John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series 2022 with Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank, Trenton Carson, TC Productions, and Gladys Agwai, Ignite Within

September 28, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series 2022 with Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank, Trenton Carson, TC Productions, and Gladys Agwai, Ignite Within

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Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series 2022 with Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank, Trenton Carson, TC Productions, and Gladys Agwai, Ignite Within (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 529)

The Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series is a capacity-building program designed to assist small business owners with business development, marketing, networking, and many other benefits. On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray was joined by Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank, and Renasant Roots alumni Trenton Carson and Gladys Agwai. Antonio discussed last year’s program, topics and speakers for this year’s series, grants available to participants, and more. Trenton and Gladys discussed their respective businesses, why they signed up for last year’s Renasant Roots series even though they are veteran business owners, what they learned, why they encourage fellow entrepreneurs to participate, and much more.

To apply for this year’s Renasant Roots program, follow this link. You can also email RenasantRootsCapacityBuilding@renasant.com for more information.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series

Renasant Bank is proud to introduce the Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series to the Atlanta market. The capacity-building workshop is a four-week program customized to help small business owners sharpen their business development skills and fill gaps in their knowledge and experience to make their enterprises stronger. Renasant Roots was created in partnership with the Birmingham Business Resource Center four years ago.

With the program having great success in the Birmingham market, Renasant’s Birmingham team and the BBRC are sharing the Renasant Roots template with the Atlanta Renasant team to share with small business owners in Atlanta. “We are excited to bring the Renasant Roots program to the Atlanta market. After watching the success and growth of the program in Birmingham, we decided that it would be a great opportunity to share these business resources with the Atlanta community as well,” said Zennie Lynch, Atlanta Market President. “In addition to the skills development and powerful information these participants will receive, they will also be provided with a small business development grant of $2,500 when they complete the program.”

The workshop will focus on business development and planning, marketing and branding, accounting principles and tax preparation, funding options, and resource development. Speakers for the sessions will be provided by Invest Atlanta, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, LiftFund, and Atlanta Black Chambers.

There is no cost to participate in the program other than committing 10 hours over five weeks. 10 participants will be selected through an application process.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook

Antonio Henson, MBA, First Vice President – Community Lending Relationship Director, Renasant Bank

Antonio Henson has over twenty years of experience in business and banking. He has facilitated training sessions for staff aimed at enhancing product & credit knowledge and regulatory procedures.

Antonio has structured project financing designed to spur neighborhood revitalization efforts in the low-income communities throughout the State of New Jersey and Metro Atlanta. This action involved community outreach and working with elected officials, government agencies, quasi-public agencies and the private sector to promote revitalization and commercial development.

He has provided expertise and assistance to various community-based organizations, to assist them with meeting the financial needs of their respective organizations.

Trenton Carson, President, TC Productions

TC Productions Video Production Company is a full-service video production company that partners with marketing executives and business owners. They develop and execute highly customized video marketing campaigns focused on driving leads, awareness, brand loyalty and retention. Their focus is in Branding, Marketing and Testimonial video production.

The two areas their company specialize in are; They produce videos specifically for your intended audience – Video Production and they get those videos in front of your intended audience – Video Marketing.

They have helped their clients:

*Build brand awareness and establish an influencing presence online
*Effectively use video as a tool in their marketing strategy
*Create evergreen content that enhances their marketing message
*Become comfortable with the growing demand the market has for videos

What they learned:
Stories are in everything you do. Your brand and the story it tells impacts people, what they believe, how they feel, and the decisions they make. The combination of visuals and sound evokes emotions more effectively than text alone. If you want to draw your viewers in, connect with them emotionally, and move them to take the next step, working with TC Productions to produce your next video will make you the company hero.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Gladys Agwai, Founder, Ignite Within

Ignite Within is a 100% woman and minority-owned business with 30 years of international (US, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya) executive organizational leadership experiences in the areas of organizational development, sales/marketing strategies, execution, operations, and infrastructure development and design. They provide services that help clients establish an authentic connection with their target audiences while exceeding their personal and professional goals. By making an impact on the current issues that my clients face, and anticipating ones they may face in the future, I empower individuals and businesses to lead globally with confidence. This brings focus, effective decision making, wise choices, and accelerated growth as defined by the client to have BETTER organizations, businesses, teams, careers, and overall lives.

