Karen, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

E48 Community Involvement from Project Management Leaders

February 25, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

E48 Community Involvement from Project Management Leaders

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E48 Community Involvement from Project Management Leaders

How are you investing in your community to improve our Project Management profession? In this episode, we discuss events and participation within the University and Non-Profit sectors to help advance and support our PM community. Listen to hear Jennifer Smolnik and Debra and Cory Hildebrand discuss the ASU PM Network and VPMMA, the Veterans Project Manager Mentoring Alliance.

Jennifer is the President of the Arizona State University PM Network. The ASU PM Network is a volunteer organization that has provided an opportunity for internal faculty and staff to develop a community of practice, learning, and service. While the PM Network has historically provided resources to internal faculty and staff at ASU, the Network is attempting to expand its offerings to ASU students and to the larger Phoenix community to create broader social impact and encourage more constructive dialog and partnerships.

Both Cory and Deb serve on the VPMMA Board of Directors. Cory is a Veteran and currently works as Managing Director of Charles Schwab Internal Threats Program. He shared how his experiences in the military have translated to project management application within the corporate world. In addition to being a Military Spouse, Deb is a PM instructor at two prominent west coast universities and runs her own consulting practice.

ASU and VPMMA are teaming up for 2 great events in April. The Inaugural VPMMA Golf Tournament fundraiser will take place April 19th at Legacy Golf Club in Phoenix. You can learn more and register as a golfer, sponsor, or volunteer at www.thevpmma.org/golf. The ASU PM Network Summit will take place the following day on April 20th. This event will bring together faculty, staff, students and the PM Network community to share their experience, learn about best practices and the latest technologies, and celebrate teams engaged in innovation. You can register for this event at https://uto.asu.edu/events/PM-Summit-2020.

Tune in for upcoming shows with Project Management leaders and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, Stitcher,or your favorite podcast platform!

Thanks to our sponsor THE PMO SQUAD. Visit www.thepmosquad.com to learn about the Purpose Driven PMO and all their project management services.

The Military pours tens of thousands experienced, talented, cleared, educated, and credentialed Project Managers (PMs) into the talent pool every year. However, a large percentage of these Veterans are not equipped to translate their expertise and experience into the civilian workforce.

The Veteran Project Manager Mentor Alliance (VPMMA) is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization that connects these Service Members, Veterans and Military Spouses with industry PM mentors so they can transition into meaningful civilian PM careers.

Cory Hildebrand is Managing Director of Charles Schwab Insider Threat Program. His 25+ years in information technology and cybersecurity has spanned across several Fortune 500 companies where he has held leadership positions.

He is the Director of Corporate Sponsorship for VPMMA and a Marine Corps Gulf War Veteran.

Debra Hildebrand is a Project Management guru who teaches PM at two universities as well as runs a project management training and consulting firm.

She is a military spouse and the Director of Education for VPMMA.

Follow VPMMA on LinkedIn, Facebook Twitter and Instagram.

The Project Management Network at ASU, a volunteer organization based on ASU’s Tempe campus, has provided an opportunity for internal faculty and staff to develop a community of practice, learning, and service.

While the PM Network has historically provided resources to internal faculty and staff at ASU, the Network is attempting to expand its offerings to ASU students and to the larger Phoenix community to create broader social impact and encourage more constructive dialog and partnerships.

Jennifer Smolnik is a certified Project Management Professional since 2012 and has been an elected board member of the ASU PM Network since 2016. Jennifer has spent her time in Project Management in a variety of roles at ASU, relating to Cost Accounting, Quality Management and Process Improvement.

She works as an unsuspecting leader and sees Project Management as a discipline that facilitates leadership and team-building skills, even in the absence of an organized PMO.

Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn and follow ASU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE HOURS SERIES

Project Management Office Hours is intended to provide Project Management professionals a place to drop in and discuss Success Stories, Best Practices, and Lessons Learned. Project Management Consultant Joy Gumz has shared with us, “Operations keep the lights on, strategy provides the light at the end of the tunnel, but project management is the train engine that moves the organization forward.”

Each of us has a unique story to tell, but collectively we share a message that organizations who embrace Project Management Best Practices perform better than those which don’t. Organizations which align Projects to Strategy perform better. Organizations with Engage Executive Sponsors deliver better results. Organizations which measure Project Management performance outperform those which don’t.

During our Project Management Office Hours, we hear directly from Industry leaders how to make an impact in our profession. How we, collectively, will Advance Project Management Best Practices, One Listener at a time!

