Ricky, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Carrie Bates Hastings, TechBridge Director of Development discusses 2013 Digital Ball

May 22, 2013 by Ricky

Very special Booth 61 on 5/22/2013:

Carrie Bates Hastings visited to discuss the 2013 Digital Ball. Carrie shared impressive statistics including over 1.2 Million dollars raised on May 11th, 2013. 840+ technologists and over 50 volunteers joined the TechBridge staff to make this tremendous event a great success and the results are nothing short of fantastic. In addition we learned that last year TechBridge donated to organizations that impacted over FIVE Million people. That is mighty high cotton where I come from for sure. Carrie also broke the news that Mr. Jay Ferro, CIO of the American Cancer Society will become the TechBridge Chairman in July of 2013. Jay is an institution in our community and this is great news for TechBridge and our industry.

We also played 8 interviews that were recorded during the opening reception of the 2013 Digital Ball at the Marriott Marquis. Interviews shared during our time together today included Charles Brain Quinn, CEO of Big Nerd Ranch///Walt Carter, CIO of Generation Mortgage///Scott Hall, CEO of HUNTER Technical Resources///Jay Ferro, CIO of the American Cancer Society///Jean Holley, CIO of Brambles///Mike Neumeier, Principle and Co-Founder of Arketi///Carrie Wheeler, CIO of Cbeyond///Becky Blalock, Author and former Global CIO of the Southern Company///and Sandy Hofmann, Gadfly and Community Cheerleader. These interviews are a powerful testimony of the Atlanta technology communities commitment to our brothers and sisters in Atlanta who need a helping hand. Although this is the longest Booth 61 so far at a little over an hour, we still were not able to include additional interviews that are available on the Booth 61/Business RadioX site.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed my time with Carrie. TechBridge is doing tremendous work in our community. You do not have to be a huge company or a wealthy philanthropist to get involved. Their is room in the tent for anyone willing to help. Contact TechBridge to learn more about how you too can help improve a life in our community.

Stephen Fleming, Vice President, Georgia Tech Visits Booth 61

May 20, 2013 by Ricky

Stephen Fleming, Georgia Tech Executive Visits Booth 61

May 13th, 2013 the Atlanta CEO Council held it’s most recent gathering. Another All Star crowd of Atlanta and beyond technology superstars visited the Ritz Carlton Buckhead for the best Lamb Chops on Planet Earth. For almost 15 years the Atlanta CEO Council has created an environment where new relationships are created and deals get done. Over 150 technology entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, professional services providers, and other VIP’s gather to do business.

This month’s program began with a presentation by Russ Clark and Matt Sanders from Georgia Tech about the project/research/commercial viability of Magic Window. After the informative presentation, everyone moved into the reception where Booth 61 was able to interview a handful of the guests. There was a lot of energy in the room and I personally wish I could have interviewed twenty more of these fine folks.

Always a pleasure and a privilege to spend time with my friend, Stephen Fleming. I met Stephen in the last 1990’s when he was a Venture Capitalist and I was a starving entrepreneur. Stephen did not invest with me but he always treated me with respect and dignity unlike many of the venture community. Stephen’s impact on our community has been huge both as an investor and as the Vice President of Georgia Tech. One of the nations top incubators is the ATDC and Stephen is expanding the operation across the state.

Michael Kogon, CEO & Founder of Definition 6

May 20, 2013 by Ricky

Entrepreneur Extraordinaire — Life Long Entrepreneur Michael Kogon visits Booth 61 at the Atlanta CEO Council Meeting

It was an honor for my long time friend and former boss, Michael Kogon joined me early in the evening. I joined the Board of Directors of Definition 6 in 2000 or 2001 and served on the Board until joining the company full time in 2007 as the Chief Development Officer. I learned a lot of great lessons from Michael and I know I am a smarter person for having served with him over the years.

Jeff Justice, Corporate Comedy Coach, Author, & Keynote Presenter Visits Booth 61

May 20, 2013 by Ricky

Comedy King — Jeff Justice Visits Booth 61 with Ricky Steele

My old friend, Jeff Justice visited Booth 61 on Wednesday, May 15th for an hour of wit and wisdom. I have not had this much fun since taking Jeff’s Corporate Comedy Classes in 2006 and 2007. Jeff has taught thousands of ordinary people how to be funny and how laughter is a huge stress reliever. Jeff also is Keynote Speaker for corporations around the country. Taking Jeff’s class made me a better public speaker and in reality, a better business person. Taking Jeff’s class was one of the best decisions I made in my career.

