Karen, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

No Regrets E6

November 29, 2023 by Karen

No Regrets E6

Ingmar Berg has held the CFO title for over 10 years and it has taken him around the world, literaly, as he has lived in 6 different countries. Born in Sweden, Ingmar brings a fresh perspective to business, leadership, and how to deal with stress.

Students and those younger in their career that want to follow in the footsteps of a financial leader and a CFo should listen to this perspective. Hear how a leader grew up in the business and how he reflects on his career.

Vertex provides academic, business, and development services to grow and support schools. We offer a growing number of services to support local school leaders in making wide-ranging decisions that impact the lives of students and families.

Ingmar Berg is a senior finance executive with more than three decades of experience in various financial and operational roles. He has worked for public, private and private equity backed companies ranging in size from a small privately held company up to a $23B public enterprise.

He has worked and lived internationally in Sweden, Germany, England, Switzerland, Hong Kong and the US and has handled business transactions in more than 30 countries.

Ingmar last served as a fractional CFO for four different start-up companies, in the education, technology and tele-health sectors, in addition to providing M&A consulting services in the US Higher Education sector.

Prior to that he served as the Group CFO for Educatius International and President of its North American business. Educatius is an international education exchange program provider that supports students worldwide for high school and college exchange programs.

Prior to this role, Ingmar was the CFO for ManpowerGroup’s Swedish operations as well as heading up the procurement for Manpower’s Northern European markets. Manpower is one of the largest global staffing solutions companies and is listed on NYSE.

Before Manpower, Ingmar was the CFO and SVP for Global Partnerships for Laureate Hospitality Education, based in the US, Switzerland and Hong Kong. Laureate is the largest global network of for profit universities.

Ingmar’s in-depth experience and expertise includes M&A and Integration, managing high growth situations, improving efficiency and driving synergies, streamlining business operations and effectively dealing with multilingual and multi-cultural teams that are geographically dispersed. He has been involved in M&A transactions in USA, Mexico, Chile, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and Australia.

Ingmar is a native Swede with dual US citizenship, who earned a BA in Finance and Accounting from Gothenburg School of Economics and an MSc in International Finance and Accounting from London School of Economics.

About Financial Footsteps

Financial Footsteps is dedicated to providing insider access to successful accounting and finance leaders thereby providing ideas, insights, and ‘secrets to success’ to those aspiring to be leaders themselves.

Interactive conversations with guests will reveal the genesis for a career in accounting and finance, the great (and not so great) decisions that were made along the way, and the advice that these leaders would give to their younger selves.

About Your Host

Chad Dean has been an executive recruiter since 1996. He currently is owner and CEO of a top-ranked national recruiting firm with a 33 year history servicing the Finance disciplines.

Chad Dean’s relaxed and authentic recruiting style combined with a relentless work ethic and dedication to ethical recruiting has propelled him to the highest levels of success in recruitment and career counseling. He has been sought after by CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, and numerous other publications for his expertise.

Chad Dean is a proud Arizona native, married for 21 years, with two second-generation native teenage sons. He has an MBA from Arizona State University and a BS in Biology from FHSU.

About Our Sponsor

Integrated Management Resources was founded in 1990 in Tempe Arizona. Starting with clients like Goldman Sachs (first client and still a client today) and top Wall Street hedge funds, IMR built a robust recruiting process that digs out the most desirable ‘passive’ candidates from our client’s competitors.

IMR’s Phoenix Accounting and Finance practice services large and medium sized organizations for mid-senior level full-time placement and interim staffing.

Growing a Green Business in Arizona E38

November 28, 2023 by Karen

Growing a Green Business in Arizona E38

In this episode of the Arizona Good Business Podcast, host Thomas Barr, Vice President of Business Development at Local First Arizona, welcomes two distinguished guests, John Mittman, CEO of Obodo Energy Partners, and Kyler Colin, Operations Director at Phoenix Water Solutions.

John Mittman, with a background in mechanical engineering and experience in the solar industry, founded Obodo Energy Partners to focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The company aims to assist businesses in saving money and reducing their environmental impact. Mittman emphasizes a holistic approach, offering a master planning strategy to evaluate a business’s goals and tailor solutions, leveraging their expertise as a general contractor to execute projects efficiently.

Kyler Colin, the sole owner of Phoenix Water Solutions, discusses the company’s mission to address water scarcity through technology and infrastructure. Specializing in water conservation, Phoenix Water Solutions collaborates with businesses, providing insights on reducing water waste, locating leaks, and enhancing overall efficiency. Kyler highlights the importance of individual metering and implementing tailored solutions to empower businesses in managing their water usage.

Both guests share their experiences working with small businesses and emphasize the need for a strategic and tailored approach to sustainability initiatives. The episode sheds light on the challenges and opportunities businesses face in navigating the complexities of energy and water conservation, offering valuable insights for those seeking to make a positive impact in their communities.