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Joe Pusz started THE PMO SQUAD to bring real world PMO Leadership experience to the consulting space and to advocate for Project Management through his blog PMOJOE.com. The old saying is “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Following this mindset Joe left Corporate America in 2013 to start THE PMO SQUAD and work with fellow Natural Born Project Managers to advance Project Management Best Practices.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

THE PMO SQUAD focuses exclusively on PMO and Project Management consulting. Corporate America is full of Accidental Project Managers running projects who haven’t been trained to be PMs. To help solve this problem THE PMO SQUAD is on the Leading Edge with PMO As a Service. PMO As a Service allows our clients to focus on their respective core competencies while THE PMO SQUAD delivers Project Management expertise. Contact Joe at 678-591-7868. Follow The PMO Squad on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Insurance with Charlotte Burr and Mike Poulton E9

February 24, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Insurance with Charlotte Burr and Mike Poulton E9

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Insurance with Charlotte Burr and Mike Poulton E9

Insurance! There is so much to know and we covered everything you want to know about insurance, including how insurance works in the real world, and all the ways you can protect yourself, your assets, and your business.

Not all insurance agents are the same! Choosing the right one can make a big difference – in price, service, knowledge, and value.

With other agencies, you get one company that sells one brand of insurance. With an independent insurance agency like AZ Insurance Team, you get choices.

Why? Because independent insurance agencies, like AZ Insurance Team, represent a number of different insurance companies, and can compare coverage and prices to find the best possible value for your individual circumstances.

Charlotte Burr is 5th generation from Arizona and 4th generation from Mesa. She owned a “Shmarmers” agency (say it out loud and you’ll know) for 2 years before starting AZ Insurance Team with her very long time boyfriend, Steven in 2012.

Charlotte has a deep appreciation for the environment and animals. When she travels, and happens to be at a beach, you will catch her picking up trash to help beautify the scenery. She has 2 kitties (Ricky and Lucy) and 2 rescue dogs (Clarabelle and Zoey) and helps out with Arizona Basset Hound Rescue (www.azbassetrescue.org) as often as she can. Charlotte enjoys cooking, arts and crafts and traveling with Steven. She’s also one heck of a Disney nerd!

Follow AZ Insurance Team on Facebook.

Mike Poulton, with Poulton & Noroian, was born in North Carolina, and has lived in Nebraska, Kansas, Vermont and Arizona throughout his life. Mike earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management with minors in Physics and Business from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. As an undergraduate, he worked as a physics research assistant in the Polarized Electron Group at UNL, designing and building scientific apparatus in support of a national nuclear physics research project. Prior to his career in law he was a project engineer and field superintendent for an international commercial contractor, helping manage large office and retail construction projects in Phoenix.

Mike attended the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University, where he was awarded the Charles E. Jones Merit Scholarship and was named a Scholar at the Center for the Study of Law, Science and Technology. He won the Moot Court Oral Argument Competition and was an editor of Jurimetrics, the academic journal of the American Bar Association’s division of Law Science and Technology. His published article “Particles of What? A Call for Specificity in Airborne Particulate Regulation” won Best Student Note, and was a nominated for the American Society of Legal Writers Law-Review Award Competition.

Mike’s legal practice draws on his knowledge and experience in other fields to serve his clients. As an experienced science researcher, Mike understands technical issues that many other attorneys cannot, and applies that knowledge for his clients’ benefit. His construction management experience also provides him with a broad knowledge base not only in construction law, but also in regulatory compliance, worker safety, and negotiation.

In addition to law, Mike has a passion for hands-on work with technological hardware and has a number of projects he is actively pursuing at any time – presently including an attempt at the world speed record for a hovercraft. He is a professional pyrotechnician who frequently produces public fireworks displays on the Fourth of July and other holidays. He has worked on the crew of many electronically fired shows in Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, Vermont, and Arizona and has set up explosive special effects at airshows around the country. Mike has been active in canine search and rescue to find lost and missing people in the wilderness of Arizona, is a ham radio operator, a gun collector, amateur watchmaker, and enjoys camping in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona.

Michael is licensed to practice law in Arizona and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Federal District Courts in Arizona.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.

About This Show

Lawgitimate and its awesome guests highlight everyday financial topics including credit scores, debt management, small business, and real estate.

Lawgitimate’s goal is to raise awareness and provide the full perspective, including the legal lens attorneys use to address these complicated and fun topics.