I could go on and on about Jeff Justice but if you will listen for the next 45 minutes you will hear from the Master himself. You will laugh and you will think, maybe even at the same time.

Take Jeff’s next Level One Class. I promise you will thank Jeff and I think you will thank me after your appearance at the PunchLine Comedy Club in Sandy Springs. If you do nothing else for yourself this year, make this commitment of your time and money. You will not regret this decision.

Becky Blalock, Global CIO, Author, Community Activist

May 20, 2013 by Ricky

The 2013 Digital Ball is in the history books. Everyone had a great time and a lot of money was raised for TechBridge. Congratulations to James Franklin, Carrie Bates Hastings and the entire team at TechBridge along with a huge team of volunteers. This was a special night and you made it so.

Booth 61 had the privilege of broadcasting live during the opening reception. We interviewed leading technologists who have been at every Digital Ball and those who were attending for the very first time.

I was thrilled my long term friend, mentor, and coach Becky Blalock visited Booth 61 during TechBridge’s 2013 Digital Ball. What can I possibly say about Becky Blalock that has not already been said many times. Becky is the former Global CIO of The Southern Company and has held more volunteer leadership positions than anyone I know. I have had the privilege to serve under Becky when she was the Chairman of the Board for Leadership Atlanta and the IT Initiative for United Way. An advocate for women and children, Blalock was recognized as a Power Woman by Atlanta Woman Magazine and received the Shining Star Award from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation. Blalock was also honored with the 2011 Legacy Award from Women in Technology and the Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia CIO Leadership Association. A graduate of Leadership Atlanta and Leadership Georgia, she was named a Fellow of the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation in 2001.

I know you will enjoy hearing Becky share her thoughts on TechBridge, The Digital Ball and her new book, DARE. You can pre-order DARE on Amazon now. You do not want to miss this book: Dare: Straight Talk on Confidence, Courage, and Career for Women in Charge

Scott Hall, CEO and Co-Founder of HUNTER Technical Resources

May 19, 2013 by Ricky

It was a great honor and privilege for one of the Co-Founders and the CEO of HUNTER Technical Resources to drop by Booth 61 during TechBridge’s 2013 Digital Ball. Scott Hall is a Georgia Tech graduate and joined two other Georgia Tech fraternity brothers and a St. Mary’s at Notre Dame graduate to form HUNTER 15 years ago.

Patrick Hiller, CEO & Co-Founder of Abacus Solutions

May 19, 2013 by Ricky

Patrick Hiller visits Booth 61 during TechBridge’s 2013 Digital Ball

It was great to have my friend, Patrick Hiller, CEO and Co-Founder of Abacus Solutions drop by for a quick visit during the opening reception at the 2013 Digital Ball. Patrick is a Georgia Tech graduate “Go Jackets” and someone who is heavily invested in our community.

Jean Holley, CIO, Brambles at TechBridge 2013 Digital Ball

May 19, 2013 by Ricky

Jean Holley, CIO, Brambles Visits Booth 61 during TechBridge 2013 Digital Ball

Jean Holley moved to Atlanta this past year as the CIO of Brambles. Jean is already having an impact in our community and I am certain she is only just beginning. You will enjoy Jean’s remarks about the Digital Ball and her new home town. Keep your eye on Jean. She is our kind of people!

James Franklin, CEO, TechBridge

May 19, 2013 by Ricky

In addition to juggling 100 balls without letting one of them hit the ground, James Franklin, CEO of TechBridge found the time to visit us in Booth 61 at the 2013 TechBridge Digital Ball. Having known and admired James for many years, watching what he has accomplished since joining TechBridge has been nothing less than breath taking. James has assembled a team of superstars who all work for a not for profit at not for profit salaries because they care about the mission. Theses dedicated community heroes had a direct impact on over ONE MILLION PEOPLE this past year as you will hear James announce during our time together, May 11th, 2013.