Karen, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

E72 Understanding Design Thinking with Bruce Gay

February 9, 2021 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

E72 Understanding Design Thinking with Bruce Gay

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E72 Understanding Design Thinking with Bruce Gay

Are you familiar with Design Thinking? Are you utilizing Design Thinking to run your projects? In this episode we chat with Bruce Gay, Founder of Astrevo to understand the fundamentals and benefits of Design Thinking as well as touching on several other topics.

Bruce is a leader in the PM Industry and is an active community builder. He is a PMI Volunteer with PMI Pittsburgh, leads a Healthcare PMO, teaches part time at Norwich University and started his own firm, Astrevo.

In our discussion Bruce shares that Design Thinking allows groups of people to take time and look at their customers needs to deeply understand a problem and to start to brainstorm and down select solutions to solve those problems. The benefit to using Design Thinking is you get closer to your customer’s needs and pain points to help you identify defects earlier in the process which is less expensive than defects found later in the process.

We also hear Bruce’s perspective on trends in the industry and a few of his favorite books he recently read. We also learn about Bruce’s Project Management Insights monthly list of updates and insights within our industry.

To subscribe to Bruce’s Project Management Insights visit www.brucegay.com/signup.
To learn more about Astrevo visit www.astrevo.com
To connect with Bruce on LinkedIn visit – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucegay/

Thanks to our sponsor THE PMO SQUAD. Visit www.thepmosquad.com to learn to Empower People to Deliver Results and assist your PMO as you evolve in the new post-COVID business world.

Check out all prior episodes and upcoming guests by visiting www.projectmanagementofficehours.com.

UPMC Enterprises is the commercialization arm of UPMC, a Pittsburgh-based health care provider and insurer. As a healthcare innovation lab, UPMC Enterprises invests in two core areas: translational science (which conducts laboratory-to-human research, applying research to human subjects) and technology solutions to empower both medical professionals and patients. Since 2018, UPMC Enterprises has launched 5 companies, supported 30 internal research projects, and invested in a variety of healthcare-related companies.

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Astrevo was formed out of a desire to share knowledge of practical problem-solving approaches that managers can deploy with their teams to better understand customer needs and achieve success. Astrevo provides training, coaching, and consultation services to help teams focus on what is important: less time managing projects, more time focusing on outcomes and customers.

What makes Astrevo unique? Its 3 key principles:

(1) Experiential Learning – Embracing a growth mindset supported in hands-on learning.
(2) Creativity – Tackling problems from different perspectives and with new techniques.
(3) Collaboration – Working with others to solve hard problems.

Bruce Gay, PMP, helps individuals improve their project management skills, become better leaders, and achieve professional greatness. He has over two-and-a-half decades worth of experience managing large, complex programs and customer relationship across multiple industries. In his current role, Bruce manages a PMO and is responsible for operational and delivery excellence for a 100+ person R&D organization comprised of software engineers, product managers, machine learning and NLP scientists, security experts, and cloud engineers. For the past 15 years, Bruce managed product teams that incorporated UX Design and Design Thinking methodologies into their product development processes.

Bruce’s public speaking experience includes presenting at both regional and international professional conferences such as PMI Global Conference (Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia) and PMI EMEA Congress in Dublin, Ireland and LearnFest Caribbean in Jamaica. Bruce is an adjunct professor for Norwich University (Northfield, VT) teaching courses in a Project Management certificate program. Bruce creates and delivers educational courses and workshops that help students grow as leaders. Bruce received a Master’s in International Affairs from The George Washington University and has been a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2005.

Currently, Bruce lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife, two daughters, and his dog. Bruce is an active volunteer with the PMI Pittsburgh chapter and is their Director of Corporate Sponsorship. Bruce shares his experiences and ideas around Design Thinking and project management on twitter: @brucegay and on his website: www.brucegay.com.

ABOUT PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE HOURS SERIES

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

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

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

ABOUT YOUR HOST

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

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

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

Where do PMO Leaders go for Information, Learning, Networking and Services? The PMO Leader community has “Everything You Need to Become a Great PMO Leader”. One PMO World, One Community! Learn more about The PMO Leader – www.thepmoleader.com

Ryan Hobbs with Glitterhorne VR and Austin Denworth with Work of Art Digital

February 9, 2021 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Ryan Hobbs with Glitterhorne VR and Austin Denworth with Work of Art Digital

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Ryan Hobbs with Glitterhorne VR and Austin Denworth with Work of Art Digital

As a full-service virtual reality (VR) production studio, Glitterhorne Productions creates stunning immersive experiences.

