professional development Archives - Page 2 of 3

Grit and Grace with Laura and Jodi E5

December 8, 2020 by Karen

Grit-and-Grace-with-Laura-and-Jodi-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Grit and Grace with Laura and Jodi E5

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Grit and Grace with Laura and Jodi E5

Laura and Jodi were a perfect match for the conversation about creating a conscious business where they are supporting the community, making profit, and keeping in consideration the four tenants of Conscious Capitalism. Both women took a step to create a business that they could grow, and that they continue to grow through the pandemic.

Jodi, a local member of the Conscious Capitalism Arizona Chapter, highlights how she has grown her conscious business that empowers both adults and teens to create stronger personal and professional lives. Laura was able to join from San Diego to highlight her company WHYZ Partners and how they have been able to successfully navigate purpose and profit. We were able to dive into the purpose behind her new book The ABC’s of Conscious Capitalism for Kids and how it aligns well with the teen program that Jodi leads.

Grit and Grace is how they do it. When it comes to success, they are measuring what matters, taking the first step even if it is difficult, continuing to be authentic, and elevating humanity daily.

Not only was this a great conversation full of motivational takeaways, but we may have just found a perfect match for future collaboration. Although, we are in the middle of a pandemic and having to do all Conscious Capitalism Arizona events virtually, there is one thing that we are still able to do and that is make connections.

We hope folks listen in and take away some motivational thoughts about taking chances, being authentic, and remembering all of your stakeholders to grow. The takeaway from the show and from this entire pandemic- continue to have grit and grace.

WHYZ Partners is a retail consumer goods consultancy that offers retailers and brands a roadmap for how to successfully navigate purpose and profit in a 21st century ‘new abnormal’ consumer goods ecosystem.

The female founders utilize a high-touch approach of IQ/EQ/LQ that leverages their extensive experience in brand strategy and development, product development, omnichannel execution and operational excellence.

WHYZ believes in a triple bottom line business model, but knows that unless their clients are profitable, they cannot help people or the planet!

Laura Hall is a global business leader in the fashion and consumer goods industry. She left her last corporate role as president of accessories for Polo Ralph Lauren to join forces with two other female C-Suite executives to create WHYZ Partners.

Laura has been called a ‘collaborative co-conspirator’ by her clients and her peers – a descriptor she proudly accepts. And most recently, Laura is the author of a new children’s book The ABCs of Conscious Capitalism for KIDs – because Laura believes that “it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”…as Frederick Douglass said over a century ago.

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn.

U & Improved is an award-winning leadership development company that empowers people to create the personal and professional lives that they envision and deserve!

Jodi Low is an accomplished corporate trainer, inspirational speaker, and the Founder and CEO of the award-winning heart-based leadership development company U & Improved.

Jodi has trained tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, Fortune 100 executives, and small to medium sizes companies, and their teams, on how to build a booming business, master a mindset for success, and achieve the lifestyle they desire through heart-fueled leadership.

Her series of interactive, performance-based classes at U & Improved take leadership development to new heights using a sustainable and actionable model that is personal, challenging and meaningful to each attendee. Classes cover a variety of important workplace topics including communication, confidence-building, goal-setting, team collaboration, integrity and leadership.

The curriculum is adaptable and can include anything from a one-day workshop or corporate speaking engagement to their series of four award winning classes – each two-and-a-half day experiential leadership development courses – that focus on leadership, communication, team building and trust. Graduates are empowered with the knowledge, tools and awareness to immediately be more effective and responsive leaders at work, at home and within their communities.

In addition to helping Fortune 100 leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams see measurable success, Jodi also launched a teen leadership program, called U the Teen Leader, in 2014 to empower young adults to become more confident, motivated and focused future leaders. And in 2016, she founded a non-profit arm of the company—the U & Improved Leadership Foundation—which makes the program more accessible to deserving teens by offering partial and full scholarships to the U The Teen Leader class offered at U & Improved.

Follow U & Improved on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Our People and Profit Co-Hosts

Sarah McCraren is an Arizona native with a strong sense of community. Sarah spent many years in the corporate finance world specializing in the operational analysis, measurement and accountability systems, project management and software implementations. However, Sarah wanted to do work which was meaningful and would positively impact her community.

She found that saving lives and reducing injuries through comprehensive safety programs fit that bill. Sarah currently leads the McCraren Compliance team by keeping everyone focused on their primary purpose, creating workplaces where we all watch out for each other, and balancing the needs of all their stakeholders.

Sarah serves on the Boards for Conscious Capitalism Arizona and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Tucson Chapter, and is also active with the Arizona Builders Alliance, Arizona Rock Products Association , Arizona Transportation Builders and Women in Mining Az.

