value, independence, and social connections. He emphasizes that compassionate healthcare goes beyond treating medical conditions; it involves listening attentively, respecting each person's dignity, and recognizing the emotional and social challenges that often accompany aging. By practicing empathy, building meaningful relationships with patients, and addressing loneliness as a health concern, healthcare professionals can help improve both the well-being and quality of life of older adults. Dr. Eric Shapira Biography Dr. Eric Shapira was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bethany College in West Virginia. Dr. Shapira went to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia and had a medical and dental residency at Mt. Zion Hospital and Medical Center in San Francisco. He met and married Susan and they are still running strong after 45 years of marriage! He received a master’s degree in clinical Gerontology from Notre Dame de Namur University and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Shapira holds a master’s in general Dentistry as well. He had his own private practice in Dentistry in Half Moon Bay, CA for 40 years. He now works per diem in dentistry and has a practice in gerontology and geriatrics named Aging Specialists, Inc, for over 20 years. Dr. Shapira teaches geriatric and special needs dentistry. He worked as a volunteer in China from 2007 to 2018 at the behest of the Chinese government, the US Dept of State and Commerce Department through a non-profit agency. Dr. Shapira taught geriatric medicine, dentistry, nursing, and hospital administration. He was presented with the Chinese Friendship award in 2014, the highest award for Humanitarian service they give. He holds Rotary’s highest Award for Meritorious Service and is many times over a Paul Harris Fellow. Dr. Shapira has volunteered all over the world in almost 50 years of being a Rotarian. He has published three books: A book on healthy aging named, “A New Wrinkle: What I Learned from Older People Who Never Acted Their Age,” recently after 2 ½ years , A 60-year retrospective titled, “The Art of Eric Z Shapira,” and most recently. A textbook, after almost 4 years of writing and editing, “Geriatric Dentistry: Gateway to Longevity and Life-Long Health.” This book will be printed in 7-8 languages. But his greatest honor in life is to give his “gifts” away…. Website https://agingmentorservices.com/services Social Media Channel https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-shapira-28769932/Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 100 patients in four days, many of them experiencing a professional dental cleaning for the very first time. On this bonus Laurel Ridge Community College edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael connects via Zoom with a team live from Negril, Jamaica — Brandy Hawkins Boies (Director of Communications and Outreach at Laurel Ridge), longtime Rotarian Kathy Kantor, and three recent graduates of Laurel Ridge's dental hygiene program: Stacey Escobar, Dahye Seo, and Nataly Hernandez. The conversation traces how a casual hallway idea between a Rotarian and a college administrator a decade ago has become a fully-supported, equipment-rich mission program — built on Rotary global grants that converted a shipping container into a working dental clinic. The three graduates share what it's been like to put their fresh credentials to use in real-world conditions, the moments that made it click (one patient asked for a hug), and what's next for each of them. Plus: how community members can volunteer for free cleanings at the Laurel Ridge dental clinic in Middletown, and how churches and groups can join Rotary's ongoing trips to Jamaica. WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE • Brandy Hawkins Boies — Director of Communications and Outreach, Laurel Ridge Community College • Kathy Kantor — Rotarian (Strasburg Rotary Club); co-architect of the Rotary global grants funding the Jamaica dental clinic • Stacey Escobar — Recent graduate, Laurel Ridge Dental Hygiene Program (16 years in the dental field; heading back to practice in Burke, VA) • Dahye Seo — Recent graduate, Laurel Ridge Dental Hygiene Program (joining practices in Fairfax and Loudoun counties) • Nataly Hernandez — Recent graduate, Laurel Ridge Dental Hygiene Program (returning to Jamaica for a second mission trip in just a month) ABOUT THE PROGRAM The Laurel Ridge Community College Dental Hygiene Program admits 18 students every two years — a competitive cohort with a rigorous workload. Since 2018, graduates have had the option to participate in a post-graduation mission trip to Negril, Jamaica, working at a dental clinic established and equipped through Rotary International global grants involving Woodstock, Front Royal, Warren County, Winchester, and Strasburg Rotary Clubs, in partnership with the Negril Rotary Club. The Jamaican clinic is also open to other visiting dental teams and groups year-round. HOW TO GET INVOLVED • Volunteer as a patient — free cleanings at the Laurel Ridge dental clinic in Middletown help students complete their lab hours. Get on the waiting list for the next class (starting August 2026). • Support future mission trips — donations help cover flights, lodging, and supplies for graduating students. • Join a trip — Kathy and Byron (Brill) host teams in Jamaica three times a year. Churches and community groups are welcome. LINKS & RESOURCES • Laurel Ridge Dental Hygiene Program: laurelridge.edu/dental • Strasburg Rotary Club Facebook page  ALSO MENTIONED • Drone Show at Jim Barnett Park — Saturday • free admission • approximately 250 drones • details on Winchester City Parks' Facebook page THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Service clubs used to be a community mainstay, but many branches in Rotary have been struggling for survival. The former Governor General and long time Rotarian, Sir Anand Satyanand on what could change that.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, but it's also highly preventable. Rotarian, surgical oncologist, and author Dr. Richard Godfrey has traveled the world making cervical cancer prevention more accessible. His forthcoming book, Medical Moonshots: Winning the Cancer War, talks about his lifesaving work. Niala Boodhoo recently sat down with Dr. Godfrey to discuss his career, cervical cancer, and Rotary's work to eliminate it.