About Your Host

Rochelle Poulton is an attorney and owner of AZCLG. Rochelle has been helping people with Credit and Debt issues since 2012, owns several small businesses, and has nearly 20 years of real estate experience.

Rochelle created Lawgitimate to bring in a network of awesome people to raise awareness and educate people about the litany of legal issues she faces everyday at AZCLG.

About AZCLG

The Arizona Credit Law Group, PLLC aka AZCLG is a consumer rights law firm in Tempe, AZ helping people with Credit Repair, Debt Settlement, and Bankruptcy.

We are small but mighty and love helping people get back on track financially. Learn more about us at azclg.com.

Kristi Morrow with InReach Wealth Advisors and Realtor Samantha Malcolm E5

February 22, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Kristi Morrow with InReach Wealth Advisors and Realtor Samantha Malcolm E5

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Kristi Morrow with InReach Wealth Advisors and Realtor Samantha Malcolm E5

Financial planning, investments, real estate and relationships were the main focus of this episode of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast. Kelly Lorenzen loved having Samantha Malcolm, Kristi Morrow, and Karen Nowicki on as her featured guests.

Samantha Malcolm gave great advice for people who are thinking about buying or selling residential real estate in Arizona. Kristi Morrow shared some great tips about saving for retirement, wealth management, and that it’s never too early or late to talk to a financial advisor. We all discussed the importance of having people on your team and in your sphere that you know, like and trust and who are experts in their field.

InReach Wealth Advisors believe that anyone can create wealth. Those who have created wealth can preserve it, have peace of mind, and leave a long-lasting legacy for their family and heirs. They believe that with the right team and a personalized plan, you can do all of that and still live a full life today.

The InReach team builds long-lasting relationships based on trust and an understanding of each individual’s goals and values. They listen to where you want to go, provide advice to get you there and work with you along the way to keep you on track.

Kristi Morrow is a financial advisor with InReach Wealth Advisors. She has been with Ameriprise since 2008. She is a Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor, Certified Long-Term Care specialist and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.

Her specialties include providing comprehensive financial planning to help clients achieve their financial goals such as college savings, retirement, small business planning and collaborative divorce.

She has called the valley of the sun home for over 25 years, is an AZ Sundevil and has two teenage daughters.

Connect with Kristi on LinkedIn and follow InReach on Facebook.

Sold by Samantha Keller Williams Arizona Realty is a residential real estate brokerage in Scottsdale, Arizona. Keller Williams is the largest privately-held real estate company in the country! They are always on the leading edge of technology and continue to expand worldwide.

Samantha Malcolm is an active Scottsdale Ranch resident, a successful business owner, loving wife and mom.

She has been selling residential real estate in Arizona for over 19 years with Keller Williams Realty and has helped thousands of people buy and sell in Scottsdale and the surrounding areas.

She is a licensed real estate broker and owns the Sold By Samantha Keller Williams Arizona Realty office in the Scottsdale Mercado.

Follow Sold by Samantha on Facebook and Instagram.

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.

About the Show

Kelly Lorenzen started the “Collaborative Connections” show to bring her clients and favorite charities together to meet each other, connect and collaborate in life and business. She hopes to build a stronger community one show at a time.

About Our Sponsor

KLM Consulting is a business concierge and project management firm. They help small business owners and non-profits build, brand and brag about their businesses.

About Your Host

Kelly Lorenzen, CEO of KLM Consulting, is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 15 years of business-ownership experience. She is also a certified project management professional.

Kelly’s expertise is in business development, customer service, marketing, and sales.

Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn, and follow KLM Consulting on Facebook.

MIND MONEY MOTION Marie Gonzales with Guardian Insurance Group and Susan Miller with Just Moved Ministry

February 20, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

MIND MONEY MOTION Marie Gonzales with Guardian Insurance Group and Susan Miller with Just Moved Ministry

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MIND MONEY MOTION Marie Gonzales with Guardian Insurance Group and Susan Miller with Just Moved Ministry

No matter whether you just moved or had some other life event happen, today’s conversation revolved around the importance of communicating (with yourself and others) and embracing current circumstances in order to move forward. Women in transition, and specific tips for successfully moving through any transition, was the focus of this segment from both a financial (insurance), biblical, and practical standpoint.

At some point in life, we can all relate to “emotional luggage tags,” learning how to let go and start over, and restocking the tools in our toolbox. Today’s guests share 3 steps for surviving a transition well, reasons and examples about why communicating is crucial, various types of insurance reminders, and even a grant opportunity for women in business in Phoenix.

