Karen, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Empowering Small Business Owners: Tax Strategies and Philanthropic Opportunities

February 29, 2024 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Empowering Small Business Owners: Tax Strategies and Philanthropic Opportunities

00:00 /

Empowering Small Business Owners: Tax Strategies and Philanthropic Opportunities

In this engaging podcast, Karen Nowicki discusses proactive tax planning and charitable contributions for small business owners with Aldo Aprile, a CPA, and Donna Rodgers from the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Aldo emphasizes the importance of year-round tax advice and planning for small business owners, including Arizona tax credits, while Donna sheds light on the community-centric mission of Saint Vincent de Paul, urging listeners to contribute and get involved. The conversation touches on financial literacy, personal passions, and the significance of fostering connections for positive impacts in both personal and professional realms.

Get inspired by Aldo and Donna’s stories of personal passion and community involvement, and learn how you can make a positive impact through financial planning and charitable giving.

Aprile CPA: Your boutique accounting partner dedicated to boosting your profits and slashing your taxes.

Aldo Aprile, an ASU grad who’s been in the CPA game since 2004 (yes, that long), has a knack for turning financial gibberish into plain English.

He’s the go-to for business owners who’d rather not use their financial statements as just coffee coasters.

Follow Aprile CPA on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

St. Vincent de Paul – Phoenix provides services in Central and Northern Arizona to feed, clothe, house and heal those in need. Its mission is twofold–to help people who are struggling and to provide an opportunity for people to help others.

Programs and services include charity dining rooms, food boxes, a medical and dental clinic, housing, homelessness response and prevention, and thrift stores across the valley.

In addition to serving those in need, St. Vincent de Paul believes that strong community engagement and meaningful service opportunities create a stronger and more vibrant community for all.

Donna Rodgers worked 23 years in the legal field during which she was a paralegal as well as assisting attorneys with educating the public on legal issues, specifically elder law and estate planning.

After serving on boards of several nonprofits, including those focused on helping seniors and those experiencing food insecurity, she felt true fulfillment in helping others in need and made the decision to change careers. She has worked in the nonprofit field since 2006 with the last nearly 11 years at St. Vincent de Paul.

Follow St. Vincent de Paul on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

The Power of Passion E10

February 29, 2024 by Karen

Financial Footsteps

The Power of Passion E10

00:00 /

The Power of Passion E10

In the podcast episode of Financial Footsteps, host Chad Dean introduces Scott Magnano, the former CFO of Medicx Health, highlighting his extensive experience in accounting and finance.

Scott Magnano emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, continuous learning, and adapting in the financial industry. He shares insights into his career journey, advocating for transparency, authenticity, and a broader understanding of FP&A’s value beyond accounting roles. Reflecting on his transition from banking to health industries, Magnano emphasizes the transferability of finance skills across sectors and advises young professionals not to limit themselves to one field.

Listen to the full interview with Scott Magnano on Financial Footsteps to gain valuable insights into building a successful career in finance.

Scott does an incredible job of describing the source of his passion and his drive to succeed. A great listen for anyone who has an interest in achieving greatness in anything – not just Finance!

Founded in 2006, Medicx is a leading omnichannel marketing and analytics company. Trusted by over 61 pharmaceutical manufacturers, 154 brands, and over 35 world-class media agencies, Medicx uses patented geo-targeting and HIPAA compliant deterministic identity resolution technologies to improve ROI on digital advertising programs.

Their solutions for pharmaceutical campaign planning, execution, measurement and optimization maximize brand impact by connecting the entire customer journey with an omnichannel engaged experience. In October 2023, Medicx was acquired by OptimizeRx.

Scott Magnano currently serves as Advisor to OptimizeRx (NASDAQ: OPRX) after their acquisition of Medicx Health in October 2023. Scott joined Medicx Health in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer and was responsible for setting and executing a complete financial turnaround that delivered record-setting topline growth and increased EBITDA from break-even to 20+%, leading to the company’s successful acquisition for $95M. Scott gained his footing as an executive leader early in his career while progressing through various roles and industries, including insurance, cybersecurity software, and banking. Scott is known for his versatility, deep understanding of financial operations, and his propensity for pushing the limits of business performance by leveraging financial data, his proven strategic mindset, and his exceptional ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.