Linda Sappington has spent a lifetime building her community through service, leadership, and storytelling. A past Utah Rotary District Governor, she was the first female member of Rotary in Southern Utah when she joined St. George Rotary in 1993. In the workplace, she served for 16 years as Director of the Southern Utah Volunteer Center Network, overseeing six impactful programs involving seniors, youth, and families across the five-county region.A gifted writer and communicator, Linda worked as a public relations consultant, co-authored *The Insider's Guide to Southern Utah*, and edited multiple personal histories for family members and friends. She has been a dedicated volunteer with the Huntsman World Senior Games for over a decade, overseeing Welcome Bag assembly, managing volleyball refreshments at the Dixie Center, and recruiting home hosts for an average of 65 BYU health science students performing health screenings at the Games. Today, she continues service as a grant writer and active Rotarian, while most proudly embracing her role as a wife, mother of eight, grandmother to 23, and “great” to 11.Send us Fan Mail

The chat features Sara Murdock, an award-winning pharmacist and key integrator on the front line of modern health, addressing the reality that people actively use both pharmaceuticals and natural therapies.   The central challenge is ensuring this dual approach is done safely, a dilemma highlighted by Sara's inability to recommend beloved products like turmeric due to potential harmful interactions with certain medications. This underscores her definition of Integrative Healthcare: leveraging the best of both worlds with structure, accountability, and paramount safety.    Mason and Sara connect this caution to the Taoist principle of Fú Zhèng (Protect the Upright), advocating a pivot away from interactive single herbs toward general, harmonizing options (like yin tonics or non-interactive mushrooms) to build resilience. Pharmacists and GPs are framed as the necessary societal bridge, authorizing patients to add supportive tools (like magnesium or a probiotic) to build health and diminish long-term drug reliance. Sara calls her dedication to continuous growth "skill stacking," embodying true intelligence by integrating opposing ideas—the "chemistry queen" who loves science/math, and the deep soul who leads with heart.    The conversation lands on the essential requirement for all healthcare providers to practice "the healing of the healer," prioritizing their own health and grounding rituals (nature, quiet moments, exercise) to prevent burnout.   Sara & Mason Discuss: Integration is Key: Patients are actively using both pharmaceuticals and natural therapies, making safety checks and collaboration essential for frontline professionals. Holistic Foundation: When patients are anxious or chronically sick, health professionals must inquire about the core non-negotiables: sleep, hydration, gut health, and vitamin D. Safety First: Integrative care is defined by leveraging the best of both worlds under conditions of structure, accountability, and paramount safety. The Bridge Role: Pharmacists and GPs are positioned to bridge the knowledge gap, authorizing patients to safely add supportive tools to build health and reduce reliance on drugs. Taoist Caution: The principle of Fú Zhèng (Protect the Upright) guides pivoting away from interactive herbs (like turmeric) toward non-interactive, harmonizing options to support the body's metabolic capacity to heal. Skill Stacking: True intelligence requires integrating seemingly opposing ideas, such as loving rigorous science/math while simultaneously leading with heart and a deep soul. Healing the Healer: Recognizing the necessity of grounding rituals—quiet moments, nature, and exercise—is essential for healers to maintain health and prevent burnout. About Sara:   Sara is an experienced pharmacist, community health advocate, and the Lead Pharmacist at Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale in Victoria. With over 20 years in the profession, Sara has played a significant role in advancing local healthcare delivery through clinical leadership, service development, and strong community partnerships.   In 2025, Sara was recognised as the VIC Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the National Winner of the Outstanding Community Pharmacist Award by Patients Australia. Recently, Sara also was awarded the 2025 International Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmacy Innovation Assembly, are acknowledgements that reflect her growing impact across pharmacy practice.   Sara is a passionate advocate for accessible healthcare, full scope pharmacy practice, and inclusive community services. She has led major health initiatives, including school-based immunisation programs, chronic disease prevention efforts, aged care outreach, and student mentoring programs. She also established the first pharmacist-led vaccination clinic at the local neighbourhood house, expanding care to vulnerable and underserved populations.   Beyond the dispensary, Sara is a key contributor to the national Pharmacy 777 Retail Services Pharmacy Owners Working Group. She collaborates on strategies for patient-centric care, retail innovation, and sustainable business models that support both pharmacists and consumers across Australia.   Her leadership also extends far beyond the pharmacy walls. Sara is an active Rotarian and Chair of Community Services for her local Rotary Club. She is a trusted speaker at Rotary events, parliamentary forums, health panels, universities, and grassroots community gatherings, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to the conversation.   As a solo mother of two and a dedicated health professional, Sara brings compassion, experience, and clarity of purpose to her work. She is especially committed to supporting the next generation of pharmacists and advocating for systems that deliver better outcomes for patients and communities alike.   Sara's voice is one of resilience. At just 12 years old, she was smuggled from war-tom Iraq through mountains and borders, arriving in Australia as a child refugee. Her early experiences shaped her enduring belief in equitable healthcare and the power of service, Today, she continues to build a career and legacy rooted in care, contribution, and connection, proving that it's possible to lead with strength while remaining grounded in humanity.   References: Guest Links Sara's Website Sara's Instagram Connect With Us SuperFeast Instagram SuperFeast Facebook SuperFeast TikTok

Jim Holderman has taught court ordered and company ordered clients for 28 years in anger and conflict management. He is certified with the National Curriculum Training Institute, and the leader in the field of Cognitive Behavioral Change Programs. College brought studies in science, music, and philosophy. For five years he taught anger management and life skills in prisons. He has trained extensively in public speaking and communication skills in many venues. Attending classes at a local University in neuroscience added a deeper understanding of the brain and human interaction. Jim Holderman is the author of the book, Wizard Brain or Monkey Mind: Which is in Control? His background also includes many successful years in the retail industry, along with an avocation in music and theatre. Jim has been a Rotarian since 1991 and serves as the Ombudsman for District 5450. He was one of 300 around the world to be trained in the new peace endeavor of Rotary International and the Institute for Economics and Peace. Jim Holderman is the recipient of Rotary International's Service Above Self Award. His passion is to work with Rotarian's effort to bring peace to all.

Linda Feig Knipe retired in 2017 from a career as a highschool counselor. She has three Feig sons, two Knipe bonus sons, and ten grandchildren. She comes from a large, close-knit family.Married to her sweetheart, Bob, until his recent passing, she carries on his legacy of supporting community betterment projects and volunteerism. Knipe is an active Rotarian and church member among other pursuits, and is blessed with many friendships. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from State University of New York at Potsdam and a Master's Degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Counselor Education from SUNY University at Buffalo.She has a published essay in the 2022 women's anthology, Depression Lied to Me, published by Stephan Neff, M.D. She is a first time author of Braving Therapy, Rape,Buried Trauma and the Triumphant Journey Over PTSD.  Knipe's goal in life has always been to raise people up. Herprofessional background was in social work and as a chapter executive with the American Red Cross until she pursued her Counselor Education masters degree.During her graduate studies she developed PTSD from rapes experienced years before and found herself on a journey of self-discovery and healing, which aredetailed in her book.  While Braving Therapy is part memoir, it is divided up and written as lessons learned and a companion to those who are on their own journey of healing.Knipe is a Western New Yorker; much of her writing is done between visits with her grandchildren and family at her cottage on the shores of LakeOntario.She loves exploring the globe and meeting interesting friends. This is her first book. For more information, go to lfeigknipe.com #drdanamzallag, #drdanpodcast, #Happinessjourneywithdrdan,#ddanmotivation, #inspiringinterviews, #drdancbt, #drdantherapy,#drdancoaching, #drdanhappiness,  

