Karen, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Driving Independence through Technology E26

July 3, 2024 by Karen

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Changing the Perception of Blindness

Driving Independence through Technology E26

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Driving Independence through Technology E26

In the episode hosted by David Steinmetz, Changing the Perception of Blindness becomes a compelling journey through the evolution and impact of assistive technology. Anat Nulman and Seth Leblond join the conversation, illuminating how innovations in OCR and smartphones not only empower visually impaired individuals but also drive broader technological progress. Their emphasis on inclusive design underscores a critical shift in tech development towards accessibility from the outset, advocating for solutions that seamlessly integrate into everyday life without the need for costly retrofits. The episode’s focus on community collaboration and advocacy highlights the transformative potential of technologies like AI and wearables, dispelling myths about what’s possible for those with visual impairments and paving the way for a future where everyone benefits from inclusive design principles.

David Steinmetz and his guests envision a future where assistive technologies seamlessly merge with mainstream applications, lowering barriers and expanding opportunities for everyone. Their call for ongoing dialogue and education resonates deeply, emphasizing the need for continuous community engagement to ensure that technological advancements genuinely empower and enrich the lives of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

For nearly 75 years, Arizona Industries for the Blind has been solving complex business outsourcing services while providing a viable pathway to independence for people who are blind.
“Deploying the right technology and providing the right training AIB demonstrates that people who are blind are able to compete and be successful at work and in life,” said Steinmetz.

The Foundation for Blind Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating and nurturing the independence of blind and visually impaired persons of all ages. One of their most important core values is that blindness is a diagnosis, not a disability.

Through proper training and opportunity, they believe in helping blind and visually impaired individuals to reach their fullest potential. They serve individuals of all ages — from infants to Senior Citizens — through over a dozen programs ranging from academic, to independence, to vocational prep programs. They also boast an advanced media center capable of producing high-quality braille and tactile graphics, as well as one of the most extensive braille libraries in the United States.

Seth Leblond has been working in the field of assistive technology since 1999. During that time, he has worked as an Assistive Technology Evaluator at the International Braille and Technology Center, as a sales and support specialist at a retail store specializing in assistive technology, as a support specialist and dealer trainer for HIMS, Inc, a manufacturer of assistive technology products, and as a tech instructor at multiple training centers for the blind.

Seth also managed the Comprehensive Day Program at SAAVI Services for the Blind from 2015 through 2020. He currently serves as the Assistive Technology Coordinator for the Foundation for Blind Children, where he works to train adults in assistive technology, provides training to parents, teachers, and visually impaired students on behalf of the Center for Assistive Technology Training Program, supports students and staff at the agency with assistive technology issues, and helps to manage a grant program which is funded by Major League Baseball which aims to provide low-cost assistive technology to every visually impaired student in need in the state of Arizona.

Seth is, himself, totally blind and has been using all manner of assistive technology for decades. IN his free time, he enjoys cooking, playing the piano and various other musical instruments, swimming, reading, writing, and spending quality time with his family — especially his wife and nine-year-old son.

assistive.consulting is on a mission to help companies bring assistive technology to market, so it can support the lives of people who need it.

assistive.consulting was founded in 2023 by Anat Nulman, an assistive technology expert with 10 years of experience in the field, dedicated to helping companies in this space thrive. Anat is the principal consultant who in addition to her expertise in assistive technology, brings years of product management, product marketing, lead generation, business development leadership, sales strategies, and go-to-market expertise.

Anat has spent close to 7 years at OrCam and was one of its first employees in the US. She was instrumental in bringing a wearable OrCam MyEye to market and seeing it growing from a revolutionary device to a common household name for people who are visually impaired. At RealThing Ai, Anat created a go-to-market strategy, implemented it, developed a distribution & partner network and hired a team to manage ongoing sales.

After seeing how difficult it was for many assistive tech companies to successfully commercialize and sell their innovations, Anat made it her mission to provide specialized consulting services to these companies. We build trusted partnerships, guided by empathy, transparency and tenacity. Together, we can bring more life-changing assistive tech to those who need it most.

For the past 10+ years, Anat Nulman has worked with assistive technology (AT) for people with disabilities, with a major focus on products for people who are visually impaired. After what was meant to be temporary help with a new AT company entering the US, she discovered her passion that had changed the course of her life and her career.