They take clients through a 5 “C” step methodology-CLARITY of purpose/objective, CREATION of an on-purpose strategic plan, CONNECTING with purpose, COMMUNICATING their message/brand, and CAPITALIZING on opportunity. Ignite Within’s differentiator is its global corporate and business exposure and experience ensuring tailored content.

Gladys Agwai spent 30 years as a corporate executive leader in the US, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Her leadership experiences spanned across multiple functional areas, such as Sales, Marketing, Financial, and Operations, key industries in Public Sector, Banking, Telecommunications, and Small Medium Enterprises, and cultures. She received multiple top leadership and sales awards throughout her career. On an Executive Loan program, she spent seven years working with the Committee for the Olympic Games with game-changing thought leadership on its resource strategy that was implemented for future Olympic games.

In 2014, she decided to leverage these experiences and made a transformational transition into entrepreneurship as Founder & CEO of Ignite Within. Gladys works with professionals and leaders of organizations to take scared action to accelerate and sustain their personal, professional, and organizational growth. She brings a global perspective to ensure clarity of purpose and objectives with an effective and sustainable plan to execute with confidence and success.

She is the author of a) Dumped! NOT Dumped On! How to stop reliving the negative impact of rejection in your life, business, and career, b) IMPOSTER: Five Strategies to Your Authentic Self and c) co-author of Life Boosts: Strategies, Tactics, and Ideas to boost your wealth, health, and more! Gladys is an authentic, engaging, inspiring, and results-driven international author, speaker, coach, teacher, and strategist. She provides inspirational enrichment programs related to self and business discovery, leadership, organizational, business, and transition strategies and values. Her speaking engagements have included: US: United Nations CSW65, VEEAM Software, University of Chicago Health, Georgia State University, West Virginia State University, SCORE, Small Business Administration, Small Business Master Mind Forum, Women and Dekalb Chambers of Commerce, Junior League, Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council (GMSDC), Project Management Institute, Atlanta Business League. NIGERIA: General Electric, Women in Business, Continental Reinsurance, HIVE Global, International Summit of Leaders, The American Women’s Club. FRANCE: Africa CEO Forum – Women in Business GHANA: HR Network Africa

Gladys holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Leadership. She has had a positive impact on others through the mentoring and coaching of individuals and small businesses’ growth and development internationally. She worked with over 100 small and medium minority businesses within the Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council (GMSDC) to develop them on their business approach and how to grow their business with large corporations while mentoring female small business owners in Nigeria. Being a role model, she has always had a passion for working with teenage girls and became a foster parent of two girls. She mentors and coaches young women in high school and college through her Girls Ignited program and one-on-one providing skills to help them successfully navigate through life, careers, and business.

Her favorite role is being the grandmother of three wonderful children – Prince 9, Ana 7, and Rose 2. She enjoys inspirational reading and beach vacations.

Company website | Facebook | LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Antonio Henson’s role at Renasant
Renasant Roots and its success
Trenton Carson and TC Productions
Gladys Agwai from Ignite Within
The skills and strategies that they learned through Renasant Roots

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Special thanks to A&S Culinary Concepts for their support of this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. A&S Culinary Concepts, based in Johns Creek, is an award-winning culinary studio, celebrated for corporate catering, corporate team building, Big Green Egg Boot Camps, and private group events. They also provide oven-ready, cooked-from-scratch meals to go they call “Let Us Cook for You.” To see their menus and events, go to their website or call 678-336-9196.

