Podcasts about strategic initiatives

We talk with Darren Hudson, Professor, Larry Combest Chair and Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Assessment at Texas Tech University about the cotton market and ag economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital bonds: hype, hope or the future of capital markets? Listen to our podcast examining just how far - or not - the bond market has progressed towards a digital future with host Mushtaq Kapasi, Chief Representative of ICMA for Asia Pacific in conversation with Ankur Prakash, Head of Digital and Strategic Initiatives, Global Banking at Standard Chartered and Yam Ki Chan, Vice President at US fintech Circle, one of the world's major issuers of stablecoins. This is the first of a special series of podcasts examining some of the leading trends of the day, co-produced by Resonate Global Advisors.

The HSPA Season of Giving is here! To help advance patient safety, the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association established the HSPA Foundation in 2016. Dedicated Sterile Processing (SP) professionals commit to continuing education and professional development to remain focused on doing what's right in the name of patient safety—for every instrument, surgical case and patient. The Foundation's mission is to support SP professionals and our industry through educational initiatives, research, scholarships, professional development grants and awards. In this December 2025 special episode, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Richard Schule, Senior Director for Enterprise Sterile Processing with the Cleveland Clinic, and Damien Berg, VP of Strategic Initiatives at HSPA, about the HSPA Foundation. Our guests discuss the Foundation's background, successes and current initiatives, both in the U.S. and internationally. Listen to learn about the important work of the Foundation and how you can support your community and participate in the Season of Giving. Our Guests: Richard Schule, MBA, FAST, FCS, AAMIF, is the Senior Director for Enterprise Sterile Processing with the Cleveland Clinic. Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, serves as HSPA's Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and is an HSPA Past-President (2018–2019). Additionally, he works closely with regulatory bodies and standards-making groups, including the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and he serves on the Executive Committee for the World Federation for Hospital Sterilisation Sciences (WFHSS). Please note: CE credit is not offered for this episode.

There are more cell phones in the world than cars, toilets, or people. What if each of those phones could be turned into a Bible? Using their backgrounds in electrical engineering and software development, David and Josiah Palusky have developed technology tools to help Christian workers spread the gospel in places where people are unreached and there is often Christian persecution. David is the founder and president of Renew Outreach. He will share how the ministry began and tools they've developed to help provide unreached people in remote places with access God's Word. Josiah, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Renew, explains efforts to help persecuted Christians around the world share the gospel using emerging technology. They will share stories of camels preaching the gospel using LightStream devices, leading an entire family to meet Christ, how AI disguised a Christian brother's voice, and how Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas can revolutionize communities for Jesus. David also recounts the story of he and his sister hearing Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, the founder of The Voice of the Martyrs, share Richard's story of persecution in Romania at a remote Christian camp in Minnesota. That one sermon deeply impacted the lives of both David and his sister—an impact they still feel almost 40 years later. Today, the Lord has put on their hearts to further the Great Commission among the deaf community, one of the least-reached groups in the world. Using Visual Vernacular to tell the Bible story from creation to Christ, Renew is hearing of new believers and baptisms among the deaf community weekly! The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians in nations like North Korea, Nigeria and Bangladesh, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

For those listeners in the United States, a Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Thanks for being part of Experience by Design podcast and making putting on the show worthwhile and rewarding. And for those of you in Canada, Happy Belated Thanksgiving. And for those in other parts of the world, I hope you can take a moment to give thanks for whatever you feel thankful.Giving thanks is not just something that should be reserved for one day a year. Giving gratitude should be something that we all do everyday. I know that I am trying to do so, especially for the small things in life. Gratitude is a practice like any other practice, and the more we do it, the better we can get at it. Not that I am good at it yet, but I am definitely trying to get better.Today's episode is about giving thanks for those who served in such a way that they were awarded the highest honor in the US military: The Medal of Honor. I welcome Alexandra Rhue (SVP, Museum Engagement and Strategic Initiatives from the National Medal of Honor Museum) and Michael Lewis (Executive Creative Director from G&A) to talk about their work in creating and developing the National Medal of Honor Museum, located in Arlington, TX.We talk about the 3500 plus stories behind each person who was awarded the medal, but how each story comes down to the same elements of courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism. A major element of the museum is to inspire all visitors to recognize how these elements are in all of us as well. In other words, we talk about the hero that is within us all by exploring the stories and lives of those who have been recognized for their supreme valor and in many instances ultimate sacrifice. We talk about the symbolism that is layered throughout the National Medal of Honor Museum, starting with the very architecture of the structure. We explore the ways that US society has evolved in terms of recognizing and discussing military conflict and service. Alex and Michael emphasize the ultimate goal is not just recognition, but getting people to leave with a renewed sense of service to their own communities in whatever capacity they can, and to live the values embodied in the Medal of Honor. We also discuss the design and visitor experience of a museum and memorial. We explore the balance between immersive technology and traditional museum elements, aiming to create an emotional and personal experience. Michael and Alexandra explained the use of multimedia, including large-scale images, VR installations, and interactive projections, while emphasizing the importance of technology that enhances rather than distracts from the visitor journey. Alexandra and Michael emphasized the importance of placing visitors' perspectives at the center of storytelling, incorporating both human narratives and technological elements to enrich the visitor experience.Alexandra Rhue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-rhue/National Medal of Honor Museum: https://mohmuseum.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mohmuseum/Twitter/X: https://x.com/MohMuseumFacebook: National Medal of Honor Museum | Arlington TX | FacebookMichael Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgelewis/G & A: https://gallagherdesign.com/G & A Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.ampersand.a/G & A LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/g-a-strategy-and-design/ 