In 2003, Anat founded assistive.consulting, bringing her experience in assistive technology to the table. As a principal consultant, she combines expertise in business development, go to market strategies, sales, product management, relationship management, recruiting from the community, marketing and lead generation. Anat was instrumental in the success of OrCam and RealThing Ai, driving market strategies and sales growth for groundbreaking assistive tech products. Her current clients include Envision Glasses, WeWALK Smart Cane, Ara by StrapTeach and Lighthouse Technologies Glasses to name a few.

Anat believes that the right type of technology can be an equalizer for people with different abilities in all aspects of life. Over the years, Anat has developed both professional relationships and friendships with people she serves and considers herself and ally and advocate for people with disabilities.

Connect with Anat on LinkedIn and follow assistive.consulting on Facebook.

About Your Host

As the manager of Community and Public Relations, David Steinmetz uses his expertise, education, and personal experiences to “change the perception of blindness.”

Diagnosed with RP, a blinding retinal disease, at the age of 19, David uses his personal story to drive change that leads to improved employment outcomes and community integration for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Mr. Steinmetz graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics. Additionally, Steinmetz has continued his education by graduating from the Business Management Training (BMT) program provided by Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.

In 2008, David was the national recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement award. This prestigious award recognized Mr. Steinmetz for his career achievements and community service work.

David Steinmetz is a member of the Governors’ Council on Blindness & Visual Impairments, is a Board Member at the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) and serves his community through the Chandler Lions Club.

Connect with David on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About the Show

Changing the Perception of Blindness; One Conversation at a Time is dedicated to breaking down barriers, de-mystifying blindness and promoting real world solutions that empower people who are blind to live a full and inclusive life.

Host, David Steinmetz connects with organizations, industry professionals and thought leaders who are working to bridge the gap that creates a world accessible for all.

About Arizona Industries for the Blind

Arizona Industries for the Blind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. It’s employees, more than half of whom are blind, deliver a variety of products and services, including a full-service Warehousing and Distribution Center, confidential Digital Data Scan (DDS) services for private businesses and government and the operation of Base Supply Centers located at each of Arizona’s three military bases under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Labor’s AbilityOne program.

Follow AIFB on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Expanding Footprints: Proguard’s Journey into Arizona’s Security Market

July 3, 2024 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Expanding Footprints: Proguard's Journey into Arizona's Security Market

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Expanding Footprints: Proguard’s Journey into Arizona’s Security Market

In a recent episode of Phoenix Business RadioX, Karen Nowicki hosted Proguard Security Services, highlighting their expansion into Arizona with a focus on Phoenix and Tucson. Nils Welin and J.J Amdjadi discussed Proguard’s offerings in manned guarding, security patrols, and advanced technologies, alongside their roles in expanding the company’s footprint and vision for future growth.

They addressed industry challenges including labor market fluctuations, legislative impacts on operations, and strategies for maintaining service integrity in commercial real estate. Looking forward, Proguard aims to deepen local client relationships and expand into Nevada and Washington, emphasizing community engagement, technological innovation, and client-centric service as core to their strategy.

Nils Welin is the founder and CEO of ProGuard Security Services. Over the past twenty years, Mr. Welin has started and built several successful businesses. Mr. Welin has been an early employee or founder of several different companies in a range of industries including contract security services, retail, and consumer debt collection. In addition, Mr. Welin worked for a venture capital firm undertaking due diligence work for several different investment opportunities.

Mr. Welin possesses a unique combination of entrepreneurship, strategic planning, leadership and sales and marketing skills.

Mr. Welin is the founder and owner of ProGuard Security Services. Mr. Welin leads the work for ProGuard and oversees the company’s service delivery as well as the company growth. He is actively investing in companies that operate within the security industry or related fields.

Mr. Welin is a result-oriented and strategic businessman whose insights and leadership strategies are factually supported. Business decisions are made with the support of underlying data and statistic, but never lose sight of the employees and the human aspect of the business.

Mr. Welin serves as a board member on CALSAGA. He is a committee member of the emergency preparedness committee for BOMA. Previously, Mr. Welin served as the Chairman of the board for the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) from 2006 to 2013.

He holds a BS in Finance and Economics from Lund University and a MBA from Pacific Lutheran University.

J.J.Amdjadi, Chief Revenue Officer with ProGuard Security Services, brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in law enforcement, including roles as a SWAT Operative and Narcotics Detective.

His expertise in solving intricate cases, from murder to fraud, informs his strategic approach to revenue generation and business growth. His achievements in large-scale narcotics investigations and asset forfeiture highlight his capability in handling complex operations.