Prior to joining Medicx, Scott served as Assistant Vice President – Financial Planning and Analysis for CNA National Warranty Corporation, where he championed a newly created role to build out the company’s first-ever FP&A organization. Under his leadership, Scott’s team unlocked and leveraged key insights that led to a $30M boost in profitability for the $430M business unit. Additionally, Scott recognized an opportunity to create a quasi-loan program that not only generated $7M in new revenue with double-digit margins but also strengthened strategic partnerships and stifled competition.

Of the many ways Scott has created significant value for the organizations he has served is his ability to develop, implement, and leverage robust systems to create invaluable financial data and insights where they didn’t previously exist in order to guide informed strategic and tactical planning that, without fail, has driven growth and profitability to unprecedented levels time and again.

Earlier in his career, Scott worked for multiple publicly-traded insurance companies as Regional Financial Officer, Director of Finance, and Director, Financial Planning and Analysis. Among his numerous accomplishments during this time, Scott increased profitability 4pts on 20% of all premiums at The Travelers Companies Inc. after conceiving a game-changing tiered agency segmentation model, set a strategic acquisition strategy to grow book transfer premiums by 50% at The Hanover Insurance Group, where he was also responsible for a $610M P&L, and sparked an operational redesign creating $20M in operating efficiencies at The Hartford Financial Service Group.

Scott is a graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Eastern Connecticut State University, where he was an avid soccer player. Scott currently resides in the greater Phoenix metro area and enjoys spending time with his family, supporting his children’s youth athletics activities, traveling, and playing golf.

Connect with Scott 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.

I am a Fixer E9

February 27, 2024 by Karen

Financial Footsteps

I am a Fixer E9

00:00 /

I am a Fixer E9

In this episode, Chad Dean interviews Jack Spitzer, CFO of Plexus Worldwide, revealing Spitzer’s journey from customer service to finance leadership, marked by resilience and continuous learning. Spitzer’s emphasis on efficiency and self-awareness offers guidance for aspiring professionals, while his insights on mentorship and technology highlight the evolving landscape of finance.

Spitzer’s anecdotes provide valuable lessons on hard work, mentorship, and embracing challenges, underscoring the importance of building meaningful relationships and seeking growth opportunities in the financial realm. As a seasoned leader, Spitzer’s narrative inspires listeners to pursue their financial careers with determination, continuous learning, and a passion for problem-solving, ensuring limitless possibilities for growth and impact.

Share this episode with your network to spread the knowledge and inspiration to others pursuing careers in finance.

Jack Spitzer gives advice that not only pertains to someone looking to obtain an executive level title in business but also to LIFE ITSELF! And Jack’s delivery is so down to earth and easy to listen to.

Founded in Gut Heath. Experts in Microbiome. Plexus Worldwide, headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, is a leading health and wellness company featuring products that enable people to improve their lives and well-being.

With hundreds of thousands of independent business owners (“Brand Ambassadors”) worldwide, Plexus is among the top 30 largest direct sales companies globally, according to Direct Selling News. Plexus products and opportunities help individuals meet their health and financial goals. For more information about the company, visit www.plexusworldwide.com.

Jack Spitzer joined Plexus® Worldwide in 2018 and currently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer. With over 25 years of experience spanning various industries, Jack has dedicated his career to finance transformation, efficiency, automation, and process improvement. He is deeply passionate about fostering continuous improvement, nurturing a positive culture, and building high-performance teams.

Before his tenure at Plexus, Jack served as the VP of Finance at Isagenix International, headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona. During his time there, the company experienced exponential growth, nearly tripling its revenue to $1 billion within five years. Prior to Isagenix, Jack spent 15 years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, a Fortune 500 company, where he held diverse roles encompassing Finance, Accounting, Six Sigma, and IT.

At Starwood, Jack was the Head of Global Treasury Operations, where he oversaw Treasury, Merchant Services, and Corporate Receivables across 110 countries. During his tenure, Starwood transitioned from a small North America REIT to a globally recognized hotel operator, culminating in its acquisition by Marriott for $13 billion. In recognition of his team’s outstanding achievements in finance automation projects, Jack’s team received the prestigious Adam Smith Award from Treasury Today in London in 2010.