Both Kyler and John are partner for Local First’s Green Business Certification and Green Business Bootcamp, empowering entrepreneurs and local businesses through training and resources to amplify their sustainability efforts. If your business would like to learn more and get involved, please reach out at localfirstaz.com/environmental-action

Phoenix Water Solutions is a forward-thinking enterprise dedicated to implementing innovative technologies and infrastructure enhancements aimed at aiding their clientele—mainly municipalities, multifamily units, and individual consumers—in significantly reducing water usage and achieving cost savings. They specialize in offering solutions that are not only technologically advanced but are also designed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency for their customers.

At the heart of their operation, Phoenix Water Solutions is driven by values emphasizing integrity, respect, and continuous improvement. They stand firm in their commitment to keeping promises, valuing and soliciting feedback for growth, and maintaining clear priorities to guide their actions. Their approach is characterized by a ceaseless curiosity and an ambition to expand their vision, while fostering a culture of ownership among their team members.

Phoenix Water Solutions promises to deliver services supported by thorough data analysis, ensuring that its clients understand the return on investment and the solutions’ impact. Recognizing the importance of accessible financing, they ease the payment process through creative funding solutions, including knowledge of grants and subsidies. With a focus on building and maintaining long-term relationships, they prioritize client needs, advocating for water conservation and cost-effective practices. Their turnkey solutions stand as a testament to their commitment to a smooth and effortless integration process for their clients.

Kyler Colin is a dedicated water conservation advocate and Arizona native passionate about creating efficient and productive systems.

An alumnus of Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, he has honed a keen sense for business acumen, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and resource management, and recently was listed as ASU’s Sun Devil 100 winner for being the fastest-growing ASU led business of its size. With six years in the water conservation field, He has witnessed and contributed to the industry’s significant evolution.

His career is marked by a drive to provide value to communities through innovative water solutions and a relentless pursuit of sustainable practices. As a founder of Phoenix Water Solutions, he has steered the company to prioritize impactful technologies and infrastructures that enable customers, municipalities, and multifamily properties to reduce water usage and save costs effectively.

Beyond leading the company, Kyler is deeply immersed in Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and maintains active involvement in various national and rural water associations. This involvement ensures he is at the forefront of water conservation efforts, continually integrating the latest insights and advancements into their work.

Follow Phoenix Water Solutions on LinkedIn and Facebook.

In the bustling landscape of business mergers and shareholder demands, one company stands out as a beacon of customer-centric values and innovation – Obodo Energy Partners. Founded by a visionary former executive of a national energy services company, Obodo Energy Partners was established with a singular mission: to create unparalleled value for Arizona’s communities using modern renewable energy and efficiency solutions.

At the helm of Obodo Energy Partners is a seasoned entrepreneur who possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of the corporate energy services world and the qualities required to deliver the utmost value in each project. Driven by a desire to create meaningful change, this visionary leader embarked on a mission to dismantle the traditional barriers associated with the “big” corporate providers that often prevent customers from enjoying the full benefits of a sustainability project. Fueled by years of industry experience and a passion for financial fairness, Obodo Energy Partners was born.

Obodo Energy Partners differentiates itself through its unwavering commitment to prioritizing customers and their communities above all else. This means more value, better services, and increased savings for every customer who chooses Obodo Energy Partners. Beyond its commitment to customers, Obodo Energy Partners is deeply dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves. The company actively invests in initiatives that promote inclusion, servant leadership, and sustainable development. By fostering community growth at the grassroots level, Obodo Energy Partners aims to create a positive ripple effect, transforming lives and nurturing vibrant, thriving communities.

In a world where financial transparency and customer-centricity are paramount, Obodo Energy Partners stands as a beacon of hope and progress. As the company continues to innovate, collaborate, and empower, it invites businesses and individuals to join the Obodo revolution. Together, we can redefine success, champion fairness, and create a future where everyone shares in the prosperity of a truly empowered and sustainable world.

Obodo Energy Partners: Spark Community.

John Mitman is an established professional in the energy services and solar industry focused on improving Arizona’s communities.

John is the founder Obodo Energy Partners, a commercial energy services and solar provider headquartered in Phoenix, as well as current governing board president for the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA).

John is also a proud member of Phoenix Rotary 100 and serves on Best Buddies Arizona’s advisory board.

While John is formally educated in engineering disciplines, he was mentored by a project finance expert, is licensed as a commercial builder, relishes the value of legal drafting, and embraces the fundamental tenets of people-first business leadership – this combination of experiences has allowed John to create value in many circumstances for his partners, colleagues, and customers.

Follow Obodo Energy Partners on LinkedIn.

About Arizona Good Business

What is good business? What are local businesses doing to build a better Arizona?

Join Arizona Good Business to hear from local companies who are:

Centering purpose at the forefront of business
Creating social well-being for the community
Prioritizing sustainability and positive environmental practices
Growing strong company cultures through building authentic teams
Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are involved in all business decisions

Arizona Good Business features local business leaders that are redefining what it means to do good business.