As a certified Hi-Rise Fire Safety Director and instructor of nonviolent crisis intervention, alongside NERT certification, Mr. Amdjadi’s multifaceted skill set is integral to leading our company’s market and client development efforts.

Follow ProGuard Security Services on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51

July 2, 2024 by Karen

AZ TechCast

Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51

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Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51

This episode of AZ TechCast explores cybersecurity’s pivotal role and AI’s transformative impact, hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki. Guests Mark Dallmeier, JR Garcia, and Helen Patton emphasize proactive cybersecurity strategies and the dual nature of AI in enhancing threat detection while posing governance challenges. They also discuss AI’s influence on education, stressing ethical guidelines and the need for continuous adaptation in evolving job markets.

Overall, the episode urges organizations to integrate robust cybersecurity measures and embrace AI innovation responsibly across sectors.

MARS is a Huntsville Alabama based technology company and developer of MARS Suite, an integrated suite of modern cyber technologies designed to combat the latest cyber-attacks and preserve businesses’ ability to operate in regulated industries. The company partners with a national network of MSPs, MSSPs, and various Platform and Industry partners to provide security and compliance as-a-service and solutions to organizations operating in heavily regulated industries.

Over the last 27 years Mark Dallmeier has co-founded multiple technology and consulting companies, and has held various Senior Executive, C Level, and Advisory Board positions within cyber, risk, compliance technology and consulting services companies.

He is currently the President and CEO of MARS Suite, Inc. and is responsible for launching their innovative MARS Suite platform into the market. Over the last 15 years Mr. Dallmeier has held SVP and CSO/CMO roles at BishopFox, Vertek, MSS BTA, and Avertium (formerly Terra Verde Security).

Previously Mr. Dallmeier was the CEO of The ROBB Group, an innovative provider of corporate revenue growth and transformation management consulting services to early stage and Fortune 500 companies. During that time, he also co-founded Channel Savvy a technology channel consulting company that was purchased by Avnet in 2010.

Today Mr. Dallmeier actively publishes research, speaks and facilitates workshops and panels on cybersecurity, risk, compliance, and corporate transformation topics.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

A technology company, Cisco powers an inclusive future for all.

Helen Patton is a strategic cybersecurity advisor at Cisco. Previously she served as a CISO for the Cisco Security Business Group, and an Advisory CISO, providing strategic insights to the security community. She was the CISO at The Ohio State University and spent ten years in risk and resiliency at JPMorganChase.

Helen actively encourages cybersecurity collaboration across and within industries, to enable better information security and privacy practices. She believes in improving diversity and inclusion in the cyber workforce, and mentors people interested in pursuing careers in security, privacy and risk management. She advocates for more naps and is anti-bagpipes.

Helen has a Master’s degree in Public Policy. She serves on various cybersecurity advisory boards, and is faculty for the Educause Leadership Institute, a committee member for the Cybersecurity Canon, and a cyber risk instructor at the Ohio State University. Helen is a blogger and the author of “Navigating the Cybersecurity Career Path”.

Connect with Helen on LinkedIn and X.

One of the fastest-growing IT consultancies in the USA. ANM provides innovative solutions and expert engineering to large and mid-sized organizations. Their dedicated team designs, implements, and supports IT solutions in risk mitigation, enterprise infrastructure and digital transformation.

ANM is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM and has offices in Casper, WY; Denver, CO; El Paso, TX; and Scottsdale, AZ. They enjoy a 98.6% customer satisfaction rating, as well as excellent employee and customer retention rates.

JR Garcia, Director of Solutions Engineering at ANM leads the solutions engineering teams in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, focusing on core network, data center, and security architectures.

His expertise lies in managing technical design, strategy, presales, and resource planning for network and security solutions. JR has received several accolades for his exceptional leadership, including the Excellence in Leadership Award, being recognized as the CRN Next-Gen Solutions Provider Leader in 2022, and part of the President’s Club in 2023.

Follow ANM on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

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.

Community Support in Action: Treasures 4 Teachers’ Role in Arizona’s Education Landscape

July 2, 2024 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Community Support in Action: Treasures 4 Teachers' Role in Arizona's Education Landscape

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Community Support in Action: Treasures 4 Teachers’ Role in Arizona’s Education Landscape

In a recent Phoenix Business RadioX episode, Karen Nowicki hosted Treasures 4 Teachers, celebrating their 20-year legacy in Tempe, Arizona. Kami Galvani, Joy Klein, and Christopher Cordes discussed the organization’s pivotal role in alleviating financial burdens on teachers amid Arizona’s education funding challenges, stressing the community’s crucial role in sustaining their mission.