This episode is sponsored by…⁠BLUPRINT HOME LOANS:Get pre-approved with one of RTR's preferred lenders at ⁠https://bluprinthomeloans.com/renttoretirement/⁠BAM Capital:Get access to premium real estate assets with BAM Capital. Rent to Retirement's preferred multifamily partner. https://bamcapital.com/rtr/IGNITE FUNDING:Earn 10%-12% fixed annual returns backed by real property, without the hassle of owning and managing rentals.https://lp.ignitefunding.com/2025/5mis-rtr/signup/?sl=rtr&utm_source=rtr&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=podcast_1Thinking about owning a vacation home…but not using it enough to justify the cost?In this episode, Adam Schroeder sits down with Tom Mulholland, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Pacaso, to break down the real world of fractional real estate ownership.You'll learn how fractional ownership differs from timeshares, how financing works, why this model is growing fast, and what risks investors should consider before diving in.If you're curious about co-ownership, vacation home investing, Regulation A raises, or the future of fractionalized assets—this episode gives you the full picture.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro with Adam Schroeder00:22 – Meet Tom Mulholland from Pacaso00:56 – Why fractional ownership is solving major vacation-home problems01:49 – Vacant homes & underutilized vacation properties explained03:03 – How Pacaso's founders built the co-ownership model03:36 – Vacation homes vs timeshares: key differences04:25 – What makes fractional ownership actual asset ownership06:50 – Why fractional real estate is rapidly expanding07:55 – The “why” behind investors choosing fractionalization09:07 – Risks, due diligence & dispute systems10:44 – Pacaso's 17,000-investor Regulation A raise12:50 – Democratizing ownership in private companies14:16 – Luxury home pricing & buyer structure15:52 – How financing works for co-owners17:25 – Why owners cannot short-term rent their shares18:55 – Maintenance, repairs, and responsibility20:08 – How selling your fractional stake works21:47 – Updates, renovations, and owner voting24:02 – Pacaso's vision for the future of real estate25:25 – How to learn more + RTR closing message

This episode is sponsored by…⁠BLUPRINT HOME LOANS:Get pre-approved with one of RTR's preferred lenders at ⁠https://bluprinthomeloans.com/renttoretirement/⁠BAM Capital:Get access to premium real estate assets with BAM Capital. Rent to Retirement's preferred multifamily partner. https://bamcapital.com/rtr/IGNITE FUNDING:Earn 10%-12% fixed annual returns backed by real property, without the hassle of owning and managing rentals.https://lp.ignitefunding.com/2025/5mis-rtr/signup/?sl=rtr&utm_source=rtr&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=podcast_1Thinking about owning a vacation home…but not using it enough to justify the cost?In this episode, Adam Schroeder sits down with Tom Mulholland, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Pacaso, to break down the real world of fractional real estate ownership.You'll learn how fractional ownership differs from timeshares, how financing works, why this model is growing fast, and what risks investors should consider before diving in.If you're curious about co-ownership, vacation home investing, Regulation A raises, or the future of fractionalized assets—this episode gives you the full picture.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro with Adam Schroeder00:22 – Meet Tom Mulholland from Pacaso00:56 – Why fractional ownership is solving major vacation-home problems01:49 – Vacant homes & underutilized vacation properties explained03:03 – How Pacaso's founders built the co-ownership model03:36 – Vacation homes vs timeshares: key differences04:25 – What makes fractional ownership actual asset ownership06:50 – Why fractional real estate is rapidly expanding07:55 – The “why” behind investors choosing fractionalization09:07 – Risks, due diligence & dispute systems10:44 – Pacaso's 17,000-investor Regulation A raise12:50 – Democratizing ownership in private companies14:16 – Luxury home pricing & buyer structure15:52 – How financing works for co-owners17:25 – Why owners cannot short-term rent their shares18:55 – Maintenance, repairs, and responsibility20:08 – How selling your fractional stake works21:47 – Updates, renovations, and owner voting24:02 – Pacaso's vision for the future of real estate25:25 – How to learn more + RTR closing message

In this special two-part episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow discuss the assassination of Hezbollah's top military commander in Beirut and what it says about the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal, the state of play in Gaza amid what appears to be a stalled postwar transition, and what we learned from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's meeting with President Trump last week. Following that, Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman and co-founder of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum U.S. Matan Sivek discuss the story behind the Hostage and Missing Families Forum's efforts over more than two years to free the hostages taken captive by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

What happens when technology, media, and purpose collide? We sit down with Alex Wagner, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Magnitude of Change, to explore how a research-led, values-driven media consultancy turns attention into action for public health and social impact. From the early pandemic days supporting the California Department of Public Health to statewide work on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Alex reveals how data, empathy, and behavior science come together to reach people at the right time and place.We dig into the mechanics of meaningful campaigns—paid search and social tuned for help-seeking, streaming audio and CTV built for trust, and digital out-of-home that meets people in their daily paths. We also talk about the rigor behind the work: qualitative and quantitative research, community-informed creative, and the governance standards that come with certified B Corp status and membership in 1% for the Planet. Welcome to the Agency for Change podcast.Connect with Alex and Magnitude of Change at: ·       Email Alex – alex.wagner@magnitudeofchange.com·       Website – https://www.magnitudeofchange.com/

Welcome to the 20th Anniversary of PreventConnect! In this episode, Josef Canaria, Preventionist and Manager of Programs & Strategic Initiatives at Act To Change, shares his 2025 National Sexual Assault Conference® (NSAC) keynote speech.Join the 1,600+ participants who attended NSAC 2025 and listen to Josef's plenary on the messiness of prevention and the importance of community to end gender-based violence!

Send us a textYael Shemer is the Co-founder and CCO at TULU. Last week TULU announced a Big Series A round of funding. TULU is in growth mode and they have BIG goals for 2026. I'm Moshe Crane connect with me on LinkedIn. My day job is the VP of Branding and Strategic Initiatives at Sage Ventures. Check out my newsletter Curious Deal.Sage Ventures is a commercial real estate firm based in Baltimore, MD. The company buys and operates multifamily rental properties. We know have a portfolio of self-storage and office deals. The company also builds and develops homes that we sell.

Work today feels busier than ever, and yet, we're all expected to do more. That tension between what people can give and what organizations demand is what Shawn Villaron calls the “capacity chasm.” In this episode of #shifthappens, Microsoft's Vice President of Customer and Strategic Initiatives in the Office Product Group, Shawn Villaron, shares how AI can help bridge that gap by empowering people, not replacing them. He discusses giving teams “permission to play” with AI, fostering a culture where curiosity and experimentation drive progress, and why, sometimes, responsible innovation means saying no — even to a great idea.

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have long been a weapon of choice for terrorist organisations. They're cheap, adaptable, and devastatingly effective. But as technology evolves, so too do the tactics and tools used to build and deploy these weapons.In this episode, host Lucas Webber is joined by Dr Austin Doctor, political scientist, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Director of Strategic Initiatives at the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE). Together, they explore how emerging technologies - from drones to 3D printing - are reshaping the global threat landscape, and how governments can respond to this rapidly evolving challenge.