Jack holds an MBA from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Management from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jack enjoys spending quality time with his family, exploring new destinations through travel, and indulging in his passion for reading, particularly on topics like space exploration and leadership.

Follow Plexus® Worldwide on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Financial Footsteps

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 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

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

AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47

February 27, 2024 by Karen

AI-Powered-Marketing-Ethics-Efficiency-and-Innovation-feature

AZ TechCast

AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47

00:00 /

AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47

The latest episode of AZ TechCast hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki, explores AI’s impact on marketing with guests Stephen Carradini from ASU, Renee Yeager from Yeager Marketing, and Spencer Lee from Intero Digital, emphasizing ethical considerations and regulatory challenges. Spencer and Stephen predict significant changes in digital marketing strategies and job opportunities due to AI in the next 5-7 years. The conversation underscores the need for businesses to navigate ethical and legal complexities while embracing AI’s transformative potential in marketing.

Discover actionable tips for integrating AI into your marketing efforts by listening to this episode

This episode highlights AI’s improvements in data analysis, content creation, and curation speed, leading to labor savings and increased client satisfaction. Spencer stresses the importance of integrating AI to enhance productivity, while Renee discusses challenges like skill development and privacy concerns. Stephen and Steve Zylstra predict significant changes in marketing strategies and job opportunities, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the evolving AI landscape.

Founded in 2009, Yeager Marketing is a Phoenix-based marketing agency that helps the world’s leading B2B technology companies streamline customer acquisition and accelerate growth. Tech is fast-moving and highly competitive. To excel in this environment requires the right mix of long-term strategy and near-term efficiency.

Yeager works with marketers across disciplines – from brand and messaging to content development to campaigns – to deliver differentiating go-to-market initiatives that help them engage target audiences. By leveraging practical, goal-oriented methods, coupled with tried and tested marketing strategies, award-winning creative implementation, and superior technology capabilities, Yeager delivers real results that are measurable and directly impact their client’s bottom line.

Renee Yeager is a visionary leader who empowers both her clients and teams to transcend the ordinary and reach for the extraordinary. Through her innovative approach, she crafts award-winning marketing solutions that deliver impactful business outcomes for companies across the technology landscape. Renee’s transformative leadership has elevated Yeager Marketing from a modest two-person venture to a three-time honoree on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies.

Prior to co-founding the agency in 2009, Renee showcased her expertise by spearheading B2B marketing teams at organizations such as Avnet, Viasoft, and Platinum Technology. Her influential contributions to the industry have earned her a coveted spot on the Forbes Agency Council since 2017.

Recognitions for her outstanding achievements include being crowned Executive of the Year by the American Business Awards, securing the title of Marketing Executive of the Year at the Best in Biz Awards, and receiving accolades for Individual Achievement from the MarCom Awards in 2023. Renee Yeager continues to set the bar high, leaving an indelible mark on the world of marketing and business.

Connect with Renee on LinkedIn and follow Yeager Marketing on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Intero Digital is a globally acclaimed digital marketing agency that helps businesses fulfill their potential by leveraging integrated digital marketing solutions executed by top industry talent.

Spencer Lee has over a decade of experience in digital marketing, with a focus on Email Marketing and Data Management, spanning everything from building businesses to data analysis and establishing relationships with household brands.

He is highly data-driven, with a proven track record of achieving reliable ROI for clients. For several years, Spencer has been a vocal advocate of the promise and potential AI presents across numerous use cases, and has lead the internal development of Intero Digital’s AI solutions.

Outside the office, his passions include: fatherhood, cooking, archery, photography and the martial arts.

Follow Intero Digital on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

In Arizona State University’s Technical Communication program, students learn how to write, design, produce, and manage information for a variety of audiences, using a range of traditional and emerging technologies. Courses focus on principles and hands-on application, and are designed to help students build their problem-solving, writing, editing, and design abilities.

The BS in technical communication is the only undergraduate technical communication degree program available in the state of Arizona. ASU’s MS programs in Technical Communication and User Experience are designed for professionals who wish to strengthen their professional credentials in these areas.