Esther Weinberg, The Ready Zone

September 28, 2022 by John Ray

Business Leaders Radio

Esther Weinberg, The Ready Zone

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Esther Weinberg, The Ready Zone

Esther Weinberg, Founder and Chief Leadership Development Officer of The Ready Zone, joined host John Ray on Business Leaders Radio to discuss the changes in workplace culture over the last few years, reorganizations, why they succeed or fail, advice for leaders navigating change, and much more.

Business Leaders Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Atlanta.

The Ready Zone

After 20+ years of working with organizations in the media and technology industries, Esther Weinberg has observed that when leaders cultivate and nurture a high level of alignment, especially during chaotic and uncertain times, they deliberately—and intentionally—create an engaged, powerful, and profitable workplace culture despite of change or unforeseeable circumstances.

And by extension, when these organizations operate with a mindset whereby valuing one another is not only a high priority, it’s as “measured” and valued as the bottom line, they are operating in what she defines as The Ready Zone: An environment in which the leader, the team, the employees, and the organization as a whole, are 100% committed to people feeling valued for who they are, their contribution, their humanity, and the value they bring to the table by being themselves. And this is exponentially more important in a virtual environment. Creating this culture facilitates leaders to step into being ready to powerfully take on the opportunities and challenges in front of them.

Through executive coaching and a series of comprehensive change management programs, Ready Zone leaders are empowered to elevate 6 key Zone Performance Indicators (ZPIs).

Company website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Esther Weinberg, Founder and Chief Leadership Development Officer, The Ready Zone

Esther Weinberg is a business growth accelerator that equips executives in high-growth media and technology industries to create game-changing breakthroughs, increase profitability in declining markets and create successful and sustainable “portable” virtual cultures with executives, leaders, and teams.
As Founder & Chief Leadership Development Officer of The Ready Zone, she moves leaders through change with proven systems to create big pivots, big impact, and big returns. Esther’s strategies assist companies through such impactful conditions as planning and executing reorganizations; moving employees from burnout and exhaustion to empowered, innovative, and driven; and implementing clear priorities and strategies for growing a virtual and global workforce.
Esther provides proven, transformative, yet practical tools and systems that help benchmark and measure results. Despite uncertain times, Esther is not afraid to tell eye-opening truths that dives deeply into the impact of change and consolidation. She does so to create the access and opportunity for meaningful dialogue and action to develop workplace cultures of trust, respect and safety. In fact, she rolls-up-her-sleeves, authentically and methodically helping organizations build sustainable company cultures that thrive vs. survive. From the fundamentals behind developing a collective philosophy of readiness to take on any industry challenge, to coaching leaders on how to reframe, refocus, and realign, Esther is a true powerhouse.

Esther is the author of the eBook on The Ready Zone’s unique framework entitled, Better Leaders. Better People. Better Results: 6-Eye Opening Strategies to Thrive Through Change You Didn’t Ask For. With over 20 years’ experience, her innovative strategies have assisted clients to grow, scale and thrive during the worst and best of times including Netflix, NBCUniversal, Microsoft, ESPN, WarnerBros., Discovery, CNN, DreamWorks Animation, Disney, IMAX, National Geographic, TelevisaUnivision, and Sony.

A respected thought-leader with first-hand experience, Esther has held executive positions at Disney and Fox, as well as stood in the shoes of C-Suite executives as an interim CEO and leader at numerous organizations. Esther’s drive for developing global leaders stems from her work abroad, including Botswana, Israel and Uganda.

Esther is the Co-Founder of the Being Me Foundation along with her wife, Lin. The organization’s mission is to create breakthroughs through global Ontological coaching and leadership programs that redefine diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for LGBTQIA+ young adults.
She is a graduate of New York University and a member of Harvard’s Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital. Esther is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and a contributor to Forbes.