When Laurel married in her late 50s, she never imagined she'd become her husband's full-time caregiver just five years later. Now, twenty years into that journey, she calls it a blessing: “He is so easy to care for…. I have released early feelings of resentment, realizing that I've been training my whole life to do this.”As Director of Strategic Initiatives for The Village Chicago, Laurel works mainly from home, crafting a monthly newsletter that shines a light on aging and ageism. Reflecting on life in her late-80s, she says, “I feel more myself than ever before in my life.”“I consider myself a solo ager because I am primary caregiver for my husband and am making all decisions and doing all tasks by myself.” - Laurel BaerConnect with Laurel:Email lbaer938@aol.comThe Village Chicago https://thevillagechicago.orgThanks to our Sponsor—Plymouth Place, LaGrange Park, ILDiscover the extraordinary at Plymouth Place—a vibrant community designed for active adults. Elevate your retirement living experience with tailored independent options, premier amenities, and a full continuum of care. https://plymouthplace.orgRecognizing the AGE-WISE COLLECTIVEWomen Over 70 is a proud member of the Age-Wise Collective, comprised of women-led podcasts that feature stories from women 50+ and topics that promote the pro-aging movement.MEET: Yvonne Marchese, founder and host of Late Bloomer Living https://www.latebloomerliving.com a podcast for women in midlife, inspiring and cheering each other on, sharing stories and taking bold action, in order to define and rock the next chapter of life and achieve new life goals

November 19, 2025 ~ Michael Matheson Miller, Director/Producer, Poverty Inc. Chief of Strategic Initiatives, Senior Research Fellow, and Director of the Center for Social Flourishing at Acton University joins Kaitlyn Buss and Kelly Cobb in for Paul W Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman hosts Jacob Magid, U.S. Bureau Chief at The Times of Israel. They discuss whether the Gaza ceasefire will hold, the Hamas members trapped in Rafah, the UNSC resolution vote on President Trump's 20-point plan, PA reform, settler violence in the West Bank, and more.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

Episode 62 – Self-worth: the most important journey you'll ever take        Welcome back to Blended!   Today, we're talking about something that is incredibly close to my heart – and that's self-worth.         Personally I've been on a self-worth journey for a while, but 2025 has been the year that I really committed much more to it. I've researched what self-worth really means, I've experimented with different ways of nurturing it, but – most importantly – I've started talking about it.   And that is where the real change started happening for me. It's been amazing.     So, now I've started talking about it, I don't want to stop! Through my LinkedIn newsletter The Monthly POP to my socials, my personal emails to my brand new book, I'm opening up on my self-worth journey so I can help as many people as I can.   Because I know just how much of a gamechanger it can be.   And our guests will also be sharing their own experiences with me today. They'll be discussing what self-worth means, and why it's so important. They'll be shining a light on the dangers of comparison and the impact of social media on self-worth. And they'll be sharing their advice for getting out of your own way, and learning to accept and love yourself for who you really are.     IN THIS EPISODE:   [01.14] Introductions to our Blended panelists.   ·       Dave – Speaker, author and Miracle On The Hudson Survivor ·       Maureen – Hair stylist and makeup artist for film and TV   ·       Katie – Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Strategic Initiatives at Manifest ·       Sarah – Founder and CEO of Ask A Concierge, speaker and author   [06.09] The group discuss what self-worth means to them, the different factors that build self-worth, and some of the issues that can impact it.   ·       Background/upbringing ·       Authenticity  ·       Confidence ·       Calm ·       Acceptance ·       Courage ·       Personal values/ethics ·       External vs internal validation ·       Clarity ·       How you show up ·       Evolution/journey  ·       Boundaries ·       Avoiding absorbing others emotions ·       Tying your self-worth to others behaviors/reactions/emotions ·       Protecting yourself ·       Expectations ·       Judgement ·       Identity   "It's about acceptance, acceptance of yourself and where you are on the journey. We're always evolving… When you fully own who you are, that's where self-worth lies." Sarah   "Self-worth is when you have the confidence and courage to live your values, whatever they are." Dave   "It's a sense of quiet confidence, that you really are enough. It's not because of what you've achieved or how others have seen you, but because of who you truly are at your core. It's been a journey for me, realizing my value doesn't rise and fall with the titles, the paychecks or the praise… Once I stopped looking for that external validation, and started trusting that inner voice, that's when everything shifted." Katie         [23.01] The panel dive deeper into identity, labels and share their 'Three C's of Self-Worth.'   ·       Pressure ·       Societal norms/social construction ·       Perspective   ·       Curiosity ·       Asking questions/learning about others ·       Negative self-talk ·       Comparison ·       Role of money ·       Gratitude ·       Nature of humanity ·       Journey, not a destination   "If you find yourself in a room and you feel intimidated, you need to change the script for yourself. Instead of: 'How did I get here, why am I here?' It's 'I'm here for a reason.'" Sarah   "For a long time, it was difficult for me to not make myself small… But you have to think about all the things you did to get to the place you are now." Maureen   "If you go into things, not with comparison, but with curiosity – that changes the playing field." Sarah   [47.35] The group discuss the negative impact social media can have on self-worth, and the danger of comparing yourself with others. ·       Vulnerability ·       Connection ·       Truth ·       Likes/comments/engagement ·       Algorithm/trend chasing ·       Originality ·       Detachment   "A lot of times, it's a façade. You're not seeing peoples authentic selves." Maureen   [1.02.56] The panel explore why self-worth is important, and why there's no set timeline for success.   ·       Investing in yourself ·       Empowering others ·       Overcoming challenges ·       Inspiration ·       Reinvention ·       Experience ·       Getting out of your own way ·       Understanding the big picture ·       Making space ·       Helping people feel seen ·       You don't need to have it all figured out ·       Progress over perfection   "It's all about zooming out, and understanding the big picture and where you fall into it. Knowing that not every lesson is yours to teach, not every fight is yours to fight – you have to protect yourself first and then you can help others." Sarah "Give yourself permission to be a work in progress. I've fallen into the trap of wanting perfection, but it has to be progress over perfection." Katie   [01.18.12] The group sum up their thoughts from today's discussion and share their best advice.    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Dave, Sarah or Katie over on LinkedIn.  