As a full service AR/VR production studio, Glitterhorne assists clients tell their product story through every step of the customer journey. From discovering the perfect story to tell, through offering a wide range of development services, and by leaning on proven deployment strategies, Glitterhorne VR builds immersive content that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

From his days testing electric cars and saving the planet with renewable fuels to his time traveling the world as a Cirque du Soleil acrobat, Ryan Hobbs was born with a special knack for problem solving and an undeniable energy. With expertise in creative production, project management and entrepreneurship, this guy has what it takes to drive a team and complete the most complex tasks on-time and on-budget.

Glitterhorne was started to do new things. Ryan saw an industry where people were waiting for someone else to decide what to make of the technology. By building virtual realities from ideation through product delivery, Ryan has proven immersive technology has the power to shift perspective and leave a long-lasting impression.

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn and follow Glitterhorne VR on Facebook.

Work of Art Digital is a full-service digital marketing agency that utilizes data-driven strategies and advanced tracking/reporting to grow businesses YoY (Year Over Year) through true revenue growth.

Their unique team of digital marketing experts give you an advantage over the competition, since they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from companies like Facebook, Google & other top agencies. They treat every project as a Work Of Art, so if you are a Business Owner or CEO tired of the same old agency runaround, then partner with the true digital marketing experts today!

Austin Denworth grew up on the sunny shores of San Diego, but is now a local resident of Arizona. He is the Founder of Work Of Art Digital Marketing Agency.

Before that he learned the ropes working with companies like Google; where he trained hundreds of specialists and agencies alike on how to navigate the inner workings of Google Ads (Paid Search), as well as other top marketing agencies in the U.S.

Follow Work of Art Digital on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The Future of Fitness with Drew Saenz Kelsey Girts and Shelly Johnson E23

February 8, 2021 by Karen

The-Future-of-Fitness-with-Drew-Saenz-Kelsey-Girts-and-Shelly-Johnson-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

The Future of Fitness with Drew Saenz Kelsey Girts and Shelly Johnson E23

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The Future of Fitness with Drew Saenz Kelsey Girts and Shelly Johnson E23

On this episode of The Future of Work: Water Cooler Conversations we were joined by guests Kelsey Girts & Shelly Johnson of Fit4MOM Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe and Drew Saenz of Team Up Fitness. We talked about how they each found their way into health and wellness and entrepreneurship. We also discussed the changes the whole fitness industry have undergone since the pandemic.

Drew, Kelsey and Shelly gave some great tips on how to take the first step on your fitness journey and how to stay motivated. You will also learn about different programs that are available, including virtual fitness programs that are just a click or two away.

Team Up helps busy professionals stop the hands of time so they can regain their health and live life to the fullest.

Drew Saenz, Owner of Team Up Health and Fitness, is a dad, husband, and fitness business owner on a mission to improve the quality of life of his clients and the Arizona community through health and fitness coaching and programming.

Connect with Drew on LinkedIn and follow Team Up on Facebook.

FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading company for pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy through postpartum and beyond, their fitness and wellness programs help make women strong in body, mind, and spirit.

Kelsey Girts and Shelly Johnson are a mother daughter franchise team who worked in various fitness & coaching arenas before coming together to support the local community of women through Fit4Mom. Kelsey is mom to two little girls, 2 & 4 with a background in group & personal training as well as corporate fitness. Shelly is mom to Kelsey and two school aged children who enjoyed a successful career coaching collegiate volleyball.

The two happened upon the opportunity to get involved in the Fit4Mom community and jumped at the chance. Kelsey & Shelly bought the Tempe & Chandler franchise in May of 2019 and acquired the Gilbet territory in January of 2021. The two now lead a team of 9 other #mombosses. Their goal is to provide community, wellness, support, and education to women in every stage of motherhood – meeting the woman where she is at and connecting her to this amazing village of women.

Follow FIT4MOM on Instagram.

ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK: WATER COOLER CONVERSATIONS

Welcome to Future of Work: Water Cooler Conversations Radio Show and Podcast – where business leaders share how they integrate humanity and technology through innovative approaches, healthy culture, flexible workspaces and seamless virtual technology.