About Your Host

Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.

Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.

Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.

David Martinez III with Vitalyst Health Foundation and Paula Cullison with Arizona Women’s Partnership

November 27, 2023 by Karen

David Martinez III with Vitalyst Health Foundation and Paula Cullison with Arizona Women’s Partnership

Vitalyst Health Foundation is on a mission to connect, support, and inform efforts to improve the health of individuals and communities in Arizona.

Established following the sale of the St. Luke’s Health System to a for-profit corporation in 1996, the foundation operated as St. Luke’s Charitable Health Trust (1996–1999) and St. Luke’s Health Initiatives (2000–2016).

Over its history, Vitalyst has invested more than $130 million into Arizona health, in areas ranging from statewide health policy to local community gardens. Along the way, the organization has established itself as a thought leader, convener, framer, and catalyst of key health initiatives and coalitions.

David Martinez III serves as Director of Strategic Community Partnerships, working with community-based leaders, organizations, and coalitions to increase capacity and civic participation.

Prior to Vitalyst, Martinez was project manager for the Center for the Future of Arizona, and community engagement manager for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. He is a Flinn-Brown Fellow with the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, and involved with the Arizona Community Foundation’s Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy and the Desert Botanical Garden.

Originally from Marana, Arizona and one of six children, David is a first generation college student earning a B.A. in Secondary Education, Political Science and Journalism from The University of Arizona. He served as Student Regent on the Arizona Board of Regents, worked at the UA Office of Institutional Equity, and interned with Congressman Raul Grijalva.

Martinez currently lives in Central Phoenix and as a localist, loves to explore Arizona.

Connect with David on LinkedIn and follow Vitalyst Health Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Arizona Women’s Partnership was formed in 2002 as an all-volunteer philanthropic 501 c3 nonprofit to award grants to small Arizona based charities that assist disadvantaged women and children in Arizona. To this end, two fundraising events which focused on females in the culinary industry were created: Getting Our Just Desserts and Wine, WoMEN & Jazz. To date AZWP has awarded over $600,000 to over 90 nonprofits – most of which are multi-year grant recipients. They deal with critical issues: domestic violence, child abuse, youth at risk, ESL, literacy, food insecurity, refugee families, homelessness, work readiness, services for the elderly, crisis counseling, etc.

Paula Cullison has an extensive background in marketing, nonprofit management, public relations and social work, A native New Yorker, she has lived in Phoenix since 1974. As President of Women in Management for a major national corporation, Paula created an extensive statewide project – The Year for All Arizona Women – which hosted over 100 events. Paula was involved in the First Earth Day event through Citizens for a Better New York.

She has traveled to over 50 countries, worked in Switzerland, and has attended several UN and other international conferences. Paula’s international travel articles and over 80 photography exhibits have been enjoyed by many. She is the recipient of several prestigious award: YWCW Tribute to Leadership Award, MLK Service Award, Susan B. Anthony Award, Macy*s Heart & Soul Award, Susan G. Koman Ribbon of Hope Award, etc.

Paula served on the Phoenix Women’s Commission and the Futures Forum. In 2002 Paula created the Arizona Women’s Partnership, an all-volunteer nonprofit, in order to award grants to small charities that served disadvantaged women and children. To date, AZWP has awarded over $600,000 in grants to over 90 charities that assist over 250,000 annually. In 2020 she created and curated a statewide art exhibition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment and trade-named it ‘In Celebration of Women’. 38 artists were selected by a jury reflective of the cultural diversity in AZ.

This year she curated another juried art exhibit ‘In Celebration of Women II – Making HERstory’. The 37 featured artists will be at the AZ Capitol Museum until Dec 16th. An avid hiker, Paula has hiked numerous trails in AZ as well as the Grand Canyon 7 times – including Rim2Rim in a day. She enjoys reading internationally focused historical fiction. Paula is active with several international organizations.

Follow Arizona Women’s Partnership on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44

November 27, 2023 by Karen

Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44

With over 300 sunny days per year, it’s no secret that Arizona has plenty of sunshine. Overall, Arizona ranks second in the nation in solar energy potential and ranks among the top five states in the nation in total solar-powered generating capacity from both utility- and small-scale installations. In the quest for increased clean energy sources, solar provides tremendous opportunities for the state. On the flip side, challenges and hurdles remain.

This episode sheds light on solar energy in Arizona and how three key organizations are working to initiate solar technology progress and advocacy across the state. The Arizona Technology Council was joined by experts from Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, Solar United Neighbors and Array Technologies as they shared the challenges, wins, setbacks and opportunities that solar energy presents for both businesses and individuals across Arizona.

AriSEIA’s mission is to develop and support policies that create opportunities to advance Arizona’s economy through solar energy, storage, and electrification. AriSEIA advocates for sustainable job creation in deployment of solar and complementary technologies, and collaborates with stakeholders to encourage utilization of Arizona’s greatest natural resource: the sun.