For more than 50 years, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has helped healthcare professionals define best practices for employees, equipment and patients. AAMI standards are written through careful debate and consensus. They inform the way we work and are our guideposts for protecting patient safety. Staying up to date on AAMI documents is critical for all Sterile Processing professionals. In episode 138, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Horlando Cintron and Damien Berg about AAMI's latest standards and innovations. They discuss new AAMI working groups, important standards updates, upcoming technical information reports (TIRs), and the impact of these publications on our work. Cintron and Berg also explain the AAMI process, share opportunities for participation and encourage you to get involved. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Horlando Cintron, Manager of Peri-Operative Support Services and Central Processing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Horlando Cintron, BS, CRCST, CHL, has 27 years of healthcare experience advancing patient safety through infection prevention, education and standards development. He co-chairs AAMI Working Group 40, leading the revision of ANSI/AAMI ST79, and received the AAMI Technical Award for co-chairing the ST58 standard recognized by the FDA. His leadership roles include Director, HSPA Foundation Board (2024–2027) and President, New Jersey Healthcare Central Service Association (2025–2026). Damien Berg, VP of Strategic Initiatives, HSPA Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, serves as HSPA's Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and is an HSPA Past-President (2018–2019). Additionally, he works closely with regulatory bodies and standards-making groups, such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). Berg also serves on the Executive Committee for the World Federation For Hospital Sterilisation Sciences (WFHSS).   Earn CE Now

Send us a textDaniel Lichtman is the Senior Director of Acquisitions and Asset Management at Lightwater Capital Group. The two roles compliment each other. His role is in asset management enhances his skills for under-writing an acquisitions and vice versa.I'm Moshe Crane connect with me on LinkedIn. My day job is the VP of Branding and Strategic Initiatives at Sage Ventures. Check out my newsletter Curious Deal.Sage Ventures is a commercial real estate firm based in Baltimore, MD. The company buys and operates multifamily rental properties. We know have a portfolio of self-storage and office deals. The company also builds and develops homes that we sell.

This episode features Eman Bin Shaiba, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at the Sharjah Book Authority, discussing Onshur — a groundbreaking initiative reshaping the future of publishing in the Arab world. She unpacks the three pillars of Onshur — Launch, Scale, and Disrupt — and how they're designed to empower publishers at every stage, from start-ups to global expansion. Eman explores how technology, innovation, and sustainability are redefining Arabic-language publishing, and what it takes to build a lasting, future-ready ecosystem. She also shares her vision for Onshur's legacy — one that champions creativity, cultural exchange, and long-term impact across the region's literary landscape. Listen to #Pulse95Radio in the UAE by tuning in on 95.00 FM or online at www.pulse95radio.net Follow us on social media: @Pulse95Radio #SharjahInternationalBookFair #SIBF2025 #SharjahBookAuthority #Onshur #PublishingInnovation #Pulse95Radio

Today's speaker is Dr. Bob Lutz, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Cedarville University. Speaking from James 3:5-12, Dr. Lutz describes the destructive power of the tongue, and encourages us to apply Gospel promises to our tongues to speak words of life and encouragement.

Family, this week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community, and this one is all about power through unity! We have an exclusive interview with national and local leaders from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC): Nik (VP of Strategic Initiatives) and Stephen (Chicago Steering Committee). They break down the organization's essential work, led by the first Black queer woman, Kelly Robinson. Learn how HRC is fighting legislative attacks, supporting pro-equality candidates, and changing hearts and minds across the country through the American Dreams Tour. Nik lays out the four ways HRC needs you right now: Time, Talent, Treasure, or Testimony. This is your call to action! Find out how you can join the fight and learn about the upcoming HRC Chicago Dinner to sustain the work. Get your tickets today, https://chicago.hrc.org/chicago-dinner. We all we got.   

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the state of play in the Gaza ceasefire, the recent scandal over the IDF military advocate general and the Sde Teiman abuse, the American Jewish community after the ceasefire, the NYC election and Jewish community reactions to it, remembering Yitzhak Rabin z”l, and more.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

She coached for the New Jersey Pride softball organization and served as a private catching coach. In addition, she has coached bowling and volleyball. She had been the assistant varsity softball coach at Mount Saint Dominic Academy and played softball at Seton Hall University. As a student-athlete at Mount Saint Dominic Academy she had played volleyball, basketball, and softball. Presently she is the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Leadership at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, a preschool to Grade 12 private school in Princeton, New Jersey designed just for girls.

Alan Rozenshtein, Senior Editor at Lawfare, speaks with Brett Goldstein, Special Advisor to the Chancellor on National Security and Strategic Initiatives at Vanderbilt University; Brett Benson, Associate Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University; and Renée DiResta, Lawfare Contributing Editor and Associate Research Professor at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy.The conversation covers the evolution of influence operations from crude Russian troll farms to sophisticated AI systems using large language models; the discovery of GoLaxy documents revealing a "Smart Propaganda System" that collects millions of data points daily, builds psychological profiles, and generates resilient personas; operations targeting Hong Kong's 2020 protests and Taiwan's 2024 election; the fundamental challenges of measuring effectiveness; GoLaxy's ties to Chinese intelligence agencies; why detection has become harder as platform integrity teams have been rolled back and multi-stakeholder collaboration has broken down; and whether the United States can get ahead of this threat or will continue the reactive pattern that has characterized cybersecurity for decades.Mentioned in this episode:"The Era of A.I. Propaganda Has Arrived, and America Must Act,” by Brett J. Goldstein and Brett V. Benson (New York Times, August 5, 2025)"China Turns to A.I. in Information Warfare" by Julian E. Barnes (New York Times, August 6, 2025)"The GoLaxy Papers: Inside China's AI Persona Army,” by Dina Temple-Raston and Erika Gajda (The Record, September 19, 2025)"The supply of disinformation will soon be infinite,” by Renée DiResta (The Atlantic, September 2020)Find Scaling Laws on the Lawfare website, and subscribe to never miss an episode.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Laura Howe sits down with James Harris, Head of Strategic Initiatives at NAYBA Australia, to explore how churches can respond to today's mental health crisis, not by doing more, but by leaning into their identity as places of belonging and healing. They reflect on the success of Australia's Church Mental Health Summit, the inspiring legacy of St. Dymphna, and innovative tools like social prescribing. This episode is a powerful reminder that churches aren't just spiritual spaces…they're untapped engines of community care. Quotes “There's so much unmet need in our community and untapped potential in our churches.” — James Harris “We believe that in doing less, we can be more as the Church.” — James Harris “Churches don't need to do more. They need to rediscover who they already are.” — Laura Howe “What if the greatest need in our communities is actually the Church's greatest strength?” — Laura Howe “We knew we had all these experts in the room, so we made sure they weren't just consumers, but participants.” — James Harris Resources Apply to be a Summit host https://www.nayba.org/ The Church & Mental Health in Australia - A Report by NAYBA Australia jamesharris@nayba.org.au Three Mile an Hour God, by Kosuke Koyama CAN Link - https://amzn.to/4oqlqoy US Link - https://amzn.to/4hn1uRf Connect with Hope Made Strong Website: HopeMadeStrong.org Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