ABOUT YOUR CO-HOSTS

With a background in marketing, in various for profit and not for profit companies, Kyle McIntosh wondered, “How can I pair the passion and commitment to community progress of a non-profit with the sustainability and reach of a for profit company?” From this question and perspective a mission evolved to tear down the false distinction between the two sectors and to promote companies with Conscious Capitalism® business models through MAC6.

Kyle is the President and Creative Excitant of MAC6. Day to day, his main operational role is on the “spaces” side of the business, focusing on creating thriving communities in the commercial office buildings, the co-working space, and the co-manufacturing space. The other role that he plays is that of EOS implementer, working with clients to bring the Entrepreneurial Operating System, from the book Traction® to their businesses. Additionally, he sits on the boards of Conscious Capitalism Arizona, telling the stories of good businesses in Arizona, and The Tempe Chamber of Commerce, sustaining Tempe’s quality of life and keeping our community and economy vibrant.

Kyle loves Arizona and wants to see us all collectively find great success based on the awesome things that are happening here every day.

Follow MAC6 on Facebook and Twitter.

Jennifer Burwell, joined MAC6 in 2013. Jennifer is their VP and Director of Programs.

She uses her experience in real estate, team development and management to seamlessly integrate each of the MAC6 business units to assure they are all focused on the long-term company vision. She is also a student of human behavior.

As a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst, she uses her knowledge to facilitate culture-focused leadership programs with organizations of all sizes to integrate the company’s values and create higher-performing teams.

To learn more about MAC6 Communities, call 480-293-4075 or find them on Facebook

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

MAC⁶ offers flexible spaces and programs to help your team grow, and a community of thriving businesses, just like yours. Advocating Capitalism as a Force for Good, MAC6 is Accelerating the shift to Conscious Capitalism (where Purpose and Profit Unite) through Creativity, Collaboration, Community and Change.

Von and Alex Raisanen with TraVek E25

February 5, 2021 by Karen

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Phoenix Business Radio

Von and Alex Raisanen with TraVek E25

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Von and Alex Raisanen with TraVek E25

TraVek, Inc is a design-build whole home improvement company, which means we take a project from design to completion. We specialize in remodeling and additions. We thoroughly enjoy giving our customers the new kitchen or in-law apartment they’ve been contemplating for years.

We work diligently with our technicians to train them on proper methods of installation. We understand that there are plenty of companies who can offer great quality services, but we feel that in addition to that, a customer experience filled with Integrity, Self-Initiative and Respect is extremely important. Our team, our culture, and our systems and processes are unique to TraVek Inc. If we’ve done our job well, we’ve earned a client for life.

In 2020, we acquired two companies in order to be able to expand our services for the community; one of them being a Real Estate Brokerage, Racquet Club Realty at the Racquet Club at Scottsdale Ranch and the other being Trades Unlimited, which is a Roofing company.

Von Raisanen started his career in the Home Improvement industry as a roofing helper. He then joined the United States Military and enjoyed a wide variety of experiences there that helped him become who he is today.

After the Military, Von went back into the Home Improvement industry as a painting helper and has been fortunate to be able to work in a variety of positions. He has taken some leadership courses that have helped contribute to his success and lead him to his current role.

Von initially started with TraVek in 2001 when the company was started, and then had a few year break when he moved abroad. He started back with the company again full-time in September of 2010 and has been with the company ever since.

His position as President of TraVek includes being responsible for the overall strategic planning and direction of the company, establishing systems within the company and ensuring that all aspects of the business are functioning successfully so that the company is able to continue to provide a wonderful work environment for its employees, provide wonderful products and services for our clients, and maintain profits for the shareholders.

Von enjoys the everyday challenges that he is faced with on a regular basis,. He finds it rewarding to be able to provide employment to all of the fantastic employees that are a part of the TraVek team, working diligently to complete all of the projects that our clients have trusted us to do.

In his spare time, Von likes to spend time with his family, hiking, and exercising.

Alex Raisanen is the Human Resources Manager here at TraVek. She oversees recruitment and hiring, and works to streamline our processes and procedures in every department. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona in Communications and Spanish. Alex is fluent in Spanish and Serbo-Croatian, and is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management.