LinkedIn | Twitter

Questions and Topics

What is the biggest mistake organizations make during times of change? How can they resiliently overcome it?
What is the one skill leaders undervalue that’s needed more than ever now?
I’ve heard of so many reorganizations failing. How can organizations approach this in a more thoughtful way?
How have reorganizations impacted the way people work today?
What are the new skills leaders now need to powerfully lead permanent, ever-evolving change?
How do leaders need to better prepare people to be resilient?
What advice would you give to leaders to do first who are leading change?
What are the most common costly mistakes that derail organizations from staying relevant and powerful?

Business Leaders Radio is hosted by John Ray and produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show can be found on all the major podcast apps and a full archive can be found here.

Patricia Leonard, Speaker, Coach and Author of “Hello, Self…”

September 27, 2022 by John Ray

Nashville Business Radio

Patricia Leonard, Speaker, Coach and Author of "Hello, Self..."

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Patricia Leonard, Speaker, Coach and Author of Hello, Self…(Nashville Business Radio, Episode 47)

Patricia Leonard, President of Patricia Leonard & Associates and author of Hello, Self… returned to Nashville Business Radio to announce her new podcast. She shared with host Arlia Hoffman how she helps individuals and organizations find their “Runway to Success” by identifying their desires, their talents, and then helping them take action. She discussed what it means to be Wearing High Heels in a Flip Flop World, and the idea behind her newest book, Hello, Self… Patricia shared the kinds of inspiring guests she’ll have on the Hello, Self… podcast, and much more.

Nashville Business Radio is produced virtually from the Nashville studio of Business RadioX®.

Patricia Leonard & Associates

Patricia Leonard & Associates has a mission of expanding visions, building runways to success, and encouraging celebration. As a dream builder, Patricia is personally committed to helping you live your personal and professional life fully by identifying your passions, defining your talents, exploring possibilities, and awakening hope and inspiration within.

Patricia Leonard & Associates offers a full-service CAREER AND LIFE MANAGEMENT program beginning with process approaches for finding your authentic self, defining your vision and developing plans for implementation. Getting to your innermost dreams, desires and goals requires knowing your WHY, WHAT, and HOW!

Her company works with individuals, corporate and small business leaders, conference organizers, non-profit organizations, focus groups, and academic and personal growth planners to craft a one-of-a-kind participatory experience focused on the client audience and their expected outcomes.

RUNWAY TO SUCCESS is an achievement-based organization focused on supporting groups and individuals who want to explore personal, professional, and organizational possibilities. They strive to motivate, encourage, and empower our clients. Patricia’s style is to build capability; not create dependency. Napoleon Hill said: Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. This is a key operating philosophy of Patricia Leonard & Associates.

Company website | Runway To Success

Patricia Leonard, President, Patricia Leonard & Associates, and Author of Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard is a career and life management coach, inspiring clients to get their dreams and goals off that someday shelf and create a runway to success plan for turning their cants into cans, and their dreams into plans.”

Patricia Leonard is President of RUNWAY TO SUCCESS, a division of Patricia Leonard & Associates located in Nashville, TN. She is a MESSAGE ARTIST speaker, career and business coach, author, and magazine columnist of a monthly column titled WISDOM AND ARTS. Patricia consults with clients on leadership, empowerment, career and life management, entrepreneurship, and the power of language. Her work is focused on helping clients find their runway!

She has a professional background in management, human resources, corporate training, business consulting, small business startup and talent development. Patricia has worked with companies in the service, music, banking, manufacturing, publishing, warehousing, healthcare, academic, retail and financial industries; and taught management classes as an adjunct professor.

She has a degree in Human Resource Management, is MBTI qualified, and trained as a Career Coach and Consulting Hypnotist. Her volunteer energies are focused on Women in Film and Television-Nashville, where she is an Executive Board Vice President; Dress for Success on the Advisory Board; and International Coaching Federation-Nashville where she held Board roles for several years.

Patricia has authored the books Wearing High Heels in a Flip Flop World, Becoming Woman…A Journal of Personal Discovery, The NOW, HOW and WOW of Success, Happenings, a full-year calendar of inspirational messages, and a spoken word album titled I Am… all available on her website here.