Dr. James Kirk of Odessa, Texas specializes in treating the most difficult spine related conditions and shares the story of a gentleman facing spine surgery with a synovial cyst causing foot drop. Dr. J W Kirk is the owner and CEO of Clark Chiropractic Clinic, P.C. He was born in Odessa, he graduated from Parker College of Chiropractic in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Anatomy and a Doctorate in Chiropractic. His undergraduate studies were at North Harris County College and Texas Tech University. He has been a Rotarian since 1992 and serves on their board. He is a board member of the Odessa Fire Fighters Pension Fund. He is an Elder at Odessa Bible Church. He is a Certified Cox flexion/distraction practitioner. He and each doctor practice with a 'Low Force' technique called Directional Non-force Technique or DNFT.  Dr. Kirk's website 1-432-337-5553 Find a Back Doctor The Cox 8 Table made by Haven Medical

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. In this episode, host Tom Fox speaks with Greg Faldyn, a seasoned insurance industry professional and a long-time Rotarian. Greg, an insurance professional with over 40 years of experience and a dedicated Rotary Club member for nearly 25 years, views the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Kerrville as a landmark achievement in the organization's enduring commitment to community service. Having played a pivotal role in organizing the celebration as the foundation chair, Greg has been instrumental in highlighting Rotary's century-long partnerships with key local organizations, such as the Peterson Foundation and the Raphael Clinic. He proudly points to the Hill Country community's collective resilience, particularly in the wake of events like the July 4th flood, as a testament to Rotary's strength and impact. Passionate about engaging young professionals, Greg believes that the milestone anniversary serves not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a call to future service and community enhancement. Highlights include: Rotary's Centennial Celebration in Kerrville's Community Community Support through Rotary Foundation Grants Rotary Club Weekly Engagement Why Join Rotary? Resources: Rotary Club of Kerrville Rotary District 5840 Rotary International  Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman

With more than 30 years in Rotary, Stephanie was deeply engaged in community service long before Toastmasters entered the picture. When she later discovered Toastmasters through Rotary, she found a safe environment to practice speaking, calm presentation anxiety, and strengthen skills she could immediately apply back in Rotary meetings and projects.That experience turned Stephanie into an advocate for Toastmasters—so much so that her letter to the editor was published in Rotary magazine. She also shares how communication training, mental preparation, and listening skills from Toastmasters strengthened her work in Rotary.Listeners will hear:Why Stephanie views Toastmasters as a form of “personal service” for RotariansHow a four-line mental reset helped her manage nerves before speakingWhat Rotary's Four-Way Test teaches about leadership and ethical decision-makingHow Toastmasters skills improve introductions, meetings, and member engagementReal examples of the Rotary–Toastmasters alliance in action internationallyWhy Rotary's project management strengths benefit Toastmasters membersHow service projects create meaningful, real-world leadership opportunitiesThe Rotary–Toastmasters alliance isn't about replacing what either organization does well. As Stephanie explains, it's about learning from each other—and bringing those strengths back to the people and communities both groups serve. About Stephanie SteckelStephanie Steckel, DDS, MS, is an orthodontist, author, and community leader. She has been a Rotarian for more than 30 years and is a charter member and past president of the Dover Downtown Rotary Club in Delaware. A Toastmaster for three years, she is a member of Freespeakers Toastmasters in Dover, Delaware, and Northrop Grumman Toastmasters in Linthicum, Maryland, and is working toward her Distinguished Toastmaster designation.Stephanie lives in Smyrna, Delaware, and can be reached through Freespeakers Toastmasters. References mentioned in this episodeRotary–Toastmasters Alliance overview — Toastmasters InternationalToastmasters and Rotary: An Exciting Alliance — Toastmasters Magazine, February 2020Toastmasters and Rotary Team Up — Toastmasters Magazine, May 2020Reap the Rewards of the Rotary–Toastmasters Alliance — Toastmasters Magazine, November 2020Toastmasters and Rotary: Stronger Together — Toastmasters Magazine, March 2022The Alliance: What's in It for Me? — Toastmasters Magazine (sidebar), December 2023Podcast episodes#201: Powerful Outcomes from the Toastmasters and Rotary Alliance — Kate McClareAdditional referencesRotary forms alliance with Toastmasters — Rotary Magazine, February 2020Speak for Yourself, Stephanie's Letter to the Editor, Rotary Magazine, December 2025World Map, Rotary/Toastmasters Collaboration: Examples 

[31:27] A longtime Rotarian and newer Toastmaster shares how the Rotary–Toastmasters alliance shows up in real life—not just as a concept, but lived experience

[31:27] What happens when two century-old organizations dedicated to leadership and service intersect in one person's life? In this episode host Greg Gazin speaks with Stephanie Steckel, a longtime Rotarian and newer Toastmaster, who enlightens us about the benefits of each organization and how the Rotary–Toastmasters alliance shows up in real, practical ways—far beyond a formal agreement.