Prior to joining the TraVek team, Alex was the Corporate Recruiter for Kitchell Contractors, where she was responsible for staffing Kitchell’s companies throughout the US. Alex contributed to Kitchell’s ability to attract top talent for its various companies, as it relates to various HR administrative functions. Alex assisted multiple college recruiting champions in streamlining the Kitchell Contractors Internship Academy, worked with Kitchell’s General Superintendent to develop an available labor pool for field operations, as well as played an integral part in improving the onboarding process for all Kitchell companies.

Alex started her career with the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, where she was responsible for staffing the entire resort. Her experience in recruitment, retention, process and human resources administration add tremendous value to the TraVek operation.

In her time away from the office, Alex enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking and baking and playing golf on the weekends.

Follow TraVek on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Leadership Lowdown

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

About Your Host

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

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

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

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

Taylor Rosales Shaun Brennan and Beau Martin with The Shield Co

February 4, 2021 by Karen

Taylor-Rosales-Shaun-Brennan-and-Beau-Martin-with-The-Shields-Co-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Taylor Rosales Shaun Brennan and Beau Martin with The Shield Co

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Taylor Rosales Shaun Brennan and Beau Martin with The Shield Co

The Shield Company is a pest control service that specializes in door to door selling. Instead of spending on advertising, they provide hands on training to their sales reps through online manuals, zoom trainings, and on the doors experience. What keeps reps coming back is a fiery and competitive culture with no shortage of team building activities outside of work.

Whether it is company trips, team dinners, or playing football at AT&T stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play, this company knows how to keep reps engaged.

Their mission statement is to propel you to the next level of your life. They believe the endless skills learned in just one summer selling can catapult you ahead of peers.

They are always seeking positive minded individuals who want to be imputed into a system with a clear path to success. The exceptional leadership in place is nothing like the industry has seen and endorses a goal oriented approach to achieving results at a high level.

Taylor Rosales, originally from New Jersey, was recruited out of Arizona State University and has been with the company since 2018. Sales (let alone door to door) was never in his plan when he entered WP Carey School of Business in the Fall 2016, but he quickly saw the benefits from high level communication skills and a clear 5-year vision within this company. Without prior sales experience, he carved out a successful first summer and hasn’t looked back.

Since then he was seen his team expand, producing over 1 million in yearly pest control revenue in 2020 and embraces the role of facilitating such a large group of hard working individuals, most of whom were students that were in the same position as him a few years back.

Shaun Brennan is from Oxnard, California. His professional career has always revolved around sales. He started in retail, then moved to cold calling and before starting door to door, sold personal training sessions to gym members. Unfortunately, he was living paycheck to paycheck and building more student loan debt.

Shaun’s sales background and his college roommates gave him confidence to pull the trigger on door to door sales. This was the best decision he’s ever made. Over the next 6 years he’s achieved more than he could ever dream of. He was #2 rookie in the nation, #7 overall, promoted to equity partner, opened his own branch in Dallas, broke the industry contract value record, and personally trained over 500 sales reps.

Door to door has changed his family’s life forever. It wasn’t easy by any means, but 100% worth it.

Beau Martin is from Santa Clarita, California. After he finished high-school Beau decided to serve a 2 year mission for his church in Guatemala. During that time he learned more than he had expected, but two things above all else:

We are blessed to live in America
He loves to help people

When Beau returned from Guatemala he was 21 years old. He remembers feeling pretty scared about entering college and trying to decide how he would make money to survive without the help of his parents. He had never really had a job. He spent most of his free time in high-school playing basketball and tennis, and unfortunately did not get the sports scholarship he was hoping for.

One of his best mission buddies, Cory Deskins, reached out to Beau about a job opportunity to sell pest control door to door over the summer months while he wasn’t taking college classes. 8 years later Beau is still in the pest control business. It’s not because he absolutely loves helping people keep their homes pest free, even though that is a nice benefit. It’s because this job allows him to help people realize the goals that are important to them.

Connect with Taylor, Shaun and Beau on Instagram.

How 2020 Changed the World and Optimism for the Future E10

February 4, 2021 by Karen

AZ TechCast

How 2020 Changed the World and Optimism for the Future E10

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How 2020 Changed the World and Optimism for the Future E10

When the world celebrated the dawn of a new decade with a blaze of fireworks, parties and revelry on January 1, 2020, few could have imagined what the year had in store. It was a year that changed the world like no other for at least a generation, possibly since World War II. Businesses folded. Schools and colleges shut. Live sport was cancelled. Commercial airline travel contracted. Shops, clubs, bars and restaurants closed. Social inequities were exposed. And human interaction went virtual.