Zero Trust isn't just about defense - it's about unlocking new capabilities across even the most legacy-heavy federal systems. When agencies move to a Zero Trust Architecture, the benefits go far beyond stronger cybersecurity. Integrating decades-old systems into a Zero Trust framework can actually centralize data, create consistency, and open new paths to modernization. This week on Feds At the Edge, Sean Phuphanich, Principal Technologist at AWS, explains how synthetic data can safely demonstrate cloud scalability in non-production environments, while Richard Breakiron, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, Americas Public Sector, Commvault, offers candid insight into why no single vendor has all the answers. His advice? Collaborate across agencies to tap into shared experience and proven solutions. Tune in on your favorite podcast today as we explore how Zero Trust can be both a security strategy and a powerful engine for modernization across government. Plus, learn about a free AWS assessment tool that can help your agency gauge its Zero Trust maturity and chart a clear path forward.

Join Special Guest Host Louie Green and Creative Artist Attorney Mel Flowers LIVE IN STUDIO WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15TH 10PM. Melvin Flowers has been a dedicated leader and advocate for pro bono work throughout his legal career, and across varied cases and communities. Formerly Accenture's Global Legal Lead for Strategic Initiatives as part of the Global Data Privacy Legal Team. In his new practice, Attorney Flowers has a dedicated practice to protect the rights of artists and creatives from the START OF THEIR CAREERS. Wednesday night learn more about royalties, copyrights and trademarks and how The Flowers Law Group LLC can help!!Support the showwww.VintageHouseShow.comPreserving and Celebrating the History of House Music

In this episode, Bryan Barrett sits down with Lisa Trail, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives for Murfreesboro City Schools, to talk about two exciting upcomi

In this episode of Transformative Principal, Brandon Cardet-Hernandez shares his journey from being a principal to advising the NYC Mayor, and now serving as President of Mrs. Wordsmith, a company dedicated to improving children's literacy through innovative tools like books and video games. Brandon dives into the urgent need for solutions in education, particularly addressing the missed "dosage" in phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary instruction that many students experience. He explores the role of video games in education, emphasizing that while games can't replace teachers, they can enhance the learning process through engaging, spaced-repetition techniques, like the popular game Word Tag.Brandon discusses how joy and mastery of language can transform a student's understanding and emotional connection to words. He also highlights the challenges many students face in developing strong reading skills, especially in middle and high school, and how increasing practice time is essential.Leaving the principalship to do advising to NYC Mayor. Solutions that I was hungry for. President of Mrs. WordsmithEfficacy of video gamesSub-literateGames don't replace teachers and instructionMissed dosage that kids need: phonemic awareness and phonics & vocabularyHow much time they get practicing. How do we give teachers the right data?Word tag - spaced repetition.Joy of words, master of phrasing. How many kids don't have the command of the language?Happiness makes more sense when you have word associations with it. Increase dosage of reading skills. How challenging it is to learn reading in middle and high school.How to be a transformative principal? Be ok that their experience looks different than ours: take a beat, pause, and play a video game.About Brandon Cardet-HernandezBrandon Cardet-Hernandez is the President of Mrs Wordsmith, an innovative children's education media company that creates award-winning books, card games, and video games to help radically improve literacy outcomes for kids. A recognized leader and changemaker, Brandon has spent his career working to reimagine the systems, structures, and tools that accelerate opportunity and close achievement gaps. Brandon previously served as the Senior Education Advisor to former New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio and as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the NYC Department of Education. A former special education teacher, Brandon has sat at the helm of two high schools, leading both institutions through transformational change. Brandon was appointed to the Boston School Board in 2022 by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Massachusetts Council for Latino Empowerment in 2023 by Governor Maura Healy. He serves on the board of EdVestors. His work has garnered national recognition, featured in publications like The Atlantic, People en Espanol, Essence Magazine, EdWeek, Commonwealth Magazine, and the Netflix documentary, “Teach Us All.” LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

October 16, 2025 ~ Adam Goldstein, vice president for Strategic Initiatives at FIRE, joins Lloyd and Jamie to discuss news organizations declining to sign a new Pentagon access policy for journalists, warning the potential for less comprehensive coverage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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HSPA Chapter Resource Roundup With more than 50 chapters across the country and around the world, HSPA's affiliated chapter system is available as a local resource to support our Sterile Processing (SP) professionals, wherever they may be. Active participation in a regional chapter offers relationship building and networking, professional development, vendor interaction and inspiration. But where can our chapters and those who run them find support? In episode 136, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Arlene Bush, HSPA President and SPD Educator for Lee Health, and Damien Berg, HSPA's VP of Strategic Initiatives, about the resources available to support our chapters. Our guests give a chapter status update and discuss the value of the Chapter Resource Guide and HSPA Network. Their conversation includes advice on identifying relevant topics, promoting educational events, and collaborating with industry partners as well as the importance of promptly applying for continuing education (CE) approval. If you aren't connected with a chapter, visit HSPA Chapters to find one near you. Arlene Bush SPD Educator Lee Health Arlene Bush, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, DSMD, CRMST, serves as HSPA President as well as the SPD Educator for Lee Health and Communications Director for the Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators (FIRE) chapter. As a seasoned SP leader and subject matter expert, she shares her extensive knowledge through published articles, speeches and the training of future SP professionals. Damien Berg VP of Strategic Initiatives HSPA Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, serves as HSPA's Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and is an HSPA Past-President (2018–2019). Additionally, he works closely with regulatory bodies and standards-making groups, such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). Berg serves on the Executive Committee for the World Federation For Hospital Sterilisation Sciences (WFHSS). Earn CE Now