Guardian Insurance Group is a full service commercial and personal insurance broker agency. As an Independent agency they are able to search the marketplace for the best interest of their clients. They are able to access multiple carriers giving Guardian the ability to maximize clients protection while minimizing their costs. Guardian offers multiple carrier choices for your home, auto, life and business insurance needs.

Marie Gonzales is a dedicated Insurance professional with more than 20 years experience in the industry. Marie has worked as an agent, in both the captive insurance market and as an independent broker. Marie has extensive knowledge in all lines of personal and commercial insurance plans. She specializes in working with clients to achieve responsible and economical decisions to meet their insurance needs.

Marie believes in educating consumers to get the most coverage for their premium dollars directed at their specific risk and needs.

Connect with Marie on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Established in 1995, Just Moved Ministry is a non-profit, global organization that offers spiritual and emotional resources for women who have moved or are facing other life transitions. Just Moved Ministry resources are used by churches, neighborhoods, seminaries, military installations and corporations that recognize the need to encourage the uprooted woman and her family.

Susan Miller is invited to speak throughout the U.S. and internationally at church conferences, women’s events, corporate venues, and at military installations. Those whose lives have been uprooted by a move or other life change resonate with her unique and hope-filled message to look to God in the midst of newness and uncertainty.

Susan is the author of After the Boxes are Unpacked, the accompanying After the Boxes are Unpacked 12-session study and video series, After the Boxes Are Unpacked Companion Journal, and But Mom, I Don’t Want to Move. All are available at www.JustMovedShop.com.

As America’s Moving Coach® and Founder of Just Moved Ministry, she has been a popular guest on radio, TV, and streaming programs that have addressed the emotional challenges and the opportunities for spiritual growth brought on by a major life change – especially a move.

Her articles on this subject have appeared in many Christian publications in print and online. Susan has even hosted her own radio talk show, Just Moved!

Susan lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and treasures her role as mother of two and grandmother of six.

For speaking availability, contact Susan at Just Moved Ministry or at www.SusanMiller.org.

Follow Just Moved Ministry on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

The Women’s Enterprise Foundation (WEF) is a 501(C)3 charitable organization that supports and inspires women business owners within the greater Phoenix area. For over 10 years we have sponsored women through scholarships and grant funding. Our monthly scholarship applications and bi-annual grant opportunities have assisted over 20 women in 2018 and 2019. These women continue to develop themselves as business leaders. The grants give them the increased capital to help generate greater revenue in their business. Scholarships help support their business growth through leadership and business training. We know when women grow their businesses, they benefit entire communities.

The first Friday in November each year, we hold our annual fundraiser at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. This year our featured guest speaker will be Dr. Connie Mariano, the first military woman to serve as a White House Physician to the President. Info for scholarships and grants, as well as our upcoming event may be found at .

WEF is proud to sponsor Marie Burns in her podcasts, Mind, Money and Motion, that will positively educate women about money habits. We are excited for Marie Burns to spread her message, as it is consistent with the success for women in business, as well as their personal financial growth.

Our financial support of Marie’s grant continues to create a foundation that WEF fosters. We believe that women are the glue for their communities as they participate in, orchestrate and mediate relationships, opportunities and business growth. We are confident that her support and success will multiply and benefit many others.

Mind Money Motion is an education business whose mission is to help women worry less about running out of money by keeping their mind and body healthy so they can enjoy LESS WORRY, MORE LIFE.

Money is the number one stressor in American’s lives and one of the main reasons for divorce. Women are often uncomfortable with financial decisions OR don’t have the time or interest to take care of financial matters OR don’t know where to begin or if they are on track.

As the founder, Marie Burns provides tools and resources through her podcast, books, speaking events, website and social media to be the financial advocate women need.

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marie Burns, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), has been advocating for clients’ financial health for almost 20 years.

Originally from Wisconsin, she has helped clients with their financial lives in a fiduciary capacity in a bank setting, accounting firm, at Vanguard, at a financial planning firm and now has an independent advisory practice where she offers financial planning and investment management called Focus Point Planning.

She is a volunteer ambassador and board member for The Financial Awareness Foundation, member of the Financial Planning Association, board member for the Senior Advocacy Group of Ahwatukee, author of a financial checklist book series, and podcast host of Mind, Money, Motion, where she strives to help women enjoy LESS WORRY, MORE LIFE!

Follow Mind, Money, Motion on Facebook.