She enjoys songwriting, and creating poetry and has written a one-woman show and artistic speech she performs titled, HELLO, SELF…, about a woman in midlife reinventing herself.

Her latest book titled “Hello, Self…”, based on her one-woman show, has just been published and is available on Amazon.

On the personal side, Patricia, describes herself as a woman, lover of life, mother, grandmother, career professional, and message artist, and in that order! Her goal is to continue inspiring others, of any age, to START NOW creating and expanding their Runway to Success in their personal and professional lives. She believes that life is a gift, the way we wrap it is our choice.

LinkedIn | Facebook

Questions and Topics

Update us on what you do and who you work with
What does the title of your book, Wearing High Heels in a Flip Flop World, mean?
Tell us about your latest book, “Hello, Self…”
What is a Hello, Self.. moment?
Tell us more about your new “Hello, Self…” podcast

Nashville Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and produced virtually from the Nashville studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Lori Allen, Wellstar Foundation

September 27, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Lori Allen, Wellstar Foundation

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LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Lori Allen, Wellstar Foundation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 528)

Lori Allen, Regional Development Officer for the Wellstar Foundation and a Roswell Rotary member, joined host John Ray to cover the philanthropic work of the Foundation. Lori discussed the Foundation’s mission, her connection to Roswell Rotary, the “Roswell Teens Talk” podcast being produced and made available to the public, thanks to a grant from Roswell Rotary, other areas the Foundation addresses such as workforce development, and much more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament at Brookfield Country Club in Roswell, Georgia, on September 12th, 2022.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Lori Allen, Regional Development Officer, Wellstar Foundation

Since 1985, the community has invested millions of dollars through the Foundation to make sure every Georgia resident has access to quality care. As a not-for-profit health system, our passion for people extends beyond our walls and into the communities we serve. Our vision is to ignite the passion of donors and partners to accelerate healthcare innovation and wellness to create a healthier future for all.

Philanthropic contributions are transforming healthcare and improving access for all across four areas of focus:

Health Equity- They work to ensure all Georgians have access to high-quality healthcare and preventative services.

Behavioral Health – Team members provide whole-person care that integrates behavioral health with other health services.

Innovation – They work to promote best practices and equip our patients and every care site with state-of-the-art technology.

Workforce Development – They equip, support, and train their team members so they may provide superior, highly skilled care while cultivating the new generation of healthcare leaders.

Foundation website | Lori Allen LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

About Wellstar Foundation
Lori’s role as Development Officer
The grant from Roswell Rotary to Wellstar Foundation
Mental Health Podcast Series “Roswell Teen Talk”
Workforce Development

Tonya Hicks and Nicole Jones, Women Do Everything

September 27, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Tonya Hicks and Nicole Jones, Women Do Everything

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Tonya Hicks and Nicole Jones, Women Do Everything (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 527)

Tonya Hicks and Nicole Jones, Women Do Everything, LLC, joined host John Ray to share the tremendous work their organization does empowering and encouraging women to pursue male-dominated occupations. Tonya and Nicole discussed the Women Do Everything Summit and Career Expo to be held on October 1, 2022. They also explained the challenges facing women in the workforce, who the Summit is designed for, the tracks and speakers, their vision for women in the workforce, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Women Do Everything, LLC

Women Do Everything, LLC was founded by Tonya Hicks in 2015 as a social enterprise on a mission to change the future of work for women by providing the tools necessary to gain access to high-paying careers and contracts in male-dominated industries.

Her passion was inspired, in part, by her own career journey. Hicks was the first Black woman to be certified as a journeyman electrician in her home state of Mississippi. She is also the CEO of her electrical engineering firm Power Solutions, which she founded 22 years ago at the age of 28. (In the United States, only 2.4% of electricians are women, and just 9.5% of electrical contracting businesses are owned by women.)

“Women have always stepped up selflessly, leaving their jobs behind and limiting their own earning potential,” said Hicks. “Women need equitable career and job opportunities that pay a livable wage, benefits that support women’s health, and access to affordable housing. The life of the working woman has changed drastically and it’s time the working world responds.”