AriSEIA’s Executive Director, Autumn T. Johnson, is a proud clean energy advocate, and is dedicated to advancing AriSEIA’s mission and growing our organization.

Autumn has 16 years of experience in environmental law and policy, including 7 years in energy. She is the CEO of Tierra Strategy, a public interest policy advocacy and consulting firm. Autumn is an Arizona native and started her career with the State of Arizona as a social worker.

Following her time with the State, Autumn was compelled to attend law school and has been passionate about the environmental and energy space ever since. She was the Government Affairs Manager and Energy Policy Analyst for Western Resource Advocates, the Assistant Director of the Energy Policy Institute at Boise State University, and an adjunct professor teaching energy and agricultural law at Concordia University School of Law. Prior to these roles, she was a practicing attorney in Seattle, focusing on small businesses and nonprofits.

Driven by a personal mission to advance the public interest, Autumn’s work focuses on advancing clean energy, moving the power sector away from fossil-fueled resources, transportation electrification, and developing regulatory and statutory mechanisms to address climate change.

Autumn has a BA from the University of Arizona, a JD from the University of Oregon, an MBA from Seattle University, and was a PhD Candidate in Public Policy at Boise State University (all but dissertation), where she also received her MPA.

She also serves as AriSEIA’s General Counsel.

Connect with Autumn on LinkedIn and Twitter.

ARRAY is a renewable energy company providing time-proven utility-scale solar tracking solutions. The company delivers optimal project returns and value to developers and EPCs, focusing on reliability, ease of installation, extreme weather risk mitigation, and fewer components.

Their flagship product, DuraTrack®, has earned a winning reputation within the solar industry as the most reliable and efficient solution for utility-scale projects. ARRAY’s global reach, locally-focused sourcing solutions and business practices now include the STI H250 and the newest tracker on the market, OmniTrack™. This suite of products extends ARRAY’s target applications and bankability to deliver the best utility-scale solar tracker solutions in the market.

Colleen Mahoney is the Vice President of Product Management at Array Technologies, where she spearheads growth by steering product strategy and managing the product lifecycle. Since joining in June 2022, she has utilized market-driven insights to hone Array’s product offerings, enhancing both organic growth and financial outcomes through innovative software and service solutions.

Prior to Array, Colleen’s 19-year tenure at Honeywell saw her in diverse roles, significantly impacting both the Aerospace and Building Technologies sectors. Her accomplishments include leadership in sales excellence, driving global sales and marketing initiatives, and managing product direction for multi-billion-dollar business units.

Colleen’s foundation in finance and marketing is underpinned by an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in both fields from the W.P. Carey School of Business. She also holds a Certification in Product Management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern.

Connect with Colleen on LinkedIn and follow ARRAY on Instagram.

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit that represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters across the country. SUN’s mission is to help people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.

As the Arizona Program Director, Adrian Keller leads efforts to expand rooftop solar in the state through solar co-ops, community education, and policy campaigns. He is deeply passionate about solar energy and its ability to lower costs and improve quality of life for Arizona families.

He comes to Solar United Neighbors with a background in public policy and municipal government. Adrian lives in Phoenix and holds a Master of Sustainability Solutions from Arizona State University.

Follow Solar United Neighbors on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Your Hosts

Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.

Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.

Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.

In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

Leslie Cooper Marquez is a dynamic marketing professional with over 17 years of broad-based marketing, public relations and advertising experience in both in-house and agency environments.

Originally from Birmingham, AL, Leslie has honed her expertise across diverse sectors, including non-profit performing arts, legal marketing, mortgage technology, and residential mortgage marketing.

Leslie has been an integral part of the Arizona community for the past 5 years. Most recently, she served as the Marketing Director for Scottsdale-based mortgage technology firm, focusIT, Inc., and previously as the Director of Marketing for Ballet Arizona.

Beyond her professional commitments, Leslie is an active member of the community. She serves as a Sustainer with the Junior League of Phoenix, volunteers with the Distinguished Young Women of Arizona scholarship program and is an alumna of the esteemed Valley Leadership Accelerate class of 2019.

In her spare time, Leslie shares her passion for fitness as a dedicated barre instructor at TenPoint5 Central. Above all, she cherishes her roles as a devoted mother to a young son and a loving wife to her husband, David.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Bina Colman with Compassionate Callers and Tony Siebers with Parent Projects

November 16, 2023 by Karen

Bina Colman with Compassionate Callers and Tony Siebers with Parent Projects

Compassionate Callers offers a new way to check in on your loved ones. It is a simple calling service dedicated to connecting loved ones and clients of all ages. Our mission is to provide reliable, affordable and compassion support through up to 5 calls per day, 7 days a week. We offer a wide range of services designed to enhance the well-being and quality of life for our clients.