Moderated by Phoenix Business Radio Owner & President Karen Nowicki, a distinguished panel of technology leaders from KEO Marketing, the University of Advancing Technology and PADT, Inc. had an engaging discussion with Arizona Technology Council CEO Steve Zylstra on how the world can rebuild following such a tumultuous year, the new technology to get us there, and the innovative Arizona companies that helped pull us through and gave us optimism for the future.

Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/techcast to view the blog and listen to the replay.

KEO Marketing, a leading B2B marketing agency in Phoenix, is committed to developing marketing strategies and plans that help clients succeed. Some of the world’s largest brands depend on KEO Marketing for marketing programs that deliver tangible and substantial results.

Led by business growth and B2B marketing expert, Sheila Kloefkorn, KEO Marketing Inc. specializes in innovative marketing strategies that deliver results. Some of these solutions include lead generation and nurturing, integrated marketing, marketing automation, inbound marketing, content marketing, search engine optimization, search marketing, email marketing, creative, video marketing, website design and development, app development, online and traditional advertising, local and mobile marketing and much more.

Visit https://keomarketing.com to elevate your marketing strategies and drive growth for your business.

Sheila Kloefkorn is CEO and President of KEO Marketing, a full service B2B marketing agency. The company specializes in marketing strategy, messaging, digital infrastructure, execution and analytics. KEO Marketing grows Fortune 1000 companies and mid-market businesses.

Kloefkorn was recently named one of the “Top 10 Business Leaders of the Year” and “Top 25 Dynamic Women in Business” by the Phoenix Business Journal and one of 15 Arizonans to Watch by the Arizona Republic.

In addition, she is past President of the Phoenix Chapter of the Business Marketing Association and the American Marketing Association. She is a frequent national and local speaker on a wide range of marketing and business topics.

Follow KEO Marketing on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a private and family-owned university that merges the values of the traditional academy with the modern technology campus, a fusion that enhances its ability to fulfill the mission of educating students in the fields of advancing technology who innovate for the future.

At the heart of UAT’s curricula is a technology-infused campus in Tempe, Arizona. This fusion of the traditional academy with the technology-focused curricula creates a distinct, non-exclusionary university in which students learn to value their own uniqueness and the power of technology in education.

Visit https://www.uat.edu to learn more.

Provost Bolman has focused his career upon the profound need for a substantial and diverse workforce within Arizona and the nation.

As its long-standing provost, Dr. Bolman has built the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) into a unique, all-STEM institution that marries the best of a traditional, small, private college with the genetics of innovation that come with agile technology organizations.

As an educator, he has focused on cultivating a base of technology students and future inventors. As a technologist, he has worked to create a university where the culture of innovation and creation is so regular and celebrated that the goal for each student is to graduate having worked on numerous teams and built complete solutions again and again.

Dr. Bolman has researched, written and spoken on the nature of technology and how to successfully lead innovation. He is an alumni of Valley Leadership and currently serves as its past board chair. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Technology Council and the AZPBS community board.

Follow UAT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PADT, Inc. is a globally recognized engineering product and services company that focuses on helping customers who develop physical products by providing numerical simulation, product development and 3D printing solutions.

PADT’s worldwide reputation for technical excellence and experienced staff is based on its proven record of building long-term win-win partnerships with vendors and customers. Since its establishment in 1994, companies have relied on PADT because “We Make Innovation Work.”

With over 90 employees, PADT services customers from its headquarters at the Arizona State University Research Park in Tempe, Ariz., and from offices in Torrance, California, Littleton, Colorado, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Austin, Texas, and Murray, Utah, as well as through staff members located around the country.

More information on PADT can be found at www.PADTINC.com.

Eric Miller is a co-owner of Tempe based PADT, Inc., which provides tools and services to companies who design and manufacture physical products. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and has lived in Arizona since 1986. He started his career focusing on the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate turbine engine components. Over the years he became recognized as an expert user of the ANSYS software tools, solid modeling, and the development of custom software to automate the product simulation and design process.