LEADERSHIP LOWDOWN Joe Beers with Integrity Outsource and Rinny Dyar with Valley Towing

February 19, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

LEADERSHIP LOWDOWN Joe Beers with Integrity Outsource and Rinny Dyar with Valley Towing

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LEADERSHIP LOWDOWN Joe Beers with Integrity Outsource and Rinny Dyar with Valley Towing

Integrity Outsource is a Professional Employer Organization that does back office employment administration for Arizona Companies. They handle payroll, employment and benefit administration with an average ROI exceeding 20%. Clients gain access to expertise, decrease compliance exposure and offer better benefits to their employees.

Integrity was selected as the 2020 Best of HR Services by ClearlyRated based exclusively on ratings provided by clients. Their Net Promoter Score of 78% reflects world class service.

They believe in keeping the Human in HR by offering high tech solutions combined with friendly, helpful professionals. They serve with integrity to improve the quality of life for Arizona’s employers and their employees.

Joe Beers has been a veteran and leader in the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) industry in Arizona since 1996. Prior to launching Integrity Outsource Mr. Beers served as a key executive in two other Arizona PEOs. He is currently the Arizona Leadership Council Chairman for the National Association of PEOs (NAPEO).

Beers spearheaded the only two pieces of PEO Legislation passed in Arizona history, benefitting PEOs and small business owners in Arizona. Mr. Beers has been a featured speaker at industry conferences, has been a contributing author to PEO Insider Magazine, and has published numerous other articles on the PEO Industry and other business topics. His expertise in sales, marketing, organizational excellence and growing a company is an integral part of Integrity Outsources’ success.

Mr. Beers has extensive community service involvement including Sigma Chi International Fraternity, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Valley Leadership and the Boy Scouts. He was appointed by the Governor of Arizona and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Arizona State Personnel Board. He is a member of the Executive Association of Greater Phoenix (EAGP). Mr. Beers is married and has two children.

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Valley Towing is a family operated, female-owned business. Founded in 1963, 57 years ago, by Robert & Karen Dyar, Rinny’s parents.

Valley Towing provides towing service for Light, Medium, and Heavy Duty Towing. Serving Arizona and its surrounding states, available anytime, anywhere, with our 24-hour customer care standing by to take your call.

Rinny Dyar has worked with his family since he was 10 years old. That’s 51 years. He learned the business watching and riding with company tow operators, and his father, until the day he could go out on his own.

Over the years, he has learned to drive and operate all vehicles within the fleet. Today, he guides his managers and oversees all Valley’s operations.

Follow Valley Towing on Facebook and Instagram.

The Leadership Lowdown was created to share the REAL story behind valley leaders’ rise to the top, and the truth about what it takes to TRULY succeed in life and business. Hear the raw stories of these leaders’ journeys…the pitfalls, the victories, and all of the heartaches and triumphs in between.

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Jodi Low is an accomplished corporate trainer, inspirational speaker, and the Founder and CEO of U & Improved. Jodi has trained thousands of entrepreneurs and executives on how to build a booming business, master a mindset for success, and achieve the lifestyle they desire through heart-fueled leadership.

Through U & Improved—an award-winning personal and professional leadership development company based in Scottsdale—Jodi has redefined traditional leadership training by creating a sustainable and actionable model that is personal, challenging and meaningful to each and every individual who enrolls in any of the two-and-a-half-day experiential training classes. She and her elite training team have advanced the charge in heart-based leadership
development and empower U & Improved graduates with knowledge, tools and awareness to immediately be more effective and responsive leaders at work, home and within their communities.

Among her many accomplishments as a Valley leader, Jodi launched a teen leadership program in 2014 to empower young adults to become more confident, motivated and focused stewards of our future. In 2016, she founded a non-profit arm of the company—the U & Improved Leadership Foundation—that makes the program more accessible to deserving teens.

Jodi has been recognized by industry publications and organizations for her work in leadership development and serves as a source of inspiration within the community. In 2015, she was honored as an “Outstanding Women in Business” by the Phoenix Business Journal and by the Phoenix Suns and National Bank of Arizona with the “Amazing Women” award. She has received both the prestigious “Diversity Leader of the Year” and the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce’s “Sterling Award.” She was also awarded a Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 and was a finalist for the Junior League of Phoenix’s Valley Impact Award. Jodi is a devoted single parent who volunteers her time at her daughters’ school programs and with organizations such as Angel Mamas, where she’s served on the board for three years.