For individuals in need of regular reminders for medication and meal schedules, encouragement for physical therapy exercises or a true pro-active fall alert. We cater to a diverse array of needs with each client getting their own assessment and care plan which ensures that each call made serves a purpose.

Beyond the practice assistance, our service is a lifeline for the elderly, combating the scourge of loneliness. We go the extra mile by offering a monthly activity kit to engage and enrich their lives to stimulate both their minds and hands. These monthly activity kits provide an invaluable benefit to our aging population.

For busy parents juggling full-time jobs and latchkey kids returning home to an empty house, Compassionate Callers step in to provide reassurance and connection. We call children upon their return home from school and continue to check in throughout the afternoon until their parents return, creating a safer and more connected environment.

Additionally, Compassionate Callers is an invaluable HR benefit for employers looking to support their full-time employees who are also full-time family caregivers. Research has consistently shown that individuals in this dual role face a productivity decline of at least 18%, a number that only escalates with mounting stress at home and work. By assuming up to 5 phone calls, 7 days a week, we help these employees regain their productivity, reducing stress and improving their overall work-life balance.

Compassionate Callers is not just a service; it’s a lifeline, a support system and a solution for a healthier, happier and more connected life for everyone we serve.

Bina Colman is the Founder of Compassionate Callers. Her dad was diagnosed with dementia in his late 50’s and passed in his early 60’s because of his condition.

With Bina’s education, work experience and being a sandwich caregiver, she knew that there was a piece of the continuous care missing for so many that were not able to place their loved ones in a community or hire full time home care (non-medical caregivers).

She is hopeful that Compassionate Callers can be an affordable resource in the elderly world to give family caregivers some peace of mind!

Connect with Bina on LinkedIn and follow Compassionate Callers on Facebook and Instagram.

Parent Projects™ is a growing community of verified age-friendly businesses providing families an Ai-assisted lifeline to clarify & simplify the challenge of supporting an aging loved one.

They curate relevant information and industry-expert content into a cohesive and affordable digital marketplace supported by Augmented Intelligence (Ai). Their proprietary smart planner platform, Parent Projects™ Connect, organizes a families effort to tackle the challenges of a Parent Project by delivering the right information at the right time to the right person.

From expert advice to finding an age-friendly business, Parent Projects™ reduces common emotional barriers, conflict and uncertainty in how to care for an aging loved one. Additionally, Parent Projects has a large verified business network, and the connect their business network to the families of this growing marketplace.

Founder of Parent Projects, and Host of the Parent Projects Podcast, Tony Siebers is a contributing member of the Forbes Non-Profit Advisory Council. He’s a nationally credentialed Senior Move Manager and Senior Real Estate Specialist as well as a licensed Realtor in Arizona. Tony is a former law enforcement and military officer with decades of crisis management and team-building expertise.

Tony ventured into positions within Fortune 500 companies where he served as a Corporate Strategy Director. He has also served privately held/family companies as the Director of Real Estate and Development.

Tony and his wife Amey reside in Arizona where they raise five children. Tony continues to serve non-profit and government sectors in Mesa, including the AZ Small Business Development Council, Rotary International, and Catholic Charities of Arizona.

Tony holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Marylhurst University.

Follow Parent Project on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Building Legacies: Empowering Communities and Thriving Workplaces E36

November 13, 2023 by Karen

Building Legacies: Empowering Communities and Thriving Workplaces E36

In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Lindsay, a seasoned leader with almost 17 years of dedicated service at Desert Financial Credit Union, and Nikki, a passionate advocate for employee engagement and the driving force behind PeopleForward Network.

This conversation, as the others that we have, was open, authentic and natural. The conversation led to examples of both companies leading in a human centered and people focused direction.

Lindsay highlighted the importance Desert Financial places on employee satisfaction and creating a workplace culture that empowers and values its staff. This commitment translates into exceptional service for members, where every interaction is more than a transaction. The organization focuses on connection, community, and service to others.

Nikki, from PeopleForward Network, provided insights into their mission of sharing resources and insights with a global community of people-first minded leaders. From podcast production to growth consulting, PeopleForward Network collaborates with partners to make a meaningful impact on business development and marketing.

These women are making waves in their industries in order to build companies with great cultures. If you are looking for examples, stories, and support for growing your company culture, then this is an episode for you to listen to.

From podcast production and distribution to creative services and growth consulting, PeopleForward Network’s mission is to share resources and insights with their global community of leaders, connectors, and creators to inspire and build workplaces where people thrive.

Partners collaborate with us to make business development and marketing impact by sharing their knowledge with our ever growing audience of people-first minded leaders. Our network is composed of hundreds of thousands of leaders in mid-market and enterprise organizations who influence the vision and strategy of employees.

We are relationship building experts who love to innovate and create the best way to add value to partners’ target contacts. Podcasting is our cornerstone as it has proven to be our most reliable and efficient way to build new relationships and create evergreen, multi-purpose content.