Stephen Carradini researches the implementation of emerging technologies into workplaces. His research looks for sustainable ways to organize and enhance work in the contemporary moment, near future, and beyond.

His theoretical lens of workplace communication allows for interpretation of current work habits and co-construction of future work habits with an eye toward personal, economic, and community well-being.

His current work focuses on how AI tools are implemented in the workplace and in civic spaces; he has done several studies on the impact of AI on employees and employers, particularly Generation Z employees. He is currently building a public information chatbot called Waterbot for the State of Arizona.

He teaches courses on online professional communication, digital ethics, and user experience.

Connect with Stephen 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.

Compassionate Care and Informed Decisions in Senior Living

February 26, 2024 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Compassionate Care and Informed Decisions in Senior Living

00:00 /

Compassionate Care and Informed Decisions in Senior Living

In this episode of Phoenix Business RadioX Karen Nowicki is joined by Rich and Dawn Milburn and Julia Colangelo as they discuss the complexities of senior living care, highlighting the need for planning and trusted guidance. Dawn’s free services emphasize compassionate assistance, while Julia Colangelo stresses education and communication, and Rich debunks misconceptions about senior living. The conversation covers vulnerability to scams, creating supportive environments, and managing family dynamics, underlining the importance of honesty, choice, and early planning in successful transitions.

Throughout the episode, the guests share personal anecdotes and practical advice, emphasizing the role of preparation, communication, and maintaining trust for aging parents.

Share this episode with friends and family to spread awareness about the importance of proactive decision-making in senior care.

The Silver Group is a free concierge service through Kenny Klaus Team Realty Services that guides seniors and their families to the resources they need most during a transition into care.

Whether it’s in-home care, household services, benefit and financial assistance, estate sales, moving/packing, assisted living guidance or real estate services, we provide the navigation needed during a chapter that, at times, can seem overwhelming.

Dawn Milburn has years of experience in the senior living field. Not only was she the Executive Director of an assisted living community, but she also experienced first-hand the challenges involved in senior transition with her own mother.

She has authored several magazine articles on aging, has been a radio guest on the subject, and has made a number of appearances on ABC15 regarding life in assisted living during the pandemic.

Now retired from senior living management, Dawn’s passion for helping seniors and their families during a transition into care continues through the Klaus Team Silver Program.

Rich Milburn is a long-time Phoenix area resident. He graduated from McClintock High School in Tempe then went into law enforcement. He retired from Mesa PD in 2009 and is now a full-time realtor with Klaus Team Realty.

His years in real estate and in the Valley, make him very knowledgeable about the Phoenix area market. He and his wife, Dawn, are particularly attuned to the needs of senior transition. Having cared for aging parents, themselves, they personally know the challenges involved as seniors go from independent living to needing care.

The Abbington at Gilbert offers independent, assisted living and memory care services in a homelike environment.

Julia Colangelo is a graduate from The University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work and has worked in the senior living field for almost 30 years.

She serves as a Board Chair with the Assisted Living Federation of America and is the current Executive Director at The Abbington of Gilbert.

Company Culture and Diversity E22

February 21, 2024 by Karen

Changing the Perception of Blindness

Company Culture and Diversity E22

00:00 /

Company Culture and Diversity E22

Kicking off this episode of “Changing the Perception of Blindness,” host David Steinmetz shares insights from his 19-year journey at Arizona Industries for the Blind, underscoring the importance of challenging misconceptions about blindness and promotes inclusivity in the workforce.

Joined by Kindra Maples, president of Culture Crush Business, they delve into the evolving landscape of work culture, emphasizing the necessity of understanding individual needs and tailoring inclusive environments to diverse abilities. The conversation highlights the positive impact of remote work on accessibility and productivity while emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches to inclusion, recognizing the unique needs of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

Throughout the episode, Steinmetz and Maples explore the shifting perception of blindness and disability in professional settings, advocating for a paradigm shift towards embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. Their discussion underscores the value of recognizing and accommodating individual abilities, challenging traditional norms, and prioritizing inclusivity as a cornerstone of modern work culture.