As part of a reciprocal exchange sponsored by the Columbus Rotary Club, educators from São Paulo, Brazil, were welcomed to Ohio. This group included college professors and English teachers at both primary and secondary levels. Their itinerary included visits to several public and private schools.We talk with two of the educators, Amanda Piovezani and Elaine Berges. Tracy Najera, a previous podcast guest and Rotarian, joined us.Amanda and Elaine observed that while multilingualism is common in Europe due to proximity to various countries, it is less prevalent in the United States. They were impressed by several aspects of American education, particularly in career schools where hands-on learning and partnerships with community organizations and companies are emphasized.One standout observation was the prevalence and integration of the arts in American schools. Amanda admired how art is used to cultivate critical thinking and emotional intelligence, especially among younger students. Both Amanda and Elaine discussed how engaging in art allows students to think creatively and empathetically, fostering essential soft skills such as teamwork and communication.In both countries, there are legal requirements to provide support for students with special needs. In Brazil, an assistant is assigned to any student with a diagnosed disorder, particularly in public schools, to ensure personalized support. The Brazilian visitors were struck by the smaller class sizes in American public schools compared to Brazil, particularly at the elementary level.Both countries face challenges with student distractions, particularly regarding cell phone use. Recent legislation in Brazil has prohibited cell phones in primary and high schools, with exceptions for health-related needs. This change was credited with improving students' social and motor skills, as they engaged more in physical activities and social interactions during breaks.While it is common in Ohio for schools to have uniformed police officers present, this is not the practice in Brazil. There, police may patrol school neighborhoods but do not typically enter schools unless there is an emergency. The Brazilian educators expressed surprise at the American practice of arming teachers and the prevalence of discussions around gun violence in schools.The educators discussed how American schools are funded primarily through property taxes, a system that often results in wealthier areas having more resources. In contrast, Brazilian elementary and high schools are funded by municipal governments, while colleges are supported by state or federal funding. Public education in Brazil, including universities, is entirely free.

Send us a textRotary has Rotary clubs and Rotarians in Russia? Yes,Yes we do! And they are doing great work all over the world.Today meet Anna Tumanova, as she tells me about all thge wonderful work being done by Russian Rotarians.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact all over the world. #BE THE CHANGE

"The purpose of my business is not only bake and sell, because we are introducing… culture or food habits of France to the Japanese people." "Japanese people don't buy baguettes because they don't know how to eat it." "After twenty shops, I needed to change my mentality to be the new type leaders." "I have responsibility for the life of the workers." Shu Kimura is the founder of Boulangerie Maison Kayser Japan and a fellow Rotarian. Born into the Kimura family, whose ancestors helped introduce bread-making techniques to Japan via Nagasaki (Dejima) in the 1600s, he chose to build a separate path rather than continue the established family business. He studied law at university, then worked in insurance for six years in market development before deciding to become a baker. He trained in the United States in Kansas, studying wheat science and fermentation chemistry, then worked as a baker at Amy's Bread in New York City. He later went to France to train closely with artisanal baker Eric Kayser living near his home as a private trainee before being invited to become a business partner to bring the brand concept to Japan. Kimura built the company in 2000 and opened the first Japan store in Takanawa in 2001. Over time, he grew the business to dozens of locations across Japan, leading hundreds of employees while navigating Japan's distinctive customer habits, service expectations, and people-management realities. Shu Kimura's leadership story is a case study in translating a food culture—not merely selling a product—into a market with different habits, assumptions, and decision styles. He entered baking after a first career in insurance, then rebuilt himself through technical study of fermentation and wheat science in Kansas, practical craft in New York, and high-intensity apprenticeship in France. That blend of science, craft, and commercial pragmatism shaped how he approached Japan: with conviction about quality, but equal focus on "how to sell" in a society where bread is often treated as a one-hand snack rather than part of a shared table. His early strategic insight was not that Japanese consumers disliked baguettes, but that many simply lacked a usage framework. That is a leadership lesson in market education: changing behaviour requires storytelling, context, and repeated micro-demonstrations. Sampling hundreds of baguette slices daily, Kimura used seasonal moments—Christmas and New Year's gatherings—to help customers discover bread as a centrepiece of hospitality. The result was not incremental improvement but a demand inflection point: the product did not change; the meaning did. As the company expanded, Kimura's definition of leadership evolved in stages: hands-on labour at one to three shops, charisma and founder-driven momentum from four to twenty, and then a deliberate shift from "activist and baker" to architect of systems, accountability, and culture. This transition mirrors a broader Japan leadership truth: scale forces leaders to move from doing to enabling, from individual mastery to organisational capability. Kimura also highlights a practical contrast between European-style top-down authority and Japan's preference for shared understanding and bottom-up execution. Rather than merely issuing task-level directives, he argues that people in Japan need the whole picture first—the total view—before work can be broken into puzzle pieces. This aligns with consensus dynamics such as nemawashi (pre-alignment) and ringi-sho (circulating approval), where clarity of purpose and social alignment can matter as much as speed. In an uncertainty-avoidant environment, trust is built through repeated communication: purpose, targets, role clarity, and recognition systems that show personal growth. Technology appears in his leadership thinking not as novelty, but as operational resilience—sales planning, ordering, loss control, and cross-application data transfer. The strategic point is decision intelligence: reducing waste and stabilising performance through better signals, with the potential to build digital-twin-like visibility into demand, production, and staffing over time. Yet Kimura remains grounded: culture, education, and human motivation are the levers that keep quality consistent across many locations. Q&A Summary What makes leadership in Japan unique? Kimura frames Japan as a context where leadership effectiveness depends on shared understanding, not merely authority. He contrasts European "boss is boss" top-down control with a Japanese style that works better when leaders explain the total view of the company first, then break it down into actionable pieces. In practice, that means investing heavily in communication of purpose, targets, and role boundaries—an approach consistent with consensus-building patterns such as nemawashi and ringi-sho. Why do global executives struggle? He implies the struggle often comes from applying familiar command-and-control habits in a market that expects alignment, context, and relationship-based coherence. Leaders who only provide "do this, do that" instructions may fail to create commitment. Without the larger narrative—why the work matters—people drift, and brand consistency erodes across locations. Is Japan truly risk-averse? Kimura's experience suggests "risk-averse" is often a shorthand for "uncertainty-avoidant." The baguette challenge was not fear of trying something new; it was uncertainty about how to use it. When he taught customers how to eat baguette and anchored it to family occasions, behaviour changed rapidly. The leadership implication: reduce uncertainty with education, examples, and social proof. What leadership style actually works? He describes a staged evolution: doer-leader at small scale, charismatic founder at mid-scale, then system-builder after twenty shops. The effective style becomes one of delegation with accountability—pushing responsibility down to store and area leaders while reinforcing philosophy and standards through education. Trust is sustained through fair, frequently improved HR systems that recognise growth and provide future pathways. How can technology help? Kimura points to connected planning for orders and sales, and systems to manage loss control and operational accuracy. He also discusses using systems to support smaller independent bakeries with HR and payroll calculations. This is technology as operational leverage—moving toward decision intelligence and potentially digital twin capabilities—while acknowledging cost constraints and the reality that some AI applications may still be premature. Does language proficiency matter? He treats language as a tool rather than the essence: interpretation can solve comprehension, but the substance of what a leader communicates is decisive. In other words, clarity of message, philosophy, and intent carries more weight than linguistic perfection. What's the ultimate leadership lesson? For Kimura, leadership is responsibility for people's livelihoods: failure affects hundreds of jobs, not just the founder's personal assets. That sense of stewardship drives his focus on communication, education, continuous system improvement, and the creation of a "happy life with bread" shared by bakers, shop staff, and customers alike. Author Credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.