Across the south, generations of Black farmers and business owners have faced losing not just their land, but their livelihoods - pushed out by discriminatory lending, land theft, and the consolidation of power. Yet from that struggle has grown something powerful: a movement rooted in cooperation, where farmers pool their resources, share their knowledge, and build wealth together instead of competing for survival.That spirit of collective power is what drives the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, where Terence Courtney works to support Black-owned farms and rural businesses through education, advocacy, and cooperative enterprise. The Federation's model flips the extractive script of traditional capitalism, proving that shared ownership and community investment are sound economic strategies.In this episode, we dive into: The long history of Black cooperative movements in the South. How cooperative models help farmers build wealth and autonomy in the face of systemic discrimination. Why collective economics is key to sustaining rural communities. The Federation's approach to balancing profitability with community values. How policy and history continue to shape access to land and opportunity. What true self-determination looks like in agriculture.More about Terence and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives:Terence Courtney began organizing with the Service Employees International Union to improve economic conditions for working people. He led union campaigns and later became the union's statewide representative in Georgia. He's co-founded and led coalitions such as Atlanta Jobs with Justice and a community group focused on the public sector called the Atlanta Public Sector Alliance.Expanding from a city to a regional focus, Terence organized US born and foreign born (immigrants) of African descent to educate and raise consciousness about immigrant rights and mass incarceration from a Black Diasporic perspective for the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. He co-developed the Organization for Human Rights and Democracy and served as the Director of Organizing overseeing campaigns against school privatization, as well as its spin off project: Cooperative Atlanta. Currently Terence serves as the Director of Cooperative Development & Strategic Initiatives for theFFederation of Southern CooperativesAgrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

This podcast features Kim and Joe Koenig, who have been married for more than 30 years and have three sons and two grandchildren. Joe is president of World Wide Technology in St. Louis. He joined the company in 1993 when it was a startup. Today the company is a global technology solutions provider with more than $20 billion in revenue. Kim holds a Masters in Public Administration and after a career in Community Development and serving as CEO of their home, she now serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives of St. Louis' Jesuit High School, De Smet.Along with having successful careers, a strong marriage and raising a family, they have battled possibly their biggest challenge of all: Joe's cancer diagnosis. He was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2017 and given a 50 percent chance to live beyond five years.Key points:This is a truly inspirational story you won't want to miss.Joe and Kim took this adversity, overcame it, and are transforming it into good. Not only did they beat the cancer, but they are helping others who are walking a similar path. Joe and Kim now share their story and are living testimony proof that resilience, perseverance and positivity serve as a backbone for building a foundation for going toe-to-toe with serious health challenges and overcoming adversity in general. SeaCaptainCoaching.comInstagram linkFB linkConnect with PhilLinkedInConnect with Joe KoenigLinkedInConnect with Kim KoenigLinkedInNow Available!The Sea Captain Way for Financial AdvisorsThe Voyage: The Adventure of Your Lifetime

Our guest on this week's episode is Amanda Hedberg, vice president of Strategic Initiatives at Aspire, a Chicago non-profit organization that works to place people with disabilities into the labor market. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This yearly event began in 1945 and is now commemorating 80 years of acknowledging the good work that people with mental and physical disabilities bring to their jobs, including work within our supply chains. Hedberg shares how t Aspire trains people with disabilities find meaningful work, including employment in warehouses. Our DC Velocity editorial staff spent the week at CSCMP EDGE conference in National Harbor, Maryland, near the nation's capital. On today's podcast we will talk about what we learned there:Ben shares about a session on the market for industrial real estate, which includes warehouses and fulfillment centers. According to the speakers, the U.S. right now has more unused logistics space available for rent in the industrial real estate market than at any time in U.S. history. We explained how the market got to that point and what is being done to better utilize the abundant space.Ben also shares about another session on the rise of the “synthetic workforce,” which is a term for increasing applications in artificial intelligence, and specifically agentic AI. Speakers stressed that the Synthetic Workforce is not just on the horizon but is already here. Victoria shares about a session presented by Per Kristian Hong, a global lead at management consulting firm Kearney. His talk was titled “Harnessing Uncertainty: Global Supply Chains in an Era of Geopolitical Disruption.” His central message was that these turbulent times we're experiencing are the norm and that supply chain leaders need to recalibrate and move from forecasting to foresight.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN)Report: Tariffs reshape sourcingGen-Z consumers drive change in e-commerce patternsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: Duravant Integrated SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Wonder is not a luxury; it is essential for raising curious, resilient, and joyful children. In this episode, Terry Dubow, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at Marin Montessori School, talks with Tree Sturman, Director of the Junior High, about how modern childhood can crowd out wonder and how Montessori education creates space for children to stay curious and connected.Key TakeawaysHow modern childhood squeezes out wonderWhy Montessori intentionally protects curiosityThe connection between wonder, resilience, and learningPractical ways parents can nurture wonder at homeWhy protecting wonder matters in an anxious worldAbout Tree SturmanTree has spent his career in passionate pursuit of a better world. After a decade leading environmental nonprofits, he co-founded Compass Montessori Junior High in Michigan and guided its growth for 11 years. A lifelong learner with a gift for connecting with adolescents, Tree brings deep experience, curiosity, and a love of hands-on learning to his work at Marin Montessori School.