As they navigate through these topics, they emphasize the ongoing need for dialogue, reflection, and action to create truly inclusive work environments that empower individuals of all abilities to thrive professionally and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

As an enterprise nonprofit organization, Arizona Industries for the blind is a role model for the business community. Emphasizing the importance of understanding team members’ needs and providing the right training, right technology and the right attitude that allows individuals who are blind to be successful in the workplace and in the community.

Listen to this episode to gain valuable insights on fostering inclusivity, challenging misconceptions, and navigating the evolving landscape of work culture to empower individuals of all abilities in the workforce.

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.

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.

ASSESS: Gain insights into your company’s culture by identifying gaps and areas that need improvement through a comprehensive assessment.
PLAN: Kindra and her team will tailor a unique strategy for your company, connecting you with the right resources based on your specific needs.
THRIVE: Experience a transformed workplace where everyone flourishes, powered by the successful implementation of culture-enhancing strategies.

Your company culture plays a pivotal role in its success. Whether you’re trying to address high turnover and low productivity, or seeking to enhance an already positive environment, nurturing your culture is crucial.

As a leader, you may have tried team activities, incentives, and strategies to address this, but it’s not easy coming up with the right solution.

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.

Kindra Maples, Founder of Culture Crush Business LLC and dynamic host of the Culture Crush Business Podcast, brings a unique journey to the business world.

With a background in animal behavior and over 15 years in the zoo industry, Kindra transitioned her passion from training animals to empowering people. From polar bears to individuals, she seamlessly blends diverse experiences.

Kindra’s expertise spans various audiences, including animals, children, adults, veterans, and elders. Her skills encompass business relations, operations management, strategic planning, and team building. Dedicated to fostering growth, she is passionate about supporting leaders and cultivating exceptional company cultures.

In October 2020, Kindra launched the Culture Crush Business Podcast, channeling her experiences into a valuable resource. Celebrating its one-year mark, she established Culture Crush Business LLC in October 2021—a central hub for company culture resources, dedicated to enhancing workplace environments and supporting leaders.

Connect with Kindra on LinkedIn and follow Culture Crush on Facebook and Instagram.

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.

HR Excellence: Insights from The Black HR Society

February 13, 2024 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

HR Excellence: Insights from The Black HR Society

00:00 /

HR Excellence: Insights from The Black HR Society

In this episode of Phoenix Business Radio, host Karen Nowicki engages with TJ Lowery, Britney Sudana, and Shatema Gresham from The Black HR Society, exploring their mission to create a supportive space for black HR professionals in Greater Phoenix. They emphasize the significance of community, professional development, and collaboration within the HR field. The trio shares their personal and professional journeys, highlighting challenges faced in HR roles and the importance of being heard and valued within organizations. They discuss the multifaceted role of HR professionals, their passion for service, and the necessity of fostering strong relationships between HR and company leadership.

The conversation also dives into the upcoming Coffee Chat event hosted by The Black HR Society, aimed at providing a casual networking environment for professionals to discuss various business topics, including the impact of AI on HR. The guests stress the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, research, and negotiation in career development. They encourage fellow professionals to be bold, confident, and proactive in their career paths, while also emphasizing the value of understanding individual motivations and tailoring company offerings to attract and retain talent.

Overall, the episode underscores the dedication of the guests to serve their HR peers and strengthen community bonds in the workplace.

For more information, visit The Black HR Society’s website and follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The Black HR Society aims to make a meaningful difference in the careers of Black Human Resources professionals in Arizona.

They are committed to using their knowledge and influence to be active crusaders engaged in eliminating racism in the workplace and assisting their people with becoming equitably employed.

TJ Lowery is the President of the Black HR Society a local non-profit organization servicing HR professionals across the valley. She is also the Vice President of Human Resources at the Arizona Boardwalk overseeing the HR strategy for seven attractions including the iconic OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland.

TJ is a Realtor and a Veteran who served 15 years in the United States Army. As a Human Resources professional, TJ has a wealth of knowledge, including leadership development, race equity education, total rewards, employee relations/investigations, and training.

TJ enjoys the arts, physical fitness, and being a mother to her three children and her three grandchildren who refer to her as Grandma Lovey.