These efforts underscore Treasures 4 Teachers’ ongoing dedication to enhancing educational environments despite funding constraints, showcasing their community-driven impact and enduring commitment to supporting educators and students alike.

Treasures 4 Teachers has been an educational resource hub in Tempe, Arizona, since 2003. Our mission is to provide educational supplies to teachers and students from the community’s reusable resources.

Through a resources store in Tempe and West Phoenix, along with our mobile program T4T on Wheels, we serve 8000 teachers and 250,000 students yearly.

Joy Klein is delighted to become the Executive Director of Treasures 4 Teachers. Not only is this career opportunity a great fit with Joy’s skills and experience, but it also continues Joy’s desire to serve in positions where she can have a positive impact on others.

Joy is an Ohio native and completed her undergraduate work at Cleveland State University in Political Science and minor in Women’s Studies. While at Cleveland State, Joy was involved in student government, campus activities and was appointed the student representative to the Cleveland State Board of Trustees for two years. In 1998, Joy began her studies at Arizona State University and received a Master of Public Administration in 2001.

Joy’s professional career has included working for Arizona State University, Kent State University, and private postsecondary colleges. In addition, Joy was the Scholarship Administrator for the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation where she directed the scholarship program for the ten-campus community college district. In addition, Joy served as the Senior Director of Education and Scholarships for the Arizona Community Foundation.

In this role, Joy was responsible for the educational grant-making and scholarship program, including partnerships with nonprofits, corporations, and donors throughout the state. Most recently, Joy served as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children – Phoenix, establishing the chapter in Phoenix from the ground up to support paid professional mentors for youth in the Roosevelt School District.

Her volunteer work has included the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Hospice of the Valley and becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. These professional and personal engagements have provided Joy with many opportunities to be of service to others through compassionate listening, care, and support.

Joy has been married to her wonderful husband, Chris, for 26 years and is the proud mother to Kale and Bayley. She is tender to numerous creatures big and small including lizards, tortoises, parakeets, cats and dogs.

Connect with Joy on LinkedIn.

Christopher Cordes feels privileged to connect our passionate supporters to the educational impacts their giving makes possible. He has led fundraising and development strategy for many years.

Prior to joining Treasures 4 Teachers he drove development efforts at Valley of the Sun United Way, Banner Health Foundation, and Pat Tillman Foundation. The son of two teachers and a long line of educators, he knows the critical importance of elevating these professionals.

Cordes enjoys spending time with his wife Colleen, their twin boys, and their daughter. A native and fifth-generation Arizonan, he enjoys tennis, golf, fly fishing, and exploring the outdoors. He is a two-time graduate of Arizona State University, most recently earning a Master of Nonprofit Leadership & Management (MNLM) degree. Go, Devils!

Kami Galvani graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Political Science and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona College of Law where she was an editor on the Arizona Law Review. She recently obtained a Professional Certificate in Sustainability Strategy and Studies from the Arizona State University School of Sustainability and WP Carey School of Business.

In addition to her role at T4T, Kami also worked with the Phoenix Green Business Leader program to certify her employees as Green Business Leaders. She spent over a decade as the chair of her firm’s Community Services Committee and was responsible for coordinating service projects, fundraising activities, and collections of in-kind donations for local and national charities.

She currently serves on the Site Council and the Board of the Association of Parents and Teachers at Cherokee Elementary School and is the Staff Hospitality Chair of the APT at Cocopah Middle School.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Kami enjoys spending time in the mountains and outdoors. She enjoys long-distance running, live music, creating art, gardening, and spending time with her husband, daughter, twin sons, and pets.

Follow Treasures 4 Teachers on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Fostering Psychological Safety and Accountability E42

June 24, 2024 by Karen

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Phoenix Business Radio

Fostering Psychological Safety and Accountability E42

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Fostering Psychological Safety and Accountability E42

On the “Culture Crush Business Podcast,” host Kindra Maples introduces Jonathan Bennett, an executive coach from ClearlyThen Inc., and Amy Looper, CEO of Resilient Growth. They delve into the evolving acceptance of mental health discussions in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of bridging generational gaps in leadership understanding and addressing employee needs.

During the interview, Jonathan and Amy explored the challenges of fostering psychological safety and accountability in organizations. They both acknowledge the resistance from some leaders, who often view these initiatives as peripheral to core business goals.