In this first episode of series five, our Crossing Channels podcast host Richard Westcott welcomes three affiliated experts to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming higher education.Jonathan Grant (Bennett School of Public Policy), and Jean-François Bonnefon and François Poinas (Toulouse School of Economics (TSE) & the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST)) share their different perspectives rooted in public policy, psychology, and economics.They examine how AI is reshaping the way universities teach, conduct research, and connect with government, business, and civil society. They look into how generative tools are changing learning and assessment, how students and academics can build trust in AI systems, and what the rise of these technologies means for the skills and values that universities aim to foster.Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platformSeason 5 Episode 1 transcriptTo find out more about the work of the Bennett School of Public Policy and IAST visit our websites: https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/ and https://www.iast.fr/.Follow us on Linkedin and BlueskyWith thanks to:Audio production by Alice WhaleyAssociate production by Burcu Sevde Selvi, Bennett School of Public PolicyVisuals by Tiffany Naylor and Pauline Alves, IAST, TSEMore information about our host and guests:Podcast hostRichard Westcott is an award-winning journalist who spent 27 years at the BBC as a correspondent/producer/presenter covering global stories for the flagship Six and Ten o'clock TV news as well as the Today programme. Last year, Richard left the corporation and is now the Communications Director for Cambridge University Health Partners and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, both organisations that are working to support life sciences and healthcare across the city.Podcast guestsJean-François Bonnefon, is Director of the Social and Behavioural Sciences Department at Toulouse School of Economics (TSE) and the Institute of Advanced Studies in Toulouse (IAST). Jean-François is a CNRS research director, affiliated with TSE and IAST, and a cognitive psychologist whose work spans computer science, psychology, and economics. He is renowned for his expertise in moral preferences and decision-making, and is particularly recognised for his contributions to the ethics of advanced artificial intelligence, especially in autonomous driving. Jonathan Grant is an Affiliated Researcher at the Bennett School of Public Policy, and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).  In his work for KAUST, he leads efforts to enhance the institution's global and national impact through transformative academic programming and strategic partnerships. An expert in health R&D policy, research impact, and the evolving role of universities, Jonathan has worked across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Australia. François Poinas is Assistant Professor and Dean of Education at Toulouse School of Economics since October 2023. After completing his PhD in Economics at University Lumière Lyon 2, he joined TSE and University Toulouse Capitole in 2010. His research is about applied microeconomics, focusing on labor and education economics. He produces scientific articles on schooling, the dynamics of intra-firm promotions, and migration decisions.

In Part 3 of this Pulse Check series, Scott Cline sits down with Dr. John Haller, former VP of Enrollment Management at the University of Miami and current higher education consultant, to unpack how AI agents are being used across college admissions offices. From streamlining essay reviews to decoding enrollment trends and anticipating student persistence, this episode tackles the promise and pitfalls of using AI in higher ed. If you're a higher ed leader wrestling with how (or whether) to integrate AI into admissions and marketing, this episode offers a refreshingly honest, behind-the-scenes perspective.Guest Name: Dr. John Haller, Special Assistant to the President, Strategic Initiatives at Denison UniversityGuest Social: johnhaller.orgGuest Bio: Dr. John Haller is a higher education consultant and professor.  Most recently, he served as the Special Assistant to the President, Strategic Initiatives at Denison University.  For 10 years John served as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and New Student Strategies at the University of Miami.  During his time at Miami, he led the movement from a largely merit-based to a hybrid merit- and need-based financial aid strategy where 100% of financial need is met.  Also, the institution realized a 30%+ increase in applications and a 50%+ increase in yield.  The institution realized a decrease in student indebtedness ($10,000) and the highest freshman retention (94%) and six-year graduation rates in University history (82%).  Dr. Haller also served as the Associate Provost for Enrollment Management at Saint Joseph's University and had experiences in student success at Drexel University, MBA Admission at Vanderbilt University, and Undergraduate Admission at Denison University.  He is an honors graduate in economics and statistics from the University of Michigan, received master's degrees in business and higher education, and received his Ed.D. in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania.  He can be contacted via his blog at johnhaller.org. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Chamber Chat Podcast, host Brandon Burton speaks with Ed Sealover, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the role of the chamber in advocating for business interests, the launch of the Sum & Substance news site, and the importance of a balanced approach to media coverage in business policy. Ed shares insights on how local chambers can leverage state resources, the need for proactive vision in chamber initiatives, and the future of chambers in business advocacy. Transcript and show notes found at chamberchatpodcast.com/episode349. Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Econ Dev Ops econdevops.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc  

Join guest host Dr. Mark Lewis, President and CEO of the Purdue Applied Research Institute, at the 2025 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference. He is joined by Brian Stites, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at MAG Aerospace and Chair of Cyber-Augmented Operations at NDIA. Together, they explore why cyber must be at the forefront of national security discussions and how it can be normalized alongside traditional technologies. To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

As we continue our series on divorce in the church, Martin Cachero from Risen Church joins us to discuss how to pastor congregants going through divorce. He received his B.A. from Cal State San Marcos and his Masters in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary. He is currently co-vocational serving as co-Pastor at Risen Church and as the Director of Strategic Initiatives with Flourish San Diego. 

Guest: Shawn Villaron, Vice President of Customer and Strategic Initiatives, Office Product Group at Microsoft | Former VP & GM of PowerPoint | Bay Area Site Leader | Executive Sponsor of HOLA   Episode Overview In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Villaron, a 29-year veteran at Microsoft who has helped shape some of the company's most widely used products and strategies. Now serving as Vice President of Customer and Strategic Initiatives in the Office Product Group, Shawn partners with Microsoft's most important customers to better understand their needs around AI, workplace modernization, and productivity—insights that directly shape the future of Microsoft Office. Previously, Shawn was Vice President & General Manager for PowerPoint, where he led teams across multiple platforms—Windows, Mac, Web, iPad, Android, and iOS—reimagining how billions of people create and deliver stories. He also serves as Engineering Site Leader for Microsoft Bay Area, working across commercial, consumer, hardware, and AI platforms, while championing diversity and inclusion as executive sponsor of HOLA (Hispanic & Latinx Organization of Leaders in Action). Shawn brings a rare perspective: spending nearly three decades at a single company, driving innovation from the inside, and now exploring how AI and agents are reshaping the way we work, create, and build businesses. What You'll Learn in This Episode The positives and challenges of building an entire career at one company in the fast-moving tech world. How PowerPoint and Office are being reimagined for the AI storytelling era. Practical ways companies can encourage employees to use AI responsibly and effectively. How leaders can use AI to boost both creativity and productivity within teams. When employees might be using too much AI—or not enough. What it means to become an “AI Agent Boss” and how agents can give startups enterprise-level capabilities. Whether the concept of the one-person unicorn is realistic, and what's still missing. How recent graduates can stand out in an AI-driven job market. The emerging technologies Microsoft's Bay Area teams are most excited about right now. One piece of advice Shawn would give to founders and technologists building the next generation of workplace tools. Key Questions We Discuss What are the upsides and downsides of staying at one company for nearly three decades? How is Microsoft rethinking storytelling with AI in PowerPoint and Office? How can leaders balance productivity and creativity when adopting AI tools? What role will AI Agents play in empowering both startups and enterprises? Are we truly heading toward the era of the one-person unicorn? What advice would you give to graduates entering an AI-powered job market? Which emerging technologies are your Bay Area teams most focused on right now? About Shawn Villaron Shawn Villaron is Vice President of Customer and Strategic Initiatives in the Microsoft Office Product Group, where he drives strategy by working closely with top customers to shape the future of AI and productivity. Previously, he served as Vice President & GM of PowerPoint, guiding the product across every platform and ensuring seamless experiences for millions of users. He also serves as Engineering Site Leader for Microsoft Bay Area and as executive sponsor of HOLA, advancing diversity and inclusion at Microsoft. Resources & Links LinkedIn: Shawn Villaron | LinkedIn Microsoft Bay Area Blog: Microsoft Bay Area Blog Microsoft Work Trend Index: The 2025 Annual Work Trend Index: The Frontier Firm is Born   The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult with a professional for guidance on your specific situation. The opinions shared are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