Tonya Hicks will bring this message to the masses when her Women Do Everything (WDE) Summit and Career Expo kicks off in Atlanta on Saturday, October 1, 2022. The event will feature some of today’s most accomplished women entrepreneurs, executives and community leaders who will gather to offer insight, advice and even jobs to the hundreds who will be in attendance. The festivities will then continue with a free career expo starting at 9:00 AM at Georgia State University’s Center Parc Stadium.

Company Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Tonya L. Hicks, President and CEO, Power Solutions, Inc. and Women Do Everything, LLC

Tonya L. Hicks is the President and CEO of Power Solutions, Inc. and the Managing Principal of Women Do Everything, LLC. Ms. Hicks is a serial entrepreneur and journeyman wireman electrician in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). She became the first woman – not to mention first African American woman – to become a journeyman wireman in Local 917 of IBEW in her hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. Ms. Hicks specializes in robotics, building automation, and high voltage equipment installation and repair.

In 2000, at the age of 28, Ms. Hicks founded Power Solutions, Inc.; an electrical contracting and facility maintenance company specializing in renewable energy, sustainability, and smart city technology. In 2015, Ms. Hicks launched Women Do Everything LLC; a workforce development and technology company helping women to thrive in male-dominated industries through employment or entrepreneurship.

Tonya Hicks serves on the board of C5 Georgia Leadership Foundation, Georgia Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and Board Chair for Partners in Action for Healthy Living (PAHL). In November 2019, Ms. Hicks was featured in Forbes Japan for expanding her business in Singapore and the New York Times for her progress as a tradeswoman and business owner in the construction industry. Ms. Hicks is a Leadership Atlanta Class of 2022 alumni and a Sustainability Ambassador for the City of Atlanta.

Tonya is a graduate of the inaugural classes of the City of Atlanta Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI), Women Export University by UPS, The Bridge Accelerator by Microsoft, and the African Diaspora Network (ABLE) Program. Ms. Hicks has received several honors and awards but most importantly she’s proud to be called “Mom” by her sons: Rashadim (28) and Vincent (16).

Ms. Hicks enjoys golf, cooking, gardening, and volunteering on community projects.

Company Website | LinkedIn

Nicole Jones, Co-Founder, Women Do Everything, LLC and Founder/CEO ‘The Perfect Fit’ Global HR Solutions

Nicole is a co-founder of Women Do Everything, LLC and works on community efforts for the organization. She has a twenty-year career in Human Resources.

In addition to helping coordinate the Women Do Everything Summit, Nicole is a speaker in the Work Track of the Summit happening on October 1st, 2022 at Center Park Stadium. The inaugural summit includes panel discussions, one-on-one networking and a career expo curated for women trying to find profitable new opportunities in a post-pandemic economy.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

Description of the Conference
Why did you want to create this event?
What makes it different from other similar conferences?
What results to you want your attendees to take from the conference?
What drew you to work in a male-dominated profession?

Quick Tips for Time Well Spent: Time Is Our Most Precious Resource

September 26, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Quick Tips for Time Well Spent: Time Is Our Most Precious Resource

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Quick Tips for Time Well Spent: Time Is Our Most Precious Resource

In this Quick Tips for Time Well Spent, host Julie Hullett talked about the value of time as a precious resource and making choices based on opportunity costs.

Julie’s commentary was taken from this episode of Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett.

Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett is presented by Julie Hullett Concierge, LLC and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

About Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett features stories from busy professionals who have created more time to do what they love. Every other week, your host and personal concierge Julie Hullett speaks with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and influencers to answer the question: What would you do if you had more time?

The show is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® and can be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

Julie Hullett, Host of Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett

Julie Hullet, Host of *Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett*

Julie Hullett is the host of Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett.