The episode makes it clear that transforming leadership and organizational commitment is essential to creating workplaces where employees feel safe, valued, and motivated to do their best. This is a great episode to listen to if you are interested in the importance of building cultures that are safe and strong.

Jonathan Bennett, C.Dir., provides sought-after leadership coaching and strategic counsel to CEOs, executive teams, politicians, and boards of directors across Canada. With experience in urban, rural, remote, and First Nations communities, Jonathan’s expertise is in social purpose business strategy, governance, branding, change, and communications.

Prior to coaching, Jonathan Bennett founded Laridae, a management consulting and training firm that helps non-profit and public sector organizations soar. Laridae has now served more than 200 clients. As its first CEO, Jonathan grew Laridae from a start up to a leading firm in its space—Laridae is a proud B Corp.

Jonathan is a Special Graduate Faculty in Trent University’s M.A. Sustainability Studies Graduate Program. An experienced director, he serves on two privately held, corporate boards: Accerta and CashCo Financial, and is Board Chair of a local non-profit, Peterborough Community Health Centre. He is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and is a Chartered Director (C.Dir.). Previously, he has served terms as Chair of the Board of Directors of Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) and the Kawartha Haliburton CAS, and served two terms as a Board Director for the Writers’ Trust of Canada.

A widely published and award-winning writer, Jonathan is the author of seven books. Born in Vancouver, grew up in Sydney, Australia, Jonathan lives with his family in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn.

Amy Leigh Looper is a highly sought-after global speaker on resilience and has empowered and trained thousands of people across the globe on how to release their fear, self-doubt, and anxiety to unleash their greatest potential. Your audience will feel empowered, heard, and understood as Amy shares relatable experiences and tactical tips to help all levels of leaders thrive in uncertainty.

Amy founded Resilient Growth, a personal development company headquartered in the Phoenix, AZ area after overcoming many challenges and adversities in life. After experiencing anxiety, birth trauma, and emotional abuse, her nervous system started to deteriorate leaving her exhausted and drained.

Amy didn’t allow any of these circumstances to hold her back. Instead, she leaned on her faith over fear to guide her wisdom, she healed her mind and body connection for high performance and turned her pain into a purpose-filled mission to empower others to heal subconscious patterns that no longer serve them, and build their resilience to increase overall well-being.

Amy works with global clients such as Dell Technologies, Deloitte, Vonage, and Outreach.io. She’s on a mission to help high-achieving professionals shift from chronic stress to discover how to increase their resilience skills to navigate change, challenge, and uncertainty.

In 2022, Amy released her first book, “Leading Motherhood: Surrendering To Faith Over Fear From The Delivery Room To Board Room” and plans to release “Resilient Growth” in early 2025. She’s certified by the AZ Trauma Institute.

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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.

Thank you for our Sponsor!

This episode is sponsored by Gateway Bank, a community bank in Arizona that specializes in serving small businesses across the Valley and the country.

When you work with Gateway, you don’t have to call an 800 number for support, or submit your loan application and wait weeks or months for an answer. You get fast, personal service from a team who knows you and cares about you.

When Gateway was founded in 2007, the team had a vision of building a hometown bank that prioritizes people over profits. Over 15 years later, they’re proud to still be one of the highest-performing AND highest-rated community banks around.

Whether you need a loan or banking services for your business, Gateway is here to help. Visit gcbaz.com/culturecrush for details and a free consultation with bank President James Christensen.

All loans subject to approval. Member FDIC.

Your Business Can Grow with Local SEO! E47

June 17, 2024 by Karen

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Arizona Good Business

Your Business Can Grow with Local SEO! E47

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Your Business Can Grow with Local SEO! E47

Join host Thomas Barr on an inspiring episode of Arizona Good Business as he sits down with Isaac and Kim from LocalFi, a cutting-edge digital marketing company specializing in SEO. Dive into their discussion on the power of enhancing opportunities for local businesses to thrive online!

In this interview, you’ll hear incredible success stories from LocalFi’s portfolio, like Flancer’s, which thrived during the pandemic, and the nonprofit One Tree Planted, which saw a significant boost in donations and tree plantings thanks to an optimized online presence. Get practical SEO tips for your small business, from optimizing Google My Business profiles to creating compelling content.

Learn the top opportunities small businesses have to get found online, and drive the attention you need in an evolving digital world.

At LocalFi: SEO Digital Marketing Agency, they strive to help communities grow & thrive by providing business owners the freedom to focus on what those clients do best. LocalFi focuses on the marketing & driving customers so their clients can focus on their true passion.