This is episode 789. Read the complete transcript on the Sales Game Changers Podcast website here. The Sales Game Changers Podcast was recognized by YesWare as the top sales podcast. Read the announcement here. FeedSpot named the Sales Game Changers Podcast at a top 20 Sales Podcast and top 8 Sales Leadership Podcast! Subscribe to the Sales Game Changers Podcast now on Apple Podcasts! Purchase Fred Diamond's best-sellers Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know and Insights for Sales Game Changers now! On today's show, Fred interviewed Mike Cannady, AWS Global Director, Partner Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Public Sector. Watch the video of this podcast on YouTube here. Find Mike on LinkedIn.  MIKE'S TIP: "The most successful sellers I've known in my career really know how to work with partners and use them as a force multiplier. If you're not working with partners, you're limited by your own time only, but if you're working with partners, you get their reach, you get their relationships, and that can be a really powerful thing for you.”

On this episode of Cattitude, host Michelle Fern welcomes Jakob Shaw, Manager of Strategic Initiatives at PETA, to talk about how small everyday actions can help protect wildlife. From raccoons and squirrels to cats and dogs, animals can easily become trapped in common household items like cans, jars, and bottles. Jakob shares practical, humane tips for preventing harm—from properly securing recyclables to using safe deterrents instead of cruel methods like glue traps. Tune in to learn how simple changes in how we manage trash and household pests can make the world safer for our furry and feathered neighbors.EPISODE NOTES: Living in Harmony with Wildlife: Simple Steps You Can TakeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

Every day, millions of letters and packages move safely across the country. But what does it take to keep America's mail secure? In this episode, our hosts are joined by Buck Buckley, Special Assistant for Strategic Initiatives with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Bob Dixon, USPS Sr. Director of Delivery & Retail Modernization. Together, they discuss how the Postal Service is using technology to tackle mail theft, porch piracy, and employee safety, and explain how innovative security measures are protecting mail and employees while adapting to new and emerging threats.

Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act reorients U.S. energy policy, redefining its rivalry with China and the global transition. --- Once, climate and clean energy were common ground between the United States and China, most notably in the lead-up to the 2015 Paris Agreement. In the years since, cooperation has given way to competition. China has emerged as the global leader in clean energy manufacturing, while the U.S.—under the Biden administration—moved to catch up through the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act has set a very different course. The law rolls back many clean energy incentives, puts new emphasis on fossil fuels and emerging technologies like advanced nuclear and certain hydrogen sources, and sharpens trade and supply chain tensions with China through expanded tariffs and Foreign Entity of Concern restrictions. What does this shift mean for U.S.–China relations, American competitiveness, and the global energy transition? Scott Moore, director of China programs and strategic initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, joins Energy Policy Now to unpack the stakes. A leading expert on U.S.–China relations, Moore offers perspective on how Trump’s policies could reshape the balance of power between the world’s two largest economies. Scott Moore is Practice Professor of Political Science, and Director of China Programs and Strategic Initiatives, at the University of Pennsylvania. Related Content Climate Action in the Age of Great Power Rivalry: What Geopolitics Means for the Climate https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/climate-action-in-the-age-of-great-power-rivalry-what-geopolitics-means-for-the-climate/ Mitigating Climate Change Through Green Investments https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/mitigating-climate-change-through-green-investments/ Energy Policy Now is produced by The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. For all things energy policy, visit kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I welcome Tom Brussow, VP, Strategic Initiatives for Travel Leaders Discovery, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Spirit Airlines debacle, train travel and more. Later, Brussow shares insights on the top fall travel trends this year. Hear which destinations are buzzing, what people are planning for, and more. Brussow also provides his advice for travel advisors to make this their best fall season. The discussion on fall travel trends begins at the 19-minute mark. Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International For over thirty years, TravelInsured.com has provided reliable travel protection from cruising the Caribbean to trekking the Camino. Our Worldwide Trip Protector plans help travelers avoid paying out of pocket for expenses related to unexpected medical emergencies, travel delays, missed connections, and even lost or stolen baggage. With optional add-on bundles that include a cancel-for-any-reason bundle, Travel Insured offers travel protection to help steer every adventure in the right direction. Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to how we treat our furry friends if we don't crush cans or put lids on empty jars. Jakob Shaw is Mark's guest and he shares a lot about Mice and Rats and other home visitors that we can help share the planet with in a much better way. PETA.org the people that care!

On this episode of #LatinosOutLoud, Rachel La Loca was invited back to City Hall, and this time to chat it up with the Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives, Ana Almanzar--or as she's known to her staff, and now Rachel, "DM Ana". In this interview, we learn about the Deputy Mayor's day-to-day responsibilities and the initiatives she oversees. Reporting to her in this role are the commissioners and executive directors of the Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence, City University of the City of New York, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, Mayor's Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, Mayor's Office of Equity, Mayor's Office of Food Policy, Mayor's Office of Nonprofits, and the Mayor's Fund and City Affiliated Nonprofits. Ana grew up in the Dominican Republic and moved to Bushwick, Brooklyn when she was 17 seeking not just the American dream, but the New York City dream. She is the FIRST Dominican Deputy Mayor for the City of NY. This episode is filled with inspiration, laughs and of course, a LIGHTNING ROUND with the Deputy Mayor. #LatinosOutLoud #RachelLaLoca #Comedy #DeputyMayor #NYC #AnaAlmanzar #podcast #Latinos #Dominican #Stories #Government #NY