Send us a textTime to meet Fedele, A Rotarian bringing human dignity to the people of Uganda.I talk to Fedele from a refugee camp somewhere in Uganda. Everyday this young Rotarian is bringing food, water, skills, and human dignity and maybe hope for the future to a camp where people from more the 7 countries have run for help.truly an amazing conversation.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact all over the world. #BE THE CHANGE

Greetings Glocal Citizens! This week's conversation is a milestone coming to you in two parts. We're 300+1! And my guest is a return voice with serious currency in the public service media and reparatory justice movements. Born in Sierra Leone, Makmid Kamara is a human rights leader, reparatory justice advocate, and development communications practitioner, with almost 20 years' experience working with national and international development, human rights, and grantmaking organisations in Africa and the United Kingdom. He is the Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East at the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), where he is leading the organization's grantmaking efforts to support independent media. He is also the Founder of Reform Initiatives (LBG), an organization working with policymakers, political leaders and affected communities to advance the cause of reparatory justice for historical crimes against Africans and people of African descent. When he last joined us, he was the founding Director of the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF), based in Accra, Ghana. Prior to ATJLF, Makmid worked at the International Secretariat of Amnesty International in London as (Ag.) Deputy Director of Global Issues and Head of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) Team; he served as interim Country Director for Amnesty International Nigeria and as a West Africa Researcher. As a Rotarian, a Global Atlantic Fellow and an Obama Foundation Leader - Africa, Makmid seamlessly connects his service mindset with a level of technical expertise and professionalism that inspires and is consistently moving the dial on #PanAfricanProgress. Where to find Makmid? On Glocal Citizens On LinkedIn What's Makmid watching? Manchester United Other topics of interest: Freetown, Sierra Leone and Reparatory Justice East Legon, Accra About James Deane, co-founder IFPM About Khadija Patel Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate About the Nama People and The Landless Peoples Movement in Namibia The [Wakati Weti Festival](link https://www.wakatiwetufestival.org/WWF2025#/aboutwakatiwetu?lang=en) African Futures Lab Deep South Solidarity Fund Baraza Media LabSpecial Guest: Makmid Kamara.

Greetings Glocal Citizens! This week's conversation is a milestone coming to you in two parts. Were 300+1! And my guest is a return voice with serious currency in the public service media and reparatory justice movements. Born in Sierra Leone, Makmid Kamara is a human rights leader, reparatory justice advocate, and development communications practitioner, with almost 20 years' experience working with national and international development, human rights, and grantmaking organisations in Africa and the United Kingdom. He is the Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East at the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) (https://ifpim.org/#3), where he is leading the organization's grantmaking efforts to support independent media. He is also the Founder of Reform Initiatives (LBG) (https://reforminitiatives.org), an organization working with policymakers, political leaders and affected communities to advance the cause of reparatory justice for historical crimes against Africans and people of African descent. When he last joined us, he was the founding Director of the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF), based in Accra, Ghana. Prior to ATJLF, Makmid worked at the International Secretariat of Amnesty International in London as (Ag.) Deputy Director of Global Issues and Head of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) Team; he served as interim Country Director for Amnesty International Nigeria and as a West Africa Researcher. As a Rotarian, a Global Atlantic Fellow and an Obama Foundation Leader - Africa, Makmid seamlessliy connects his service mindset with a level of technical expertise and professionalism that inspires and is consistently moving the dial on #PanAfricanProgress. Where to find Makmid? On Glocal Citizens (https://glocalcitizens.fireside.fm/guests/makmid-kamara) On LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/makmid-kamara-80091915/) What's Makmid watching? Manchester United (https://www.manutd.com) Other topics of interest: Freetown, Sierra Leone and Reparatory Justice (https://www.ictj.org/sites/default/files/ICTJ-DDR-Sierra-Leone-CaseStudy-2009-English.pdf) East Legon, Accra (https://appliedforeignaffairs.uni-ak.ac.at/lab-projects/east-legon-past-forwards/work) About James Deane, co-founder IFPM (https://ifpim.org/people/james-deane) About Khadija Patel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khadija_Patel) Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Ressa) About the Nama People (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nama_people) and The Landless Peoples Movement in Namibia (https://www.lpmparty.org/) African Futures Lab (https://www.afalab.org) Deep South Solidarity Fund (https://www.deepsouthsolidarityfund.org) Baraza Media Lab (https://barazalab.com) Special Guest: Makmid Kamara.

Meet Dwight Brown, Rotarian and community builder from the Rotary Club of Kanata. We talk about the impact of Rotary, supporting our communities and the role it plays in our lives.

Send us a textSome times you get to interview a Rotarian  who's adventures in Rotary are simply a cut above the rest, and this week we have that Rotarian. Join me as I talk to the one and only Dean Rohrs.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact all over the world. #BE THE CHANGE

Meet Lizzy Martin, Past President of Rotary CNY, and a third-generation Rotarian. We talk about developing a new District, building membership and doing big things,