They believe businesses are the cornerstone of every great community & their focus is to help THOSE businesses thrive. As an Arizona based company, they achieve this by getting their clients the most prime real estate online through the power of Local SEO & Website SEO. Their systemized SEO process allows them to drive quality leads & a higher ROI than any other marketing channel.

If business owners are ready to grow their business & make a bigger impact, go to LocalFi’s website to schedule a Free Discovery Call!

Isaac Navias is a man driven by a lifelong mission to create freedom, build business, and foster community.

Isaac’s journey began at Target, where he worked as an Executive HR after college. But his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to leave the corporate world behind in pursuit of his true passion: starting his own business. He found his calling in local marketing and SEO, using platforms like Google Maps to help local businesses grow and thrive.

With a deep understanding of systems and people, Isaac built LocalFi, a company focused on driving customers to local businesses. The results have been astounding—millions of views and thousands of new customers for his clients every month. LocalFi has grown exponentially, serving clients from across the country and becoming a force for good in local communities.

Through LocalFi, Isaac has discovered a powerful truth: that systems create freedom. By systemizing his business, he’s ensured that his success can be replicated, allowing him and others to live the LocalFi Lifestyle—a life of freedom, adventure, and community impact.

Meet Kim Coates, a former Veterinary Technician who found her calling as an entrepreneur, thanks to her keen eye for systems and a drive to succeed.

Kim spent eight years as a Vet Tech, but the long hours and low pay started to wear her down. After a life-saving surgery in 2016 to fix her heart, she faced a difficult recovery. With two steel bars in her chest, her work as a Vet Tech became quite challenging. But her partner, Isaac, had an idea that would change her life. He created a website to kickstart her new venture in pet-sitting, giving her the freedom to set her own schedule and build her own success.

This was just the beginning of Kim’s entrepreneurial journey. In 2018, she decided to start transitioning out of the veterinary field to create a business with Isaac, LocalFi, a local marketing and SEO company. Her knack for creating efficient systems and streamlining processes played a critical role in LocalFi’s growth and success.

Kim’s skills helped the company expand its reach across more than 70 different industries all over the United States, bringing new clients and opportunities. Kim’s transition to entrepreneurship wasn’t just about leaving her old job—it was about finding a new way to live and work on her terms, while making a positive impact on the local businesses she was able to help.

Working as the COO of LocalFi, she’s able to empower her Team & help her clients focus on what they do best and the reason they went into business in the first place!

Follow LocalFi on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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.

Fund Your Business for the Future E46

June 17, 2024 by Karen

Fund-Your-Business-for-the-Future-feature

Arizona Good Business

Fund Your Business for the Future E46

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Fund Your Business for the Future E46

In this episode of Arizona Good Business, Jason Lowry, with Local First Arizona, and Melissa Harlan, owner of Drink Me Tea Room in Tempe discuss opportunities for local businesses to access the Green Loan Fund.

Melissa shares her journey becoming a small business owner. Despite the challenges of opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, her tea room has flourished, providing a unique, allergen-friendly tea experience in a modern, Instagram-worthy setting. Jason highlights the challenges small businesses face in accessing capital and the solutions provided by Local First Arizona’s Green Loan Fund and green initiatives.

Drink Me Tea Room is now a green certified company with Local First, which has positively impacted her bottom line and helped her project a savings of 90,000 gallons of water a year!

The episode concludes by encouraging businesses to engage with the Green Business programs at Local First to achieve sustainability goals and enhance their community impact.

Tune in to learn how your business can access low interest financing to invest in sustainable infrastructure for your company, and sustain your business for the future!

Drink Me! Tea Room is an inclusive, sustainable haven for tea enthusiasts. With an emphasis on organic teas, vegan & gluten-free food, and specialty cocktails, they offer a joyful experience to share with your favorite people.

Their organic tea selection is ethically and sustainably sourced. The menu caters to various dietary challenges and allergies, is 100% vegan and gluten-free, all house made and delicious!

Tea-infused cocktails provide a unique twist, blending our delightful tea blends with locally distilled spirits. Sustainability is one of their core values, with eco-friendly packaging, composting and Green Business certification. The tea room fosters inclusivity and celebration, creating a warm, welcoming space for all.

Over her career, Melissa Harlan has worked for some of the top companies known for their customer experience, including Disney, Southwest Airlines and Verizon.