Nikki Lewallen Gregory believes that the workplace is a mission field to use our strengths and maximize our lives.

Nikki’s passion is devoted to employee engagement/employee experience; to help all people experience meaningful work.

Nikki lives in Indianapolis with her husband David, 4 step sons and English Bulldog, Cardi, who she is currently training to skateboard.

Nikki is involved in many philanthropic organizations as contribution and service are her WHY.

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Desert Financial Credit Union, the largest local credit union in the state of Arizona, has a history that spans nearly 85 years. It all began with a humble start, when 15 dedicated educators pooled together a mere $78.75 to establish a financial institution.

Since those modest beginnings, Desert Financial Credit Union has grown to become a cornerstone of the Arizona community. Their commitment extends beyond banking services, as they actively engage in initiatives that leave a lasting impact on the lives of its members and the communities it serves.

One of the hallmarks of Desert Financial Credit Union is its dedication to community impact. Through various charitable endeavors, educational programs, and community events, the credit union continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals. By investing in local organizations and partnering with community initiatives, Desert Financial Credit Union cements its reputation as a trusted and caring financial partner.

The credit union’s commitment doesn’t stop at the community level. It extends to the experiences of both its employees and members. Desert Financial Credit Union places a high value on creating a workplace culture where employees feel valued and empowered to excel. This dedication to employee satisfaction translates into exceptional service for members, as knowledgeable and passionate staff are readily available to provide expert guidance and support.

For members, every interaction with Desert Financial Credit Union is designed to be more than just a financial transaction; it’s an opportunity to receive personalized assistance and financial expertise in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Members are not just account holders but valued individuals, and the credit union is committed to helping them achieve their goals.

In summary, Desert Financial Credit Union, born from the vision of educators with only $78.75, has evolved into Arizona’s largest local credit union. Its legacy is defined not just by its financial services but by its significant community impact and unwavering commitment to enhancing the experiences of both employees and members.

Lindsay Martin is a seasoned leader in the financial industry, with a dedicated history at Desert Financial Credit Union. With nearly 17 years of unwavering commitment to the credit union, Lindsay has consistently demonstrated her passion for serving both members and the community at large. In her current role as Market Manager, she oversees the North Peoria market, managing multiple branch locations.

Throughout her career, Lindsay has honed her expertise in financial services and has become a respected leader known for her ability to build and lead successful teams. Her commitment to excellence is evident in the positive impact she has had on the credit union’s operations, as well as the lasting relationships she has cultivated with both colleagues and members.

Lindsay’s professional journey is marked by a steadfast dedication to servant leadership and service, a passion for community engagement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her leadership within Desert Financial Credit Union is a testament to her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional financial solutions while enriching the lives of those she serves.

Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn.

About Culture Crush

At Culture Crush, culture isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a key factor that can either boost your company or lead to its failure.

We’re culture consultants, with a focus on leadership, appreciation, communication, processes, accessibility, mental health, diversity, inclusion, and creating a dynamic workplace.

As a growing company:

Culture Crush Business is your hub for company culture resources. With deep cultural insights and years of expertise, we evaluate your company’s needs and connect you with the precise resources to cultivate a thriving culture.

We work with CEOs, founders, HR Directors, or Culture Leaders of companies or teams, who value company culture and understand its impact on their business success.With Culture Crush you’ll learn how to transform your workplace into a place of unity, efficiency, and growth. Don’t just fix your company culture – transform it with Culture Crush Business.

On this podcast: We focus on everything surrounding businesses with good company culture. We will talk with company leaders to learn about real-life experiences, tips, and best practices for creating a healthy work environment where employees are finding joy and satisfaction in their work while also striving and growing within the company. We share the resources to help improve company culture and showcase them on the podcast with their tips and tricks for growing culture.

About the Host

Kindra Maples is spartan racer, past animal trainer, previous magician’s assistant, and has a weakness for Oreo cookie shakes. Her journey working with people actually started working with animals as a teenager (don’t worry we won’t go that far back for her bio).

She worked for over 15 years in the zoo industry working with animals and the public. Her passion of working with animals shifted into working with people in education, operations and leadership roles. From there her passion of leadership and helping people develop has continued to grow.

Then came the opportunity for leading the Culture Crush Business Podcast and she jumped on it. Leadership, growth, and strong company cultures are all areas that Kindra is interested in diving into further.

Stuart Selbst with Nothing but NET, Gus LaZear with Ability360 and Elaine Szeto with Integro Bank

November 8, 2023 by Karen

Stuart Selbst with Nothing but NET, Gus LaZear with Ability360 and Elaine Szeto with Integro Bank

Established in 2001 by Bob Cox and Steve Brown, Nothing But NET was founded with a clear vision: to offer top-tier technology solutions while prioritizing customer satisfaction. They maintain close collaborations with their clients, partners, and vendors, ensuring successful engagements for all.