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode, Cornell Bunting sits down with Priya Ahluwalia, a powerhouse of innovation and heart. Priya's journey spans continents, industries, and impact — from leading global business growth to empowering her local community through education, entrepreneurship, and service.With over 14 years of experience, Priya has worn many hats: Business Leader – As former VP of Operations at One Homes, she helped drive North American sales from $2 million to $50 million, reshaping operations with a global vision. Community Builder – At Prime Fiber, she's bridging the digital divide, helping communities gain access to high-speed internet and a brighter future. Investor & Mentor – Through MoAloo Ventures, she's fueling innovation across food tech, ed-tech, electric mobility, and drone technology — empowering the next generation of changemakers. Educator & Lifelong Learner – Since 2009, Priya has taught Entrepreneurship, Chinese, and Hindi, preparing students to thrive in a globalized world.  Rotarian & Humanitarian – As founder of the SWFL Rotary, she's redefining how service meets innovation. She also serves on the boards of EHAS (Everyone Has A Story) and NCWIT's Aspirations in Computing (AiC), where she advocates for young women in tech.Since moving to Babcock Ranch in 2021, Priya has become a beacon of community spirit — launching programs, mentoring youth, and leading initiatives that bring people together.This episode dives deep into her passion for purpose, the power of innovation, and her vision for creating change that lasts.Tune in to hear how Priya Ahluwalia continues to build bridges, uplift others, and inspire transformation — one story at a time. Support the showThank you for tuning in with EHAS CLUB - Stories to Create Podcast

Send us a textWell first you met dad, Micheal Lapina. Now his son takes center stage. Meet Alex Lapina, a musician, a Rotarian, a Rotaracter, and also the founder of the E-club of Rotary Musicians. We take music, the Arts in Rotary and more!Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact all over the world. #BE THE CHANGE

In recent months, the global stock markets have steadied following trade wars and rising inflation. But if you're retired, or planning to retire, you might still have your guard up. After all, U.S. economists have been using phrases like “possible recession” and “stagflation.” In this episode, Chicago journalist Jerome McDonnell sits down with Rotarian and financial advisor Derrick Kinney to discuss the road to retirement in uncertain times.

Alexa Betting was chosen as a Beck's Player with Heart for her dedication and commitment on and off the field and track. In school, Alexa participates in soccer, cross country, and track, and is involved in Key Club, FBLA, and student council. She loves the competition and enjoys representing her school and spending time with her peers outside of the classroom, as it has helped her make life-long friends. Alexa is very involved in her community and has organized many service projects through Key Club, such as creating hygiene bags for homeless shelters, organizing teacher supply donations, and baking cookies for nursing homes. She also mentors through YSS, where she spends time with a kindergartner each week and exercises her seal of biliteracy in Spanish. Alexa will also be a junior Rotarian, where she will conduct several different community service projects. Agriculture is very important to Alexa, as she sees it affecting everyone around her. She was in FFA and lives in rural Iowa, understanding what the industry does for her community and the different jobs and opportunities it provides. Alexa plans to attend college for a doctorate or master's in occupational or speech therapy to continue giving back to people in her community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textToday we are talking Rotary and the law. Is the Law black and white? How, if you are a Rotarian and a lawyer do the two mix. I have this an a lot more to talk about with my DGE, lawyer, and friend Tim Kelly today on the show.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact all over the world. #BE THE CHANGE

Discovering moments of joy within the often-challenging journey of dementia caregiving is possible. While this path can feel overwhelming, there are indeed glimmers of happiness to be found. This episode explores how to find these precious sparks of connection and even unexpected laughter. Learn how shifting your perspective can help you recognize the small yet significant moments that bring light. Furthermore, we discuss practical ways to cultivate these positive experiences of joy, allowing you to find more meaning in your caregiving role. We also share insights to help navigate difficult times by intentionally focusing on the potential for joy. Therefore, if you are seeking encouragement and a renewed sense of hope, this episode is definitely for you. Tune in to explore how to discover and nurture joy in your dementia caregiving experience. Let's navigate this together. Our Guest: Amy Scruggs Amy Scruggs has been a prominent name in country music for over 20 years, performing with joy alongside legends like Clint Black and Trace Adkins. Her band, the “Ghostriders,” is led by her son, Ryan Scruggs. In 2022, she released an EP produced by Fred Mollin, featuring the hit single “What if It All Goes Right.” She is also a former TV host and respected media coach, helping professionals and organizations elevate their presence and messaging on camera and on stage. A dedicated Rotarian, Amy serves as Assistant Public Image Chair for Rotary Zone 26 and speaks regularly at leadership events. In 2024, Amy became the full-time caregiver for her father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She embraced this role with compassion and strength, sharing their day-to-day experiences through heartfelt social media vlogs. Her candid posts provide practical advice, emotional insight, and a powerful sense of joy and community for fellow caregivers. Through her openness, Amy continues to uplift others walking the challenging yet meaningful path of dementia caregiving. Find Amy on Instagram ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Why Do I Feel So Alone As A Caregiver The Heart of Caregiving - Person Centered Approaches ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, or a moment of joy, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation Actionable strategies to cope and move forward Support for those who care about you (optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ List of the Top 20 Alzheimer's Podcasts via FeedSpot! See where we rank. Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! Share the joy and knowledge. Instagram LinkedIn  Facebook Contact Jen at hello@fadingmemoriespodcast.com Or learn more at Our Website

Paul Brodie is a 21-time Bestselling Author and CEO of Brodie Consulting Group. He helps people share their story and positions them as an expert in their field. His company, Brodie Consulting, accomplishes this by helping their clients create, publish, and launch their books to a guaranteed best seller with over 170 consecutive bestselling launches in all genres and 42 bestselling launches in 2024. Paul is a lifelong learner and earned an M.A. in Teaching from Louisiana College and B.B.A. in Management from the University of Texas at Arlington. Paul is a proud Rotarian and holds membership in the Corporate Leadership Council of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands, River Legacy Foundation, and the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. His leadership and service has been recognized on multiple occasions, including being a recipient of the 2023 and 2024 MAVS100 from UT Arlington in recognition of business revenue growth, and the Rotarian of the Year and President's Award from the Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands.Contact Paul Brodie:https://brodieconsultinggroup.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgbrodie/Dr. Kimberley LinertSpeaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral OptometristEvent Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com702.256.9199Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator PodcastAvailable on...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platformsAuthor of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life"Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3srh6tZWebsite: https://www.DrKimberleyLinert.comThe Great Discovery eLearning Platform: https://thegreatdiscovery.com/kimberley

Send us a textJoin me for the last EP. of the "I'm A Rotarian Podcast" before my big name change in July:How can we help stop the War on Vaccines, well RI Polio Plus Committee Chair Michael McGovern is here to talk about the problem and how big this "No to all Vaccine" hysteria really is.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