She knows how important attention to detail is in creating an outstanding and unforgettable experience.

Now retired from spreadsheets and head counts, Melissa puts all her detail-focused talent into ensuring guests have an amazingly immersive time at Drink Me! Tea Room.

Follow Drink Me! Tea Room on LinkedIn and Instagram.

For 20 years, Local First Arizona’s mission has been focused on building equitable systems for Arizona’s small businesses, rural, and tribal communities to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Arizona economy. As North America’s largest coalition of locally owned businesses, we are constantly exploring new ways to support small businesses in reducing their environmental impact and future-proofing their businesses.

Jason Lowry received his master’s in Sustainable Communities from Northern Arizona University. After graduation, he worked as a community organizer for 9 years in Texas and Arizona.

Since joining Local First Arizona in 2022 as the Director of Sustainability Initiatives, Jason has worked to increase the reach and impact of Local First Arizona’s statewide sustainability programs — the Green Business Boot Camp, Green Business Certification, and Green Lending Products, which support businesses and rural communities to save money by adopting sustainable practices.

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

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.

CFO with a Biology Degree? E12

June 11, 2024 by Karen

Financial Footsteps

CFO with a Biology Degree? E12

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CFO with a Biology Degree? E12

In this episode of “Financial Footsteps’ Candid Conversations with Financial Leaders,” host Chad Dean interviews Arvind Bobra, CFO of Lesson, who shares his career journey from his roots in Arizona to his initial foray into investment banking and his pursuit of an MBA at Columbia University. Arvind highlights the challenges he faced balancing demanding work hours with personal health and the importance of networking and non-academic experiences in New York City.

Arvind discusses his career transitions, including the impact of the 2007 financial crisis, his move to Globe Specialty Metals, and his appreciation for the intersection of finance, accounting, and operations. He emphasizes the value of problem-solving skills, strategic networking, and passionate career pursuits, crediting key mentors at Axon for shaping his leadership style. Arvind’s journey underscores the importance of continuous learning and leading by example, culminating in his current role as CFO where he fosters a positive culture.

Lessen is a property services technology platform providing repair, maintenance, and project work to residential and commercial property portfolio owners. Residential maintenance services include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, site inspection, and in-house technician management.

Commercial maintenance includes reactive, recurring, and speciality services across more than 55 trades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, building maintenance, landscaping, snow and ice management, preventative mainteance, asset management, and capital planning.

Arvind Bobra is the CFO of Lessen, Inc where he leads the Finance & Human Resources functions. He brings a solid execution track record and extensive finance leadership experience, particularly through driving expanding profitability amid rapid growth.

He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Finance at Axon Enterprise (NASDAQ:AXON), where he led financial planning & analysis, product finance, commercial finance, and treasury.

In his eight year tenure at Axon, Mr. Bobra served in a variety of finance roles, including investor relations, and built critical functions and processes that helped scale the company’s revenue from $200 million to $1.2 billion, supported by a SaaS business that grew from less than $20 million to more than $500 million in annual recurring revenue.

Prior to Axon, he spent five years as Director of Finance & Business development at Ferroglobe PLC (formerly Globe Specialty Metals), where he played a critical role in the execution of the company’s growth strategy, including its IPO and four subsequent acquisitions.

Mr. Bobra began his career at Lazard LLC in Mergers & Acquisitions. He holds a BA from the University of Chicago and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

In his free time, Mr. Bobra enjoys playing tennis, yoga,and skiing. He and his wife Praveena have 2 boys Neeyam (12) and Nirvan (7).

Connect with Arvind on LinkedIn.

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.

Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50

June 4, 2024 by Karen

AZ TechCast

Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50

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Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50

In the 50th episode of Az TechCast, Karen Nowicki and Paisley Coxsey host a discussion on government contracting with Lisa Rehurek, Jenny Servo, and Sonia Vohnout, highlighting the nuances of state and local contracts, SBIR, and STTR programs. Lisa, Jenny, and Sonia stress the need for targeted research, understanding requirements, and proving technology feasibility, debunking misconceptions and outlining opportunities and challenges. The conversation provided insight to the nuanced application process and highlighting the strategic approach necessary for success in securing both government contracts and funding.

Dive into to unlock expert insights on government contracting and funding programs.

The RFP Success Company helps small and mid-sized businesses bid on state government RFPs.

Lisa Rehurek is a kind, spunky, rule-breaking entrepreneur who thrives on creatively pushing past fear, taking risks, chasing audacious goals, and inspiring others to do the same.