Britney Sudana is a HR professional with over ten years of experience focused mainly on talent acquisition and career development. She has held roles in various organizations within the public and private sector.

Britney earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Britney, like many others, fell into human resources and grew to love it because she’s able to utilize her real-world knowledge and acquired expertise to “advocate for those that either cannot or do not know how to properly advocate for themselves”.

Britney is an active member of the Greater Phoenix Urban League of Young Professionals where she serves on the executive board as Leadership Development Chair.

In her spare time, you can find Britney near a pool attempting to swim, eating way too much, or enjoying time with her loving husband and best dog-pal Gabby.

Procure Talent Management Group is your expert HR consultant for all of your unique HR initiatives and strategies. They have experienced HR professionals available to assist in customized solutions. By utilizing top technology combined with current best practices to provide you best in class service.

Partnering with PTMG provides you with industry insight, objective opinions, and the opportunity to level up your organization. PTMG provides professionals for short or long term projects, talent acquisition, strategy development, system configuration and implementation, training and development as well as onsite support.

Leave it to PTMG to remove the frustrating, time consuming task that monopolizes your day.

Shatema Gresham is the Founder and CEO of Procure Talent Management Group, LLC.

In this role she utilizes her 20+ years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Management in a consulting role working within various industries within the HR umbrella.

In addition to overseeing all services provided by PTMG, she is also the host of Ingenious Exchange with Shatema podcast that focuses on having meaningful conversations with industry leaders.

As an HR professional she enjoys giving back by mentoring and providing career coaching through her membership with AZ Small Business Association (AZSBA) as a GO Mentor, VP of Membership and Professional Development for The Black HR Society and various community engagements.

In her spare time, she is most likely networking in person, online or via social media.

Follow Procure Talent Management Group on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Commitment to Community E43

February 12, 2024 by Karen

Arizona Good Business

Commitment to Community E43

00:00 /

Commitment to Community E43

In this episode of Arizona Good Business, host, Thomas Barr discusses with Andy Shirk, CEO of Educational Services, Inc., their mission to address staffing challenges in schools amidst teacher pay issues and shifts in teaching perception. They emphasize the need for more educators and ESI’s role in supporting HR managers. Shirk remains committed to ESI’s mission, while also exploring the complexities of operating in the education sector and bonding over shared interests like playing the bass guitar. .

Barr and Shirk explore the complexities of operating a business in the education sector, including challenges such as teacher shortages and reliance on emergency certifications. Shirk shares his leadership perspective, focusing on empowering and supporting his team, while they bond over their shared interest in playing the bass guitar. Shirk highlights the value of community events like the Arizona Good Business Summit for networking and learning from others, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing complex challenges.

Serving Arizona for 25 years, Educational Services (ESI) is focused on helping solve the staffing crisis for public school districts, governments and colleges. ESI has a passion for helping people by making a positive impact in education and public service.

ESI’s featured services include a return-to-work program known as RetireRehire, and SubSource, the largest substitute staffing program in the state. ESI has proudly served over 13,000 of Arizona’s public retirees and actively employs over 7,000 substitute educators.

Andy Shirk is the President & CEO of ESI, delighted to lead a company where heart and integrity are cherished in a people-centered culture.

Prior to joining ESI, Andy lead TrueRoots Development for 7 years advising business owners throughout the Valley.

Kindness, curiosity and wisdom are his core values. His greatest joy is serving people with warmth and compassion which is the bedrock of his career. Whether as a business leader or playing upright bass in the local music scene, Andy genuinely loves to create the setting for others to shine.

Follow ESI on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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.

Embracing Vulnerability: Navigating Personal Journeys and Workplace Culture E39

February 12, 2024 by Karen

Embracing-Vulnerability-Navigating-Personal-Journeys-and-Workplace-Culture-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Embracing Vulnerability: Navigating Personal Journeys and Workplace Culture E39

00:00 /

Embracing Vulnerability: Navigating Personal Journeys and Workplace Culture E39

This episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast is a real one- are you ready for it? This conversation includes insightful moments on personal journeys, mental health, and workplace culture. Host Kindra Maples and guest co-host Karen Nowicki dive in with guests Mathew Blades and Eric Brooker, to discuss the power of vulnerability in fostering connections and supporting employees through challenges.