Julie Hullett is a personal concierge and entrepreneur in Nashville, TN. She founded Julie Hullett Concierge, LLC in 2011 to give people their time back so they can do more of what they love. No stranger to big ideas and pursuing passions, Julie left corporate America to create her business. She capitalized on her skills—multi-tasking, attention to detail, and time management, to name a few—to build a successful business that gives back. Her clients enjoy ample free time. They’ve traveled more, spent more time with those they love, and have even created their own businesses.

Connect with Julie:

Website| LinkedIn | Instagram. Sign up to receive her newsletter.

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: John Carruth, Roswell Rotary Club

September 26, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: John Carruth, Roswell Rotary Club

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LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: John Carruth, Roswell Rotary Club (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 526)

John Carruth, President of Roswell Rotary Club, joined host John Ray at the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament, LIVE at Brookfield Country Club. They discussed John’s role as President, his career in architecture, the tremendous work Roswell Rotary does, the tournament and the projects that it funds, and much more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament at Brookfield Country Club in Roswell, Georgia, on September 12th, 2022.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

John Carruth, President, Roswell Rotary Club

Roswell Rotary has been serving the community for over 70 years and is one of the largest service organizations in the southeast. Their members come from all walks of life and combine to provide a diverse group of servant-minded business leaders. Their mantra of putting “Service Above Self” is easy when you do it alongside some of your best friends. With numerous service projects within their community and abroad, you can be sure that you will find a place to give back and have fun doing it.

This year the Rotary International theme is “Imagine Rotary” and Roswell Rotarians are using their imaginations to make the community and world a better place. With over 1.4 million members internationally focusing on water/sanitation, mental/child health, basic education/literacy, economic/community development, the environment, disease prevention/treatment and peace and conflict prevention/resolution, you can be assured that Rotary is changing lives in the community and the world.

Roswell Rotary’s signature event is the Aubrey Greenway Golf and the Hagan Cup Tennis Tournaments. These tournaments serve as their main fundraiser and engage our 240 members in a one-day event that includes a full day of golf, a tennis tournament, an after party, and silent/live auctions. The event typically raises over $150,000. Proceeds fund an annual Community Impact Project as well as provide grants to various charities during the Rotary year; helping organizations large and small fulfill their charitable missions.

John Carruth, President, invites you to suit up, help them give back to the community and join in the fun.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

About John’s career
His Rotary membership and term as President
Roswell Rotary’s projects and impact
The Golf and Tennis Tournament

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Lisa Amundsen, Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta

September 26, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Lisa Amundsen, Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta

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LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Lisa Amundsen, Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 525)

Lisa Amundsen is the owner of Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta, with locations at North Point Mall and at Avalon. She joined host John Ray at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening Celebration to talk about the delicious handmade macarons and other French pastries she and her team offer. Lisa also discussed the rewards of being involved in GNFCC, the Chamber’s Women INfluencing Business committee and events, and more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the Grand Opening celebration and ribbon cutting of the new offices of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce at the 10000 Building at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia, on August 18, 2022.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Lisa Amundsen, Owner, Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta

Today’s consumers are eager to engage with their food in new, creative ways. They want flavor and texture, quality, and presentation; they are more health conscience. Each of Le Macaron’s signature pastries is handcrafted.

Their true French macaron is made with the finest gluten-free ingredients, no preservatives, and is about 80 calories each. Beyond the signature macarons, their menu includes gourmet chocolates, French gelato, classic French pastries, European-style beverages, and homemade candies. You will want to come back often to experience their limited-time seasonal macaron flavors and fresh seasonal offerings.

Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta has two locations: one at North Point Mall and one at Avalon.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Lisa Amundsen LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

About Le Macaron French Pastries
Products and locations
Lisa’s involvement with GNFCC
Women Influencing Business

Donna Beatty, Frazier & Deeter, and Robert Stephens, CFO Navigator

September 23, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Donna Beatty, Frazier & Deeter, and Robert Stephens, CFO Navigator

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Donna Beatty, Frazier & Deeter, and Robert Stephens, CFO Navigator (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 36)

Donna Beatty, Tax Partner with Frazier & Deeter, and Robert Stephens, Managing Partner of CFO Navigator, were Bill McDermott’s guests on this episode of Profit Sense with Bill McDermott. Donna provided timely advice about taxes, new laws, and advice for business owners. Robert Stephens talked about how he helps businesses as a financial guide, how he speaks about both accounting and business, the advice he gives his clients on the current economy, and much more.