She is the founder & CEO of The RFP Success Company, an impactful seven-figure business that helps small certified diverse and mid-market businesses secure millions of dollars in state government contracts.

Lisa is among the top 2% of women business owners, as well as a best-selling author, speaker, trainer and podcast host. Her new book, Winning in State Government: A Roadmap for RFP Success in 2023, is being released this fall.

Lisa recently led her company to be named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies in America.

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn.

For over 30 years, Dawnbreaker has provided commercialization assistance to small, advanced technology firms that have received funding through the Small Business Innovation (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Organized around three centers, Dawnbreaker’s market research team develops hundreds of high, quality market research reports annually in fields as diverse as fusion, isotope separators, sustainable aviation, trauma induced coagulopathy and the use of AI to enhance weather predictions.

The business strategist team serves as coaches at every part of the commercialization spectrum: with companies that are applying for their first Small Business Innovation Research award as well as successful graduates of the SBIR/STTR programs that need a manufacturing assessment to help them scale up production. Dawnbreaker Design, the award- winning marketing communications department, assists companies develop and enhance their face to their potential customers and partners.

Since 1990 Dawnbreaker has provided commercialization mentoring and support to over 10,000 SBIR and STTR awardees. Cumulatively these firms have received more than $2.5B in Phase III funding. The company has worked closely with many of the federal agencies and offers Train-the-Trainer services to organizations that wish to enhance their ability to support advanced technology development within their community utilizing the SBIR/STTR programs.

Dr. Jenny C. Servo, the founder and President of Dawnbreaker® has more than 30 years of experience in the management of government contracts and in the design of programs for highly creative individuals. Change has been an on-going focus in her efforts with “transformational entrepreneurs”.

Cognizant of both the objectives and budget constraints of each federal customer, Dr. Servo combines the best practices from instructional design and change management to the development of unique programs to fill each customer’s objectives. Each program developed for Federal and state agencies are distinct and contain within them variations that address the heterogeneity of the companies participating in each program.

Dr. Servo prescribes to the policy of “management by objectives” and has been responsible for ensuring that program process and outcome match agency expectations for all programs across multiple agencies.

Since 1990 companies that have worked with Dawnbreaker through a government sponsored program have cumulatively received in excess of $2.5B in Phase III funding. Dawnbreaker has been recognized for its contributions, as well as its own growth and principles by the Tibbetts Award received in 2002, the Rochester Top 100 award in 2005 and 2008, the Rochester Business Ethics Award in 2009, the Best Place to Work Award in 2014 and Small Business Champion Award in 2018.

Dr. Servo is an avid writer and readily conveys best practices in innovation and entrepreneurship in innovation and entrepreneurship in books, articles and magazines on these topics. Most recently Jenny led the team that developed the report entitled “Women’s Inclusion in Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program” released by the National Women’s Business Council in August, 2020. Dr Servo also serves on the Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee (IIEAC) to the Small Business Administration.

Follow Dawnbreaker on X.

OppsSpot provides consulting services for start-ups and small technology companies looking to commercialize their ideas through strategic partnering and Federal funds.

Specializing in the SBIR / STTR program and Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) services.

Sonia Vohnout is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in executive management and senior technical roles. With a background in co-founding successful ventures, she boasts nearly two decades of expertise in the SBIR/STTR program.

Sonia has consistently demonstrated her ability to contribute to the development, submission, and successful funding of proposals, employing a comprehensive “systems engineering” approach to enhance their quality and competitiveness.

Her impact in the SBIR/STTR space extends to consulting services, where she has played a pivotal role in helping startups and small businesses secure tens of millions of dollars in federal funding.

Recognized as a leading consultant, Sonia brings a depth of experience in commercialization strategies, forging strong relationships with small businesses, industry stakeholders, research institutions, state organizations, and incubators.

Her collaborative approach translates innovative ideas into tangible realities, reflecting her success in the field. Sonia holds a B.S and M.S in Systems Engineering from the University of Arizona, providing a solid academic foundation for her professional journey.

Connect with Sonia 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.

Paisley Coxsey is a marketing contractor with the AZ Technology Council. She has 10+ years experience in the tech industry, working at an AZ based SaaS company.

During her tenure she has used her marketing and sales expertise to help grow multiple product offerings and services. She has a passion for helping businesses grow and reach new heights, and loves to meet with business owners to discuss what they can do to achieve their goals.

When she is not working with AZTC or helping small businesses grow, she can be found hanging out with her dog or niece!

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.