In 2023, Nothing But NET proudly achieved the #7 rank among the world’s leading Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Nothing But NET is renowned for its agility, flexibility, and innovation, consistently adapting to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

They are committed to continual self-reinvention, always staying ahead of the curve to serve our clients better.

Stuart Selbst, known as Stu, serves as the Director of Client Experience at Nothing But NET, where he plays a crucial role in overseeing the sales team and ensuring the success of all our clients. With over three decades of experience in the IT industry, Stu has an impressive background. He has worked in both corporate IT and has also successfully managed his own IT firm.

His expertise extends beyond national borders, as he has provided consultancy services to IT firms and software companies worldwide. Stu’s career highlights include serving as the COO of a thriving software company.

Stu is not only a seasoned IT professional but also a dedicated business leader with a genuine passion for helping others achieve success. In addition to his professional commitments, he organizes a popular monthly networking event named Business and Brews, which fosters connections among local businesses at nearby craft breweries.

Residing in Mesa, AZ, Stu shares his home with his wife, Loree, and their cherished feline companions, Cliff and Chloe. An enthusiastic sports fan, Stu enjoys embracing life and immersing himself in the world around him. His love for adventure extends to travel, where he seeks to experience all that the world has to offer. Stu also takes great pleasure in treating his friends and family to his mouthwatering BBQ creations.

Follow Nothing but Net on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Ability360 is a Center for Independent Living. A Center for Independent Living, otherwise known as a CIL, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities to address needs and barriers within the community.

Ability360 is located in Phoenix, Arizona and provides services throughout the state of Arizona. We also own and operate the Ability360 Sports and Fitness Center where we provide exceptional adaptive sports, recreation, aquatic, and fitness programs that promote the independence, health, and overall well being of people with disabilities and their family members.

Gus LaZear currently serves as Ability360’s Vice President of Operations and the Sports and Fitness Center for persons with Disabilities.

LaZear, whose background includes more than 29 years of experience managing major programs and initiatives in rehabilitative medicine, recreational therapy, outdoor adventures and other adaptive programming for people with disabilities.

Prior to Ability360, LaZear handled responsibilities as lead therapeutic recreational therapist at the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. During that time he also served on the Board of Directors for Arizona Disabled Sports.

Before joining St. Joseph’s, LaZear had been with Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation in Pomona, CA working on the Outdoor Adventure team that organized adaptive surfing, skiing/snowboarding, sailing, fishing, camping, dog sledding, rock climbing, scuba diving, horseback trips, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, wheelchair sports and cycling programs.

LaZear earned a Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Health Systems Management from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from California State University Northridge.

LaZear’s licenses and certifications include Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, National Council of Therapeutic Recreation; Certified Pool Operator, National Swimming Pool Foundation; Certified in Aqua Stretch (Aquatic Therapy Technique); Certified in Ai Chi (Aquatic Therapy Technique); Advanced Scuba Diver, Professional Association of Diving Instructors; Certified Dive Buddy, Handicapped Scuba Association and Member of American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

He also serves as a guest speaker for the Barrow Neurological Institute Stroke Symposium, SCI Symposium, and Brain Injury Symposium. LaZear served as an associate Faculty at Arizona State University through 2020 and Grand Canyon University through 2019.

Follow Ability360 on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Integro Bank is a Mission-based bank with the objective of helping small businesses grow and increase employment.

Integro Bank is considered an industry disrupter with its proprietary INTEGRO360 consultation tool, powered by impactful data analytics and Integro CEO Club to serve the unique needs of small businesses.

Elaine Szeto – EVP, Chief Innovation Officer, and Founder of Integro Bank oversees and leads business strategy through operational excellence, digital marketing, technology, innovation, and strategic deliverables to provide leading-edge financial technology tools and proprietary INTEGRO360 services, driving and delivering best-in-class client experiences to position business clients for success and to fuel businesses and employment growth.

Szeto is a proven and forward-thinking leader in driving extraordinary growth via innovation and transformation in technology, digital solutions & products, marketing, and service excellence with winning business strategies for Fortune 500 companies with more than 30 years of success.

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn.

Dennis Gable with BRND PRDCR

November 6, 2023 by Karen

Dennis Gable with BRND PRDCR

Brand Production is the integration of traditional relational philosophy, marketing theory, and foundational creative principle.

We’re always looking forward to our next challenge and opportunity to encourage business owners in their ability to align with their unique value and professional identity.

Our primary focus is in supporting brands who have a desire to lean all the way into providing a deeply present/human experience for any and all who may encounter their brand.

As a nomadic renaissance man, Dennis Gable has been many things during his one life.

From Lead Singer to Pastor to Bartender to Brand Producer, his life’s work is to better understand himself and the world around him.

He has created measurable impact by creating space for people to travel their journey towards success, peace, and fulfillment.

Having led thousands of people through their professional and personal darkness, he brings a unique set of gifts and intentionality with the singular hope of leaving a ripple in the world that long outlives his physical existence.

Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43

November 6, 2023 by Karen

Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43

Arizona’s Rural Broadband Initiative endeavors to expand broadband services in underserved rural areas across the state. The initiative envisions a future where every Arizonan, regardless of their location, is empowered by high-speed internet, breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive and connected society.

The October 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council’s AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Kelly LeBlanc from IP Infusion, Seth Haller from EPS Global and Sandip Bhowmick from the Arizona Commerce Authority. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council, and Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, in sharing plans that are already underway to bridge Arizona’s digital divide and the challenges that still exist.

In this hour-long informative and dynamic discussion, the panel of three experts discussed the challenges of providing broadband access and infrastructure to Arizona’s diverse populations. States like Arizona with rural communities spread out over a large land mass historically have faced challenges in broadband deployment. Often these underserved communities are in outlying areas that the private sector can’t economically service. Initiatives such as the Rural Broadband Initiative can help fill in the budget gap, and help solve the access problems that the open market might be slow to address. Arizona is not unique in addressing these access challenges, and ongoing, these three and other stakeholders across the state are hoping to work more closely with these initiatives.

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.

Sandip Bhowmick currently serves as the Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director at the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). He is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Arizona.

Prior to his current role, Sandip served as the Assistant Broadband Director at the ACA, further strengthening his expertise in the field. His extensive experience includes working with renowned telecommunications service providers such as AT&T and Verizon, as well as industry-leading telecommunications software and equipment manufacturers like Nokia and Ericsson.

Moreover, Sandip has made valuable contributions to satellite communication startups, nonprofit organizations, and local and state governments, assuming diverse roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Solutions Architect, Broadband Consultant, and Government Affairs Manager, among others. Additionally, Sandip proudly served in the US Army.

He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Wichita State University, highlighting his strong academic foundation in the field.

Connect with Sandip on LinkedIn.

IP Infusion manufactures open network software and solutions for carriers, service providers and data centers. With hundreds of customers and thousands of deployments, IP Infusion is a market leader in Network Operating Systems.

Our flagship software platform OcNOS® allows network operators to disaggregate their networks, streamline operations, and reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Network OEMs may also disaggregate network devices to expedite time to market, offer comprehensive services, and achieve carrier-grade robustness.

IP Infusion is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and is a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of ACCESS CO., LTD.

As Chief Marketing and Product Officer (CMO), Kelly LeBlanc is responsible for global marketing and product management at IP Infusion. Kelly is a seasoned Silicon Valley marketing executive with 25 years of experience across multiple technology markets.

Most recently Kelly was the CMO of Pica8 where she managed global marketing for the company’s enterprise and data center software solutions. Prior to Pica8, she managed global marketing and business development for 6WIND, including driving the company’s transition to vRouter solutions.

Prior to 6WIND, Kelly was the Head of Worldwide Marketing for A10 Networks when the company became the fastest growing Silicon Valley networking company prior to Initial Public Offering (IPO). She also held marketing positions at Fortinet and VERITAS Software.

Kelly began her career at several top ten Public Relations agencies for Hewlett-Packard and Sun Microsystems. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, California.

EPS Global is a T1 Distributor of IT Components focused in the Networking Infrastructure Space, Some of the manufactures they distribute are Finisar, Edgecore, UFI Space, Garland, Amphenol and are the leader in Disaggregated Whitebox Networking with Partners like IP Infusion, They are also involved in SONIC deployments, they are members of OCP

They are heavily involved with Open Wi-Fi with I/O by HFCL and Edgecore and are a Member of TIP.

Seth Haller has 30+ years of experience in sales and business development, with a background in Senior Sales Management, Senior Business Development, and Solution Development.

He has achieved significant revenues in excess of $100M per year and exceeded budgets of 200% to plan.

Seth has earned a number of awards for work in Sales, including the Excalibur Award for 2004-2005 and the Winner’s Circle Award for 2000. He also earned the Pinnacle Club Award for work at Pinacor.

He served in the U.S. ARMY for six years, as a Military Police officer and K-9 Handler. He also completed the Rio Salado Organization Behavior TQM and completed a 7-course plan with a certificate in organizational behavior.

Seth has over three decades of experience with executive level presentations, managing and training direct reports, building high level business plans, TCO based sales, relationship-based sales, Strategic Planning, Financial planning, creating and defining value propositions, developing and executing successful marketing plans, conducting market research, high level negotiation.

Seth currently runs the Southwest, West and PAC Northwest for EPS.

Follow EPS Global on LinkedIn.

About Your Hosts

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

Leslie Cooper Marquez is a dynamic marketing professional with over 17 years of broad-based marketing, public relations and advertising experience in both in-house and agency environments.

Originally from Birmingham, AL, Leslie has honed her expertise across diverse sectors, including non-profit performing arts, legal marketing, mortgage technology, and residential mortgage marketing.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.