As a co-founder of PADT in 1994, Eric was able to also pursue his interests in IT, graphic design, 3D Printing, database programming, and small business management. As both PADT and the use of advanced engineering tools grew, Eric became exposed to dozens of different industries and developed his broad understanding of the application of technology for product development and manufacturing.

After over three decades in the industry, Eric is often called upon to write and speak on simulation, design, and 3D printing as well as on startups and the high-tech sector. His outside commitments include the Chairman of the Arizona Technology Council Board of Directors, the BioAccel Advisory Council and Board of Directors, an Entrepreneur in Residence with the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the screening committee of Arizona Technology Investors. He also contributes regularly to the Phoenix Business Journal blog and hosts the All Things ANSYS podcast.

In his spare time Eric enjoys traveling, writing, history, cooking, and learning about new things.

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn and follow PADT on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Show

AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.

Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.

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.

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.

Get Clear on Who You Are E39

February 3, 2021 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Get Clear on Who You Are E39

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Get Clear on Who You Are E39

In this Tycoons episode, Brian brought up some very real and emotional issues that small business owners deal with when making decisions. Our experiences influence our behavior and that should be used as an advantage in living an intentional life. We should be clear on who we are – what do we want to accomplish, what is important, and why. It’s important to enjoy the journey, but to do so with clarity and strategy.

Brian discusses how the pandemic shifted the mindset of customer interface and how business owners were able to adapt. With virtual setups, we can get to decision makers faster and easier now than ever. Brian shared some great points on overcoming hurdles, scaling your business, and identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Brian Bogert Companies is a human behavior and performance company that focuses on making people’s best, better. We identify ways for our clients to raise their level of awareness and intentionality to become who they already are: their most authentic selves. Our mission is to help our clients and growth-minded individuals learn this transformative approach that cultivates perspective, motivation, and direction to align personal goals that will defy your own expectations and bring joy, freedom and fulfillment into all areas of their lives. We are on a mission to impact 1 Billion lives by 2045.

Brian Bogert is a passionate human behavior and performance coach, speaker, business strategist, top sales professional and philanthropic leader who believes in helping growth-minded individuals achieve the best version of themselves: their most authentic selves.

Brian teaches how to leverage radical authenticity and awareness to create the intentional life you’ve been dreaming of, but have struggled to create. His revolutionary strategy—embrace pain to avoid suffering—has helped individuals and companies break beyond their normal to achieve the success in life and business that they’ve always wanted. If you want to create a life of no limits and gain freedom, Brian and his team will get you there.

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

About Your Hosts

Austin Peterson is a Comprehensive Financial Planner and owner of Backbone Financial in Scottsdale, AZ. Austin is a registered rep and investment advisor representative with Lincoln Financial Advisors. Prior to joining Lincoln Financial Advisors, Austin worked in a variety of roles in the financial services industry.

He began his career in financial services in the year 2000 as a personal financial advisor with Independent Capital Management in Santa Ana, CA. Austin then joined Pacific Life Insurance Company as an internal wholesaler for their variable annuity and mutual fund products. After Pacific Life, Austin formed his own financial planning company in Southern California that he built and ran for 6 years and eventually sold when he moved his family to Salt Lake City to pursue his MBA.

After he completed his MBA, Austin joined Crump Life Insurance where he filled a couple of different sales roles and eventually a management role throughout the five years he was with Crump. Most recently before joining Lincoln Financial Advisors in February 2015, Austin spent 2 years as a life insurance field wholesaler with Symetra Life Insurance Company. Austin is a Certified Financial Planner Professional and Chartered Life Underwriter.

Austin and his wife of 21 years, Robin, have two children, AJ (19) and Ella (16) and they reside in Gilbert, Arizona. He is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in French and of Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management with a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in sales and entrepreneurship.

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

Landon Mance is a Financial Planner and founder of YourFuture Planning Partners out of Las Vegas, Nevada. His firm came to life in 2020 after operating as Mance Wealth Management since 2015 when Landon broke off from a major bank and started his own “shop.”

Landon comes from a family of successful entrepreneurs and has a passion and excitement for serving the business community. This passion is what brought about the growth of YourFuture Planning Partners to help business owners and their families. At YourFuture, we believe small business owners’ personal and business goals are intertwined, so we work with our clients to design a financial plan to support all aspects of their lives.