Eric Strafel and Judson Garrett with SUMMi7 Robin Bramman with CO+HOOTS and David Byrd with Original Crew Co

February 18, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Eric Strafel and Judson Garrett with SUMMi7 Robin Bramman with CO+HOOTS and David Byrd with Original Crew Co

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Eric Strafel and Judson Garrett with SUMMi7 Robin Bramman with CO+HOOTS and David Byrd with Original Crew Co

SUMMi7 is dedicated to building an inclusive ecosystem that improves lives by promoting authentic leadership, mindfulness, and sustainable business practices.

Eric Strafel is Vice President of Supplier Management at Boeing as well as President & CEO at Aviall, A Boeing Company.

Eric holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Binghamton University.

He sits on the Board of Directors of the Texas Diversity Council and the Irving Chamber of Commerce. He is an active and engaged father and husband living in Texas with his wife and three children. Eric enjoys the outdoors, staying fit, and maintaining a wellness mindset.

Eric is a global leader with a proven international track record including leadership and project management experience in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

As a purpose-driven leader and innovator, Eric is collaborative and adaptable with a wealth of experience building and scaling inclusive teams that can grow to meet increasing demands while working effectively across borders.

In addition to his leadership positions at Boeing, Eric is the founder of SUMMi7, a leadership development group dedicated to building a more inclusive business environment that allows entrepreneurs, startups, and Fortune 500 companies to lead, innovate, and scale with purpose.

Learn more about Eric here.

Judson Garrett is a passionate educator and executive with 15+ years’ experience dedicated to leadership development, entrepreneurial innovation, and collaborative learning. Born in Baltimore and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, Judson first came to Arizona in 1991 as a student-athlete at the University of Arizona.

With a master’s degree in classical liberal arts from St. John’s College, he has gone on to teach at ASU, GCU, the Great Hearts Academies and Phoenix Country Day School. Judson has a demonstrated history of working collaboratively with a wide range of engaged learners, cutting-edge technologists, and socially aware business leaders to reimagine the relationship between individuals, organizations, and thriving societies.

Throughout his career, Judson has developed innovative approaches to enhancing student success, facilitating discourse, and expanding collaboration through public-private partnerships and community engagement. As the Chief Learning Officer at SUMMi7, Judson possesses a broad vision for the future of leadership, education, and innovation in an increasingly interdependent and entrepreneurial world.

Follow SUMMi7 on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CO+HOOTS is the largest coworking community in Arizona. It helps entrepreneurs scale by providing collaborative workspace, event space and community. CO+HOOTS is a safe space for all to grow through knowledge-sharing and risk alleviation.

Robin Bramman is the Chief Operating Officer at CO+HOOTS focused on national expansion, partnerships and programming.

Robin supports the Arizona startup ecosystem by seeking collaboration over competition with a focus on incubating opportunities for untapped and underrepresented communities.

Robin has been embedded in the startup community since CO+HOOTS opened working to support branding, communications and digital services as CEO of Brandtini (formerly Chic Branding) for startups to Fortune 100 organizations.

Robin works collaboratively with many teams to design, develop and communicate brands for business impact. Also known as The Brand Detective, Robin has a wealth of knowledge on customer insights and user experience that guides a brand to engage with their ideal client.

Robin has been fortunate to work on global rebrands, national and local startups from the World Trade Centers Association, to Parchment.com, to VitalyzeInc.com, and many local businesses like Local First Arizona and Parasilk.com.

Follow CO+HOOTS on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Original Crew Co. provides creative design, direction & management solutions to clients while collaborating with department directors to deliver final products on time and budget.

David Byrd is a cutting-edge Graphic Designer and Creative Director specializing in concept creation and brand development for business services and products.

Experienced in the development, management and execution of purpose driven design solutions that influence engagement and emotion across digital and traditional spaces, David excels at building online communities that inspire individuals from all walks of life to come together for a better world.

As a former Project Manager and Senior Graphic Designer for The RichDad Company, David is experienced at building inclusive learning ecosystems to empower learners and support the sharing of knowledge through virtual and in-person coursework.

Connect with David on LinkedIn.

Exploring Arizona Advanced Manufacturing E2

February 13, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Exploring Arizona Advanced Manufacturing E2

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Exploring Arizona Advanced Manufacturing E2

SciTech Institute was established as a nonprofit organization as a conduit for collaboration among STEM industry, academia, civic, and non-profit organizations to align assets and resources to motivate individuals to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths. Together, we will build a world-class community of diverse STEM-literate workers and knowledgeable, engaged citizens.