Sarah McCraren
Part of an Awesome Team
www.McCrarenCompliance.com
Creating Workplaces Where We All Watch Out for Each Other

No arm twisting is required to get Jeremy Neis, a CC Arizona leadership team member, to engage in conversation with impassioned business minds on the topic of leveraging enterprise to create long lasting advancements for humanity.

His two plus decades of entrepreneurial experience, leading strategic initiatives and tailoring solutions for organizations, families and individuals has led to a strong appreciation of the profound impact business wields over the people it serves and relies upon.

It is his delight to explore with inspiration, show guests their experiences, observations and approaches to doing business in a people centered manner.

About Our Sponsor – Conscious Capitalism Arizona

Business has the potential to be a powerful force for good.

Free enterprise capitalism has served to lift more people out of poverty than any other socio-economic system ever conceived – empowering social cooperation, human progress, and elevating humanity.

Good business is the answer to many of the global issues that humankind is facing. This is what we will dive into on the show.

We are working to change the capitalism narrative by shining a bright light on good business – telling the stories of conscious Arizona companies and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.

Assimilation – The Great White Washing of African Americans E5

August 28, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Assimilation - The Great White Washing of African Americans E5

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Assimilation – The Great White Washing of African Americans E5

Today we were excited to have Terri Givens reunited with Karen Loomis after not seeing each for 40 years after competing against each other in Track and Field while kids growing up in Spokane, WA. Both seek a greater understanding of the decision made by their parents upon deciding to raise their combined 12 children in a city with barely 1% African American population at the time. Their shared experiences were echo’d by Camilla Ross and her childhood.

Learn how and why empathy is so important as you try to understand the outrage and protests we are currently seeing in the U.S. Terri’s education system insight will help guide you during this time of online or distance learning for your children of any color.

Terri Givens is the CEO and Founder of The Center for Higher Education Leadership, an online platform for professional development for higher education leaders.

Terri is a Political Scientist and former provost at Menlo College.

Connect with Terri on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The Emerson Theater Collaborative (ETC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to serve youth, under-represented communities and artists with an emphasis on diversity, by producing innovative and thought-provoking theater both in southeastern Connecticut and Sedona, Arizona. One such example is a wonderful play called Vivian’s Music 1969 by Monica Bauer that was a featured program at ETC in February 2020.

Camilla Ross is the President and Chairman of Emerson Theater Collaborative, Inc., Producer and Actress (Portray’s Harriet Tubman – Harriet Tubman’s Dream written by Lisa Giordano). She is also the President and Chairman of the Sedona Arts Academy.

“To be a catalyst for social change is really where it’s at for me,” Camilla said. “I believe theater should always be a venue for social change. I love the art of live theater and love what it does to the human soul and spirit. It moves us to look at life differently. To leave off the rose-colored glasses and really see the human condition.”ETC is a shining example.

Founded in 2008 to give voice to actors’ innate talent for character development, Camilla has since produced more than 20 inspired, original performances. Emerging and professional cast and crew have blossomed under her guidance. And together they’ve created profound, can’t-ever-forget shows that illuminate social issues, and transform audience curiosity into concern and action.

Camilla has a deep well of experience and mentorship to tap into for her ETC roles—from her days at Emerson College and then in regional theaters and commercials. Among her favorite portrayals? Capturing the heart, spark, and essence of Harriet Tubman in the one-woman show Harriet Tubman’s Dream. Camilla is also deeply involved with youth, their visions for social change, and the desire to see the world as a stage of peace. To that end, she’s a tireless advocate for children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. She gives kids and teen real-life theatrical experience through ETC’s Summer Youth Program and enlivens their eagerness to learn about the history and genuine heroes through ETC’s school programs. Camilla is a steadfast suicide prevention advocate too, helping teens and adults avoid this tragedy and move forward to a happier, more positive future.

Camilla has taught business courses part-time at Three Rivers Community College since 2005, Sat on the Emerson College Alumni Board for ten years, and is past president of the Connecticut Alumni Chapter. In May 2014 Camilla was honored by the Writer’s Block of New London, Conn., for her past work as an instructor. In June 2013 she was named Woman of The Year by the Women’s Network of Southeastern Connecticut, and she’s been featured in many periodicals for her community service. In 2019 Emerson Theater Collaborative was nominated as Collaborator of the year in Sedona AZ. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and member of Kappa Beta Delta, Camilla earned her BA in Performing Arts: Acting from Emerson College in 1985 and her MBA in Finance from Baker College in Michigan.

Connect with Camilla on LinkedIn and follow ETC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Karen Loomis, Oracle and Founder of No Moss Brands, is no stranger to the impact of racism; not only in her personal life, but professional life as well. In 2000, Karen moved from Spokane, Wa to Phoenix, AZ to find better opportunities as promised by the fifth largest city in the U.S. With only 2% AA, Spokane proved to be a challenging environment, as is Phoenix, with only 6% AA.