In 2019, Landon obtained the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation through the Exit Planning Institute. With this certification, YourFuture Planning Partners assists business owners through an ownership transition while focusing on a positive outcome for their employees and meeting the business owner’s goals. Landon is also a member of the Business Intelligence Institute (BII) which is a collaborative group that shares tools, resources and personnel, and offers advanced level training and technical support to specifically serve business owners.

Landon enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, stepson, and new baby twins. He grew up in sunny San Diego and loves visiting his family, playing a round of golf with friends, and many other outdoor activities. Landon tries make a difference in the lives of children in Las Vegas as a part of the leadership team for a local non-profit. He regularly visits the children that we work with to remind himself of why it’s so important to, “be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Landon received his B.S. from California State University Long Beach in business marketing and gets the rest of his education through the school of hard knocks via his business owner clients.

Connect with Landon on LinkedIn.

About The Tycoons of Small Biz Sponsor

Whether you’re an established local company, or a brand new start-up, you can count on GBS to be a part of your family.

We’re not just any benefits consulting firm, we’re GBS. We have nearly 30 years of experience in group benefits, a strong sense of purpose and it shows.

Austin Peterson and Landon Mance are registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Backbone Financial and Your Future Planning Partners are marketing names for registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. CRN-3425639-012721

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.

The content presented is for informational and educational purposes. The information covered and posted are views and opinions of the guests and not necessarily those of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

Business RadioX® is a separate entity not affiliated with Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

No One Left Behind – A Discussion About Educational Support and Services for Veterans and Their Family Members E3

February 1, 2021 by Karen

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Phoenix Business Radio

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Making the transition from military to civilian life can be daunting. In the latest podcast from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s Arizona committee, officials from Arizona State University and the University of Arizona discuss the programs they have in place to ease that transition and give veterans — and family members of veterans — the support they need to reach their life goals.

No veteran — or family member of a veteran — walks alone when it comes to pursuing educational goals. Some outstanding support networks exist in Arizona. Officials with the ASU Pat Tillman Center and UofA’s Veterans Education and Transition Services discuss the power of community and engagement.

The Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) program at The University of Arizona was created to provide a comprehensive set of services to ensure that students successfully transition to the university environment, are retained, graduate, and obtain meaningful employment. Student support is viewed through four lenses: Engage, Educate, Empower, and Employ. The program welcomes all military-connected students, including spouses and dependents, that are seeking to engage with others that share similar life experiences.

Bruce Grissom is a 1990 graduate of The University of Arizona and was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program. A Surface Warfare Officer, he has deployed globally in multiple shipboard roles on frigates, destroyers, and amphibious assault ships.

His shore and staff assignments include being the Chief of Staff to the director of Combined Multinational Naval Training Force-Iraq as well as other operational training roles. In 2011, Bruce returned to The University of Arizona as Executive Officer for the Naval ROTC program and retired as a commander after more than 23 years of service.

Bruce remains engaged in campus life as the Director of the Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) program at The University of Arizona. In this role, he engages with all departments across campus in support of military-connected students.

Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn and follow VETS on Facebook and Twitter.

At the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, they are committed to providing an empowering environment for student veterans, active military members, spouses and dependents as the foundation for their academic success. Their mission is to empower and engage ASU military and veteran community with their academic and personal success here at ASU and beyond. Since 2015, Shawn has been connected both through volunteer work and full-time staff at Arizona State University*. For two years he volunteered as the Chaplain for the Pat Tillman Veterans Center and was hired as the Senior Military Advocate for their center in 2017. He continues today as the sole Military Advocate for the over 10,000 military-affiliated students at the largest public institution in the U.S.

Center staff is comprised almost entirely of veterans so they know the language, the benefits process, and the transition from military to student life. You will find a friendly, supportive and familiar environment here, including computer study stations, a group meeting space, a lounge and fellow veterans.

They are here to help students navigate and succeed at ASU — with academic resources and transition services — in the spirit of service and dedication that is the legacy of Pat Tillman. They’ll be here from the student’s first contact with the university all the way until graduation.

Michelle Loposky served in the US Army and was a combat field medic who was deployed after the Bosnian war in the Stabilization Force humanitarian efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She served four years and was stationed in Fort Hood, TX. She is currently the Assistant Director, Outreach & Engagement for the Pat Tillman Veterans Center at Arizona State University. In her role she develops, implements, and manages programming and events focused on student veteran recruitment, retention, success, and advocacy. She currently serves on the Tempe Veterans Commission.