Send us a textTime to take a fresh new look at ClubRunner. Did you know it was started and is run by Rotarians? Did you know it's one of the safest websites your club can use? Did you know that it can do much, much more then just email, and a club website? Well join me as we break the myths with ClubRunner founders and CEOs Halle and Sara.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

Send us a textSo, Rotary's supposed to be politics and religion-free, right? But is God popping up too much in meetings? Met a new friend from Canada (no names this week)  who's wondering if it's making her wanna stay or leave. Do we need to say "under God" should we pray? Is it against the rules?Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

Pauly's fellow Rotarian and friend Joe Cicero, cyber security warrior by day, is also an artist by night, and will be showing his work for the first time EVER (to benefit Sunshine Camp) on June 10th at Artisan Works!!Mentioned in this episode:Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.comDialed In: A Coffee PodcastGet Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fmBehind the GlassPodcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

Send us a textWe are asking all the questions you were always to scared to ask a transgender person. My friend Teri from Canada is willing to talk about anything Trans and I am so happy to ask , and learn and understand the world of transgender people.I love this show, but parents check it out first, see the language, and slang that we use so nothing in surprising and you can talk to your kids about it. Trans is "ok" and part of that DEI stuff we all need to know and respect. Please, listen and learn. It's worth it.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

Craig Taylor is a seasoned cybersecurity leader, CISSP since 2001, and co-founder of CyberHoot, a fully automated SaaS platform that teaches cyber literacy to SMBs and MSPs. As a virtual CISO for over 35 companies and founder of a growing vCISO peer group, he brings deep expertise and collaborative insight to the cybersecurity field. A gifted speaker, Rotarian, and cancer research fundraiser, Craig blends technical leadership with a passion for service and community.Master of Your Crafts is a captivating podcast featuring conversations with individuals who have dedicated themselves to mastering their craft. Whether it's a gift, talent or skill that comes naturally to them, these individuals have taken ownership and honed their abilities to perfection. Through deep conversation, we delve into their inner dialogue, actions and life circumstances offering words of wisdom to empower and guide you on a journey to becoming the master of your own craft.For more information, visit our website https://masterofyourcrafts.com and Bright Shining Light Website: https://brightshininglight.comStay connected with us:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masterofyourcrafts- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MasterOfYourCrafts/- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1M0vp9HoK7kkP1w4ij7PJd?si=7d383a92b93b4e2c- ApplePodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/master-of-your-crafts/id1512818795- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/b15079de-bc6a-487c-b8f8-faca73d0f685/master-of-your-crafts- Google Play: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...

Send us a textShe a singer, Vet, Asst. Gov, Teacher Professor, Foundation chair and oh, yes a Rotarian too. Meet Angela Walker, this week on the podcast.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

Send us a textI'm off to my families homeland of Wales to meet the youngest Rotary DG maybe EVER! 27year old James Thomas. Come hear this DG's words of wisdom and how he feels he owes a debt to Rotary. Join us for an amazing conversation.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

Send us a textSteve Martin was a cop for 30years, and part of one of the most famous days in english policing history. But that's not his whole story. Get to know my new friend Steve and we talk his life, and our love of football (soccer) too.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

In today's episode of The LoCo Experience, I was joined by Teres Lambert and David Haase - fellow members of the Breakfast Rotary Club in Fort Collins - which meets every Thursday morning at 7 am at Ginger & Baker!  They were here in part to talk about a pair of significant Rotary events upcoming this spring and summer - the Field of Honor  - May 23 - 26 - spearheaded by Teres, and talk with David about The Peach Festival - which will be held August 16th this year at Civic Center Park in Old Town Fort Collins - one of the few remaining downtown festivals!  The Field of Honor is a service to the community, to honor heroes of all stripes on Memorial Day Weekend.  With 500 flags flying adjacent to the Veterans Plaza and Travelling Memorial Wall, this project allows community members to honor a veteran, a first responder, a foster parent, a teacher - or any other hero of their lives with medallions attached to each flag.  The Peach Festival is all things peachy and community and Rotary - with peach beers, live music, peach pie eating contests - and much much more.  And - we get to learn about what makes a great Rotarian, and what inspires a career professional to take the plunge into community service.  Teres is a gifted writer, and a topical expert in anything beef or dairy! - and David is a veteran financial planner, who gives dozens of hours each year to the cause of building community.  This episode is all about service, career, and community, and I loved sharing a bit of the journey with Teres Lambert and David Haase.The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by: Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

Send us a textMeet my new friends Robert Friend(Really that's his name) and Martha Wells Hoffman of the Call 2 Care water project. We talk about the project, how you can help, and how the whole idea started with a dream. That's right a dream.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

Send us a textThis week I'm talk to Rocky Wagner about Operation Pollination. We need more Bees, butterflies, and Hummingbirds. In Fact our world food chain needs them most of all. Time to plant some seeds, and help these friends do their job!Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

Send us a textWelcome to this 90min conversation that came from a simple question I put up on Facebook. "Is Rotary too WOKE" Join us for this powerful conversation, that I hope will make you think, and will help you understand "WOKE" Rotary's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:At Rotary, we're committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, allowing everyone's voice to be heard, and providing equitable opportunities for fellowship, service, and leadership.Our members want and expect Rotary to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. Although the Rotary experience may differ from country to country, issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion are globally relevant.We embrace the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization will enhance the experience that members have in Rotary, allow us to carry out more meaningful and effective service efforts, and create open, welcoming environments that appeal to people who want to connect with us. Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

Ted Turner's a pretty amazing man...— he founded CNN from nothing— he started the Cartoon Network— he's won the America's Cup— he created Ted's Montana Grill— he launched The Goodwill Games— he's given away billions to great causes.This way of thinking is so contrarian to the way most businesspeople think [and that's why most businesspeople never join the ranks of the financial and influential elite].If your whole focus is on making money, it's off-delivering the staggering value that will create the fanatical followers who will pay you money.Ted Turner was a Rotarian [as was my father and myself]. The motto of Rotary is: "He profits most who serves the best."Of course, serve for the beauty and internal fulfillment of serving. But know that the inevitable by-product of phenomenal service to others [your customers, communities etc.] is material prosperity well-beyond anything you've yet to experience.This is what my latest book The Wealth Money Can't Buy is all about. Real wealth versus fake success. True winning versus spending your life climbing a mountain, only to find out at the end that it was the wrong one. You can order it now by clicking here.FOLLOW ROBIN SHARMA:InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Send us a textJoin me and my new friend Robyn Curtis from the Rotary Climate Change Action Group. We are talking ECO, we are talking big problems, and even some big solutions. We are talking about one of our 7 areas of focus that maybe doesn't get all the love and attention that it should.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people who proudly call themselves Rotarians." and tell a friend to join us too.