Bill closed the show with a commentary on how to transition from employee to owner.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Frazier & Deeter

Frazier & Deeter is a full-service accounting and consulting firm with Georgia offices in mid-town Atlanta and in Avalon in Alpharetta, GA. Additionally they have offices in other states and in London, England. Frazier & Deeter is a member of the top 50 CPA firms in America.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook | Instagram

Donna Beatty, Tax Partner, Frazier & Deeter

As a Partner in Frazier & Deeter’s Tax practice, Donna Beatty brings a wealth of professional tax and accounting knowledge to the firm. Her experience encompasses providing comprehensive tax planning, review, advisory, and compliance services to closely held businesses, high net-worth individuals, and professional services groups. She has extensive expertise consulting with small businesses on financial software and has worked with clients in industries that include real estate, construction, manufacturing & distribution, retail, professional services, technology, entertainment, and family-owned businesses. Donna specializes in helping law firms and real estate investment groups with complex tax matters. Her expansive industry knowledge allows Donna to provide background insight in an evolving market; she has successfully represented clients with the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C.

Donna prides herself on solid professional relationships with clients and thrives on learning and fulfilling her client’s needs and expectations. Until 1994, she was a Principal at the firm before moving to become a partner at a small local accounting firm.

Professional & Civic Organizations:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA), Atlanta Tax Forum, Board Member, Past President, Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & NE GA, Board V.P., and C5 Georgia Youth Foundation, Board Member, Past Chair.

CFO Navigator

Taking your business to the next level requires moving beyond bookkeeping and simply counting to using your numbers to actively navigate your business.

CFO Navigator guides organizations that are not ready for a full-time financial professional, but need more strategic insight. CFO Navigator offers a powerful combination of financial insight and business foresight that simplify the numbers, clarify what is important and communicate – in plain English – which ones to watch to navigate the business and make better decisions.

CFO Navigator focuses on helping companies that have outgrown their current financial capabilities and are ready to use their numbers to navigate the business and not just keep score.

CFO Navigator designs and builds scalable financial capabilities, knows the numbers inside and out, provides confidence that they are right, interprets what they mean, and communicates what’s important; and when the time comes, will turn over the helm to a full-time CFO.

CFO Navigator offers business owners an expert sounding board with an experienced outside perspective for assessing business opportunities and obstacles.

Company website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

Robert Stephens, Managing Partner, CFO Navigator

Robert Stephens is managing partner of CFO Navigator. As a fractional Chief Financial Officer, Robert fills a critical gap for growing privately held businesses and non-profit organizations that do not have the budget or need for a full-time CFO. Having advised over 75+ organizations during his 30+ year career, Robert strives to bring “Wall Street” worthy financial expertise to local “Main Street” companies by turning his financial insight into their business foresight.

In addition to his professional roles, Robert is active in the philanthropic and business community, currently serving on the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Board of Advisors. He has previously served as Board Chairman of the Boys & Girls Club of Paulding and the North Paulding Band Foundation. Other board service includes the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center, and Starfish Greathearts Foundation (USA).

Robert earned his BSBA in Accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi, is a member of Vistage International, Leadership Cobb, and the Georgia Society of CPAs. He has two adult sons and resides with his wife in north metro Atlanta.

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. The show is presented by McDermott Financial Solutions. McDermott Financial helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business. The show archive can be found at profitsenseradio.com.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of McDermott Financial Solutions. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University and he and his wife, Martha have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Twitter and follow McDermott Financial Solutions on LinkedIn.