For twenty-one years Shawn served the United States in the Army National Guard*. He retired as the acting First Sergeant of the 1057th Transportation Company. He is an Iraqi War Veteran, during which he earned the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge during 100 combat missions in and around Baghdad, Ramadi and Fallujah. His unit, the 1074th Transportation Company, was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation during their yearlong campaign. Training Soldiers was his passion and he was afforded the opportunity to train thousands of them during his military career. Shawn also brings nearly a decade of law enforcement experience and training to the team, as he served his community as a police sergeant before becoming a full-time pastor.

Follow Pat Tillman Veterans Center on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

About MCSF

Today’s generation of Marines have made unprecedented sacrifices. And while there are many ways to honor our Nation’s heroes, there is no organization closer to the intersection of real need and lasting impact than the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF).

The Foundation provides need-based scholarships to the children of Marines, Navy Corpsmen and Navy Chaplains who have served in Marine units. Every qualified child receives a scholarship.

About Your Co-Hosts

Victoria Rosacci is the 2019-2021 Co-chair of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Arizona committee and 2021 Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 10th year Ball.

Victoria a tax attorney in private practice with her husband of 20 years, a US Marine Corps veteran.

Mike Phillips is a Marine Corps veteran and volunteer with the Foundation’s Arizona committee. He recently retired from a 40-year career in journalism and municipal communications.

Mike is a freelance writer and co-founder of the Arizona Baseball Legacy and Experience, an organization that celebrates the state’s rich baseball history.

Grow Big. Go Global E14

February 1, 2021 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

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In this episode, Chris Yap featured the CEO of Global Chamber, Doug Bruhnke. Doug discussed how expanding globally can be safe and easy by having the right partners. Doug emphasized that age does not matter when starting a business.

This episode will provide business owners and leaders an education on how Global Chamber can help connect with trade partners worldwide.

Global Chamber® is a fast-growing community of CEOs, executives and leaders in 525 metro regions around the world… connecting member businesses to new opportunities and advancing growth and success. It’s the only chamber of commerce in the world operating in hundreds of locations that helps exporting, importing and investing members to connect through warm introductions to clients, partners, projects and resources.

Doug Bruhnke is a global entrepreneur dedicated to helping members of Global Chamber® successfully reach new markets across 525 metros – everywhere!

He is a two-time expat with Dupont in Tokyo and Singapore with over 30 years of global business experience in nearly all countries and segments. Doug is founder/CEO of Global Chamber® and is also regional advisor for U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and a member of global groups including Arizona District Export Council.

Doug has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Utah and an EMBA from Michigan State University, and is co-inventor on 5 patents. Doug was born in Mt. Kisco, New York and is now based in Scottsdale, Arizona and Palo Alto, California.

Connect with Doug on LinkedIn and follow Global Chamber® on Twitter.

About From Zero 2 Revenue

FROM ZERO 2 REVENUE is an avenue for successful entrepreneurs around the world to tell their stories on how they transformed their vision into reality. We’ll learn about their products and services; and, the passion and character behind the leadership of the organization. The show is designed to inspire and encourage struggling and future entrepreneurs to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

At the end of each episode, our listeners can expect plenty of takeaways! As the late Stephen Covey said, “All things are created twice – first in the mind, then in reality”.

About Our Host

Chris Yap is a seasoned BPO executive with over 17 years experience in the industry. Chris came to the US in 2005 to actively promote the Philippines, a preferred outsourcing destination of the world. In doing so, Chris was able to help generate over 40,000 jobs in the Philippines for companies like Dell, Covergys and West Teleservices, which are now consolidated with other large BPO companies in the world.

Chris has been happily married to Eizel for over 16 years and is blessed with 3 wonderful boys. In addition to his passion for business, Chris is also very passionate about helping to solve the child poverty problem. He is doing this by partnering with Food For The Poor where his company sponsors the feeding of children ages 5 and below on a monthly basis.

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

About Our Sponsor

Gabtech Global is a business process outsourcing company based in Glendale, Arizona with a fulfillment center in Bohol, Philippines.

Gabtech Global specializes in providing affordable outsourced customer support, after hours and overflow call center services, link building and Virtual Assistant Services.

They work with companies making $100,000 a year in revenue to companies making $100,000 a day in revenue.