They highlight the importance of initiating difficult conversations, building relationship capital, and creating empathetic workplace cultures. Hear impactful stories, like Eric Brooker’s, illustrating the significance of addressing personal struggles promptly, and gaining insights into navigating high-stakes jobs while prioritizing self-care.

Join the conversation to learn how to foster resilience and empathy in your workplace today.

Here are a few takeaways to help our listeners to connect and take action:

– Embracing vulnerability can lead to meaningful connections and support in the workplace.
– Initiating difficult conversations and supporting employees through personal challenges fosters empathy and understanding.
– Employers should prioritize addressing personal struggles promptly and providing necessary support.
– Navigating high-stakes jobs requires prioritizing self-care and understanding the long-term effects of grief and trauma.
– Being present in relationships and fostering resilience in communities is vital, emphasizing the value of communication and empathy in overcoming challenges.

Learn From People Who Lived It is a weekly broadcast that touches people around the world by sharing unimaginable stories. To help face our fears. Own our missteps.

Discover new ways of thinking and being to help forgive, accept, and alleviate stress. Tune in and lean in to experience personal growth. Gain greater understanding and compassion to help you live better.

For 27 years, Mathew Blades entertained audiences in the broadcast industry. As an award-winning radio host, he cares deeply about people and nurturing the success of those around him.

In December of 2021 he decided to leave his successful radio show which caught the attention of Howard Stern. Saying, “Maybe I should take a play from his playbook.”

Through Mathew Blades emotional training, ideation and personal experience, the Learn From People Who Lived It podcast and speaking series were born. This global digital outreach engages audiences on a real, grounded, and inspirational level. Mathew encourages audiences everywhere to find a self care strategy and lean into being a Transitional character.

These days you will find him as the host of the podcasts Learn From People Who Lived it and I NEEDED THAT, with Chris Powell. He is also the founder of Title 1 Tech which serves Title 1 schools. He’s also a 17 year youth hockey coach and created “The Mental Game” a workshop for youth athletes with friend and USA Olympian Lyndsey Fry.

His talks have been well received at Banner Health, Kyrene School District, Willmeng Construction, Panera Bread, The Social Television Network, Keller Williams and the Durango Juvenile Detention Facility.

Connect with Mathew on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Eric Brooker LLC is the parent company of www.ericbrooker.com, Counsel Culture, and the book “You Are Enough: Overcoming Lifelong Doubts of Worthiness.” The company is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations become the best versions of themselves.

The “Counsel Culture” podcast focuses on culture and leadership, featuring guests such as the CEO of Chipotle, the founder of Reebok, and renowned keynote speakers from around the world. The show’s goal is to learn from and share the leadership and cultural lessons and best practices of global leaders, aiming to transform leadership worldwide.

Eric’s book, “You Are Enough: Overcoming Lifelong Doubts of Worthiness,” is a narrative of discovery and healing. Sharing his personal story of a broken marriage and an estranged relationship with his daughter, Abby, Eric also brings forward the experiences of others, including New York Times bestselling authors Waldo Waldman and John O’Leary, and former Starbucks President Jim Alling, to inspire and guide readers on their own journeys to self-acceptance.

Eric Brooker, a dynamic author, keynote speaker and business leader from Minnesota, has made a significant impact in multiple spheres. A devoted husband and proud father of eight, his personal life serves as the foundation of his inspirational journey.

Brooker recently achieved a major milestone with his first book, You Are Enough: Overcoming Lifelong Doubts of Worthiness. Drawing from his own experiences, he shares insights on conquering self-doubt, empowering readers to embrace their inherent worth.

In his successful career in the technology industry Brooker has held prominent leadership roles, leaving a lasting impact on organizations and teams that he has served. Today, as the host of the acclaimed podcast Counsel Culture, he explores culture and leadership, guiding listeners towards personal and professional development.

Through his book, podcast, and charismatic personality, Brooker continues to inspire and empower others, leaving and indelible mark on those fortunate enough to engage with his work.

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn and follow the Counsel Culture podcast on Facebook 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.