Karen has never shied away from the many barriers racism presented. She has always felt her extensive education and professional experiences could overcome these often invisible challenges.Unfortunately, institutional racism has proven to be too big of a hurdle for one person to take on. Using No Moss Brands as the vehicle, Karen will use her voice to open the eyes of others who are willing to join all People of Color on this journey to change. You in?

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow No Moss Brands on Twitter and Facebook.

Erik Francis with Maverik Education and Christian Nielson with uQualio® E10

August 19, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Erik Francis with Maverik Education and Christian Nielson with uQualio® E10

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Erik Francis with Maverik Education and Christian Nielson with uQualio® E10

Maverik Education, LLC provides academic professional development and consultation to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities on developing rigorous learning environments and delivering educational experiences that challenge students to demonstrate higher order thinking and communicate depth of knowledge (DOK).

Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S., Owner of Maverik Education, is an international author and presenter with over 20 years of experience working as a classroom teacher, a site administrator, an education program specialist with a state education agency, and a professional development trainer.

He has extensive experience working with diverse populations of schools, staff, and students at all grade levels from pre-kindergarten to post-graduate. Erik is the author of Now THAT’S a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning published by ASCD. His book on teaching and learning for depth of knowledge will be published by Solution Tree International in 2021.

Erik is also ranked as one of the World’s Top 30 Education Professionals for 2019 (#13) and 2020 (#3) by the research organization Global Gurus.

Connect with Erik on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

uQualio® is the company name and the name of a new kind of video eLearning platform for the use in onboarding, training, marketing, sales and sales support.

uQualio® takes the value of video for training, cloud-based technologies, SaaS, smartphones, social media, gamification, and bite size learning and creates a new way to create, distribute and consume learning.

uQualio® is a revolutionary way to do this for companies, NGO’s, non-profits and startups across the world.

Christian Nielsen is uQualio®’s Chief Product Officer and co-founder. He holds a Master of Science in Electronic Engineering.

He has a long career with extensive international experience in Management, Leadership & Quality within learning and software industries. Back in 2000 Christian was the CEO of one of the first eLearning companies in Denmark.

Follow uQualio® on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About The Lurnist Radio Show & Podcast

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

About Your Host

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

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

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

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

About Hildebrand Solutions, DBA “The Lurnist

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

Follow The Lurnist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“Building Confidence in Business Development and Selling,” An Interview with Jennifer Finkelstein Hall, MatchKey Consulting LLC

June 11, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

"Building Confidence in Business Development and Selling," An Interview with Jennifer Finkelstein Hall, MatchKey Consulting LLC

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“Building Confidence in Business Development and Selling,” An Interview with Jennifer Finkelstein Hall, MatchKey Consulting LLC (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 241)

Jennifer Finkelstein Hall, MatchKey Consulting, joins the show to discuss developing confidence in sales, training millennials, how job seekers can stand out in their career search, and much more. The host of “North Fulton Business Radio” is John Ray and the show is produced virtually by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Jennifer Hall, Founder, Matchkey Consulting, LLC

MatchKey is a professional development and training organization with a focus on customized programming that increases confidence around selling, business development and empowerment in the marketplace. Some key markets for MatchKey include professional millennials and women of all ages. Programs range from one-on-one coaching sessions to virtual or in-person workshop facilitation. Founded by Jennifer Hall, MatchKey also provides a “one-stop shop” service to assist companies with finding the best training or coaching resource to meet their specific needs. The right MATCH is KEY.

To connect with Jennifer, go to the MatchKey Consulting website or call 470-306-8417.

North Fulton Business Radio” is produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Christian Nielsen with uQualio® ApS and Erik Francis with Maverik Education E5

March 11, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Christian Nielsen with uQualio® ApS and Erik Francis with Maverik Education E5

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Christian Nielsen with uQualio ApS and Erik Francis with Maverik Education E5

uQualio® is the company name and the name of a new kind of video eLearning platform for the use in onboarding, training, marketing, sales and sales support. uQualio® takes the value of video for training, cloud-based technologies, SaaS, smartphones, social media, gamification and bite size learning and creates a new way to create, distribute and consume learning.

uQualio® is a revolutionary way to do this for companies, NGO’s, non-profits and startups across the world.

Christian Nielsen is uQualio® Chief Product Officer and co-founder. He holds a Master of Science in Electronic Engineering. He has a long career with extensive international experience in Management, Leadership & Quality within learning and software industries. Back in 2000 Christian was the CEO of one of the first eLearning companies in Denmark.

Follow uQualio® on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Maverik Education, LLC provides academic professional development and consultation to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities on developing learning environments and delivering educational experiences that challenge students to demonstrate higher-order thinking and communicate depth of knowledge (DOK).

Our areas of expertise include teaching and learning for depth of knowledge (Webb’s DOK), higher-level questioning and