AZ MEP is Arizona’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership and part of the National MEP Network. AZ MEP provided business and operational excellence services to Arizona’s manufacturers. The group’s mission is to help every Arizona manufacturer to be the most successful business it can be. AZ MEP is part of the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Dave Garafano is a technology and business professional who has spent more than 25 years in product and technology development and growing highly profitable businesses in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. He as spent the last four years helping Arizona’s manufacturers develop and execute highly effective business strategies focused on accelerating top-line growth and improved profitability.

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn.

Mesa Community College is the largest college in the Maricopa Community College District.

Leah Palmer has established a proven record of transformative and innovative results with over 20 years of hands-on experience forging productive partnerships and collaborative solutions such as building pipeline partnerships for accelerated technician training for several hundred students learning electrical wiring for Aerospace companies like Boeing.

As the current Executive Director for the Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AzAMI), she has developed implementation strategies for Workforce Development connecting the talent supply with competency-based training in automation, electronics, machining, 3D printing, drafting, and welding programs effectively addressing the growing workforce demands. Her expertise is strategic planning, program design, managing change, and building a systems approach to collaboration by bringing together education resources and Industry partners.

In addition to leading AzAMI at Mesa Community College, Leah has served as the Director for Workforce and Community Partnerships building workforce training partnerships, Associate Director for Community Partnerships, with the Center for Public Policy – Engaging executive leadership, project management, resource allocation and supporting the East Valley Think Tank (EVTT) for delivering education initiatives, Grant Administrator for the Communities Learning in Partnership (CLIP) Grant – in partnership with Mesa Public Schools and the City of Mesa.

MCC spearheaded a successful drive to secure a nationally competitive Bill & Melinda Gates planning grant, resulting in a $250K planning grant as well as a $3M implementation grant over 3 years, for the purpose of instituting systemic change to enhance the college completion rate of low-income youth, ages 16 to 26. Mobilized community leaders identifying the change necessary to build a vision, direct action teams, facilitate community engagement and oversee the planning, writing, evaluation and submission of the grant final application. Additionally, Leah serves as a passionate Adjunct Faculty, in the Communications Department.

Connect with Leah on LinkedIn.

About Our Sponsor

SciTech Institute™ was established as the Arizona Technology Council Foundation as the conduit for collaboration among STEM industry, academia, civic, and non-profit organizations in Arizona. Now, rebranded and named the SciTech Institute™ the goal centers around aligning assets and resources to motivate individuals to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths or find a passion while engaged in community events during the SciTech Festival.

The Chief Science Officer program highlights the 6th-12th graders that have been selected as leaders in their schools and communities to receive training to build a world-class community of diverse STEM-literate workers and knowledgeable, engaged citizens. Science For All allows for tax credit donations to provide engaging experiences for students while RAIN (Rural Activation Innovation Network) focuses on resources for the rural areas of Arizona.

As a STEM Learning Ecosystem, SciTech Institute™ focuses on collaboration and connecting individuals with opportunities! STEM Professionals are encouraged to engage with the future workforce by serving as a mentor, leadership coach, panelist, keynote and session trainer during a variety of conferences hosted or sponsored by SciTech Institute™ and The Arizona Technology Council.

Teachers and Administrators are invited to connect with the resources available while activating a large network of STEM champions for student projects, judges at events, volunteers, exhibitors and more. SciTech Festival Event Coordinators are supported during the planning and execution of community STEM events around the state by the SciTech STREET Team Members and the growing network of volunteers. The possibilities are endless! SciTech Institute™ looks forward to connecting with you today. Visit SciTechInstitute.org today for more information.

Follow SciTech Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Your STEM Unplugged Host

After graduating from Bolivar-Richburg High School in rural western New York and joining the United States Army, Kelly Greene learned quickly to adapt to her surroundings to be successful. She attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and played shortstop on the Tiger softball team while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

After graduating from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, she traveled the world with the military. While stationed in Misawa, Japan, Kelly fell in love with learning about cultures around the world. Even as a deployed Soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom for two tours, she found opportunities to connect with the local children to form the Victory Base Council Girl Scouts with her fellow servicemen.

In 2013, she was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and traveled the country by air and had the opportunity to utilize the most advanced technologies available to the tactical HUMINT operations in theater. Upon return from combat, she retired with 21 years of service and began teaching 6th grade Math.

After being selected as a Westside Impact Teacher of the Year and having her Fiesta Bowl Charities Wish Granted for a morning news studio, she was asked to begin a new class on campus – 7th grade STEM! Using her enthusiastic nature and combined with her strong classroom management she was able to design curriculum based on the Engineering Design Process to have her 7th graders complete a new project every 2 weeks!