How much do you know about robotic surgery for DIEP flap breast reconstruction? What areas in the U.S. are performing these types of robotic surgery for those affected by breast cancer? What if I told you robotic DIEP flaps are being performed in Hawaii? It is important to share with you surgeons I meet to provide access to care for those affected by breast cancer. Thank you for listening to the podcast to find out who these surgeons are. We are going to discuss robotic surgery and DIEP flap being performed in Hawaii with my guests on this edition of the DiepCJourney podcast. Be sure to watch our conversation on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel when it is published, and you can sit with us and watch our conversation. I first met Dr. Daniel Murariu at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in San Diego in September of 2024. What impressed me at our first meeting was his interest in the resources breast cancer patients provide. We talked about the resources provided by DiepCJourney Foundation, but we also discussed the many other breast cancer support groups helping patients navigate their decision through treatment, surgery, and recovery. I was also impressed with the time he spent listening and I thought to myself, if I were a patient of Dr. Murariu, I think I would feel very much a part of my decision process with his thoughtful demeanor. He is a TEDx UC Davis speaker, Rotarian, speaks three languages, has published multiple papers, an impressive resume to be sure!! Further, Dr. Murariu practices the co-surgeon model at his private practice office in Honolulu, Hawaii at Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery. He collaborates with his team member, Dr. Peter Deptula. We are going to learn more about the work of Dr. Deptula and his training in the interview. They are both board-certified reconstructive surgeons who perform autologous breast reconstruction, lymphedema surgery, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, and complex microsurgery focusing on head and neck and breast reconstruction. We wrap up our conversations with an announcement by Dr. Murariu. It is exciting to know that he and Dr. Deptula are organizing the RAMSES 2027 meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. RAMSES stands for The Robotic Assisted & Microsurgical Endoscopic Society, “The group represents the ‘early adaptors' of robotic technology in the field of microsurgery.” He graciously invites surgeons to visit them to observe their work and learn more about robotics in plastic surgery. Connect with Dr. Murariu and Dr. Deptula across these platforms: Instagram: Dr. Murariu: https://www.instagram.com/p/DE9H3QrRhNI/ Dr. Deptula: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.petey/ LinkedIn: Dr. Murariu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-murariu-0ba2b7195/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Athena-Clinic-Plastic-Surgery/100087242137827/  

My guest today was Zak George, Founder and Owner and Head Coach at Zak George Landscaping, LLC.  ZGL - as the trucks around town say on the side - is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year!  Zak has a strong history of growth in the Residential and Commercial Construction and Commercial Maintenance segment, plus a substantial snow removal operation to keep some of the guys busy in the winter.  Zak has an interesting business model in that he relies heavily on long term HB2 Visa employees, who return seasonally - mostly from Mexico and Guatemala - and we discuss his concerns about labor force in 2025, and how ZGL was almost taken down by an HB2 shortage in 2017, amid over-reliance on seasonal workers.  Zak has a big beard and a big heart, is a fellow Rotarian, and is a joy to have a conversation with - so I hope you enjoy, as I did - my conversation with Zak George.  The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by: Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

Episode 176 of The Hitstreak, a podcast where we talk about anything and everything!  This week we are joined by Public Speaker, Author, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Broker, Gerard Bullock!Episode in a Glance:Check it out! In this episode, Gerard Bullock and I explore the intricate balance between family life and professional success. We discuss the importance of accountability in leadership roles, the dynamics of a supportive family, and the strategies that have led to our collective achievements. Gerard shares insights into managing time effectively, the innovative approach to the daycare industry, and the significance of encouraging positive choices in parenting. Our conversation emphasizes the value of hard work, prioritization, and the courage to embrace challenges, all while maintaining strong family bonds. Throughout the episode, Gerard and I delve into the themes of leadership, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating corporate culture. We end the episode by touching on the significance of accountability and the value of sharing experiences through keynote speaking.Key Points: - Family dynamics play a crucial role in personal success.- Time management is essential for balancing work and family.- Encouragement and accountability are key in parenting.- Innovative approaches can redefine traditional industries.- Prioritizing family time can lead to greater overall success.- Hard work and dedication are foundational to achievement.- Personal growth often comes from shared family experiences.- Learning from mistakes is crucial in all environments.- Tough love in management can lead to better accountability.- Transitioning careers often involves taking risks for personal growth.- Understanding the real estate market requires awareness of timing and personal readiness.- Keynote speaking can be a platform for sharing valuable life lessons.- Facing challenges head-on is essential for personal and professional development.- Every day is an opportunity to improve and be better than yesterday.- Short-term solutions won't address long-term problems effectively.About our guest: Gerard Bullock is a proven leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate. A University of Maryland graduate, he began his career at UPS before joining Under Armour as Head of North American Distribution. In Mt. Juliet, he launched a 1.3-million-square-foot distribution center, creating 1,000 jobs and managing a $58 million payroll. In 2018, Gerard transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding a residential real estate firm and co-launching MeTime Drop-In Childcare with his wife, Sara. With multiple locations and expansion plans in Nashville, he is also a top real estate broker specializing in residential and industrial developments. A podcaster and author, he ranks among Nashville's leading agencies. Gerard serves as board secretary for Ensworth School and supports causes like Second Harvest Food Bank. He previously led the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce and Planning Commission. A member of Leadership Nashville's Class of 2025 and a Rotarian, Gerard balances his career with family life, cheering on his four athletic children and enjoying biking, hiking, and grilling.Follow and contact:Instagram: @bullockgerardgerardbullock.comSubscribe to Nick's top-rated podcast The Hitstreak on Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/NickHite⁠rFollow and Rate us on Spotify: ⁠https://spotify.com/NickHiter⁠Follow and Rate