She is excited to serve as the Director of Student Success for the rapidly expanding Chief Science Officers Program. Her goal is to push students just a bit outside of their comfort zone so they can see for themselves the power of their own ideas.

About Your Co-Host

Chief Science Officer (CSO) Shalae Clemens is a member of the International Leadership Council and the current CSO of the Year.

She is a freshman at McClintock High School and a 3rd year CSO.

Shalae has a passion for STEM and is using her leadership skills to prepare the STEM workforce of tomorrow.

Connect with Shalae on Instagram.

Andy Rahden with Shmoop E4

February 12, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Andy Rahden with Shmoop E4

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Andy Rahden with Shmoop E4Shmoop was founded in 2009, under the concept that the idea of learning was too hard. Shmoop’s teaching method centers on the belief that students can love learning, and humor can be the catalyst of engagement. To support this, we build tools that give all students equal opportunity to succeed through easing the stress of the learning environment.

As one of the largest digital educational publishers, we have grown our Shmooper-base to over 16 million monthly learners, with over 1,200 schools and districts using our solutions.

Shmoop proudly owns 100% of our content, with an author base that boasts years of teaching experience, PhDs, and Masters program graduates.

Shmoop’s online courses, college readiness prep, award-winning test prep, and free study guides balance a teen-friendly, approachable style with academically rigorous materials.

Andy Rahden is the CEO of Shmoop.com. Andy recently moved Shmoop to Scottsdale, AZ in mid 2019 and has been hiring talent focused in tech, sales and marketing since.

Prior to Shmoop, Andy was a partner, GM, and VP at Pluralsight which is an edtech company based in SLC, UT that went Public in 2018.

While there Andy lead teams to create online learning focused on Design, Engineering , and Media & Entertainment. These technical tools are created by companies like Adobe and Autodesk.

Prior to Pluralsight Andy lead large global teams at Autodesk where he was focused on building the manufacturing business there.

Follow Shmoop on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About The Lurnist Radio Show & Podcast

Join us as we discuss the latest trends, “how to’s” and the fascinating things people are doing in the course creation business!

About Your Host

Debra Hildebrand is the Founder and CEO of The Lurnist. She has over 20 years’ experience in consulting and over 10 years in corporate training and teaching in higher education.

She is one of the architects for the Project Management Certification program at the University of Washington, where she received the Team Teaching Excellence Award and currently instructs in the online portion of the program. Additionally, she developed and currently teaches two highly popular online courses at Stanford University. She has developed and produced over 200 educational videos.

Prior to building her own business, she worked as a management consultant for a boutique consulting company in the Pacific Northwest where her role included creating successful solutions for high profile, complex, cross-functional projects in the public sector.

She earned an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York, NY and she serves on the advisory board for the University of Washington Project Management Certificate Program and is a National Mentor for SeedSpot.

About Hildebrand Solutions, DBA “The Lurnist

The Lurnist provides strategic solutions for online business startup, marketing and course creation. We provide entrepreneurs, small businesses and service professionals with coaching and training to help them build a successful and revenue generating business. We do this by providing real action steps that can be implemented right away and strategies for automating work that is slowing down progress. Our motto is SIMPLE and ACTIONABLE.

Follow The Lurnist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Rackets with Michael and Rochelle Poulton E8

February 11, 2020 by Karen

The Rackets Episode 1 with Michael and Rochelle Poulton E8

Phoenix Business Radio

The Rackets with Michael and Rochelle Poulton E8

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The Rackets with Michael and Rochelle Poulton E8

Rochelle & Mike Poulton discuss and rant about The Rackets! All the ways debt collectors take your money – from HOA fees to Student Loans and Phone Scams.

Michael is licensed to practice law in Arizona and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Federal District Courts in Arizona.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.

About This Show

Lawgitimate and its awesome guests highlight everyday financial topics including credit scores, debt management, small business, and real estate.

Lawgitimate’s goal is to raise awareness and provide the full perspective, including the legal lens attorneys use to address these complicated and fun topics.

About Your Host

Rochelle created Lawgitimate to bring in a network of awesome people to raise awareness and educate people about the litany of legal issues she faces everyday at AZCLG.

About AZCLG

The Arizona Credit Law Group, PLLC aka AZCLG is a consumer rights law firm in Tempe, AZ helping people with Credit Repair, Debt Settlement, and Bankruptcy.

We are small but mighty and love helping people get back on track financially. Learn more about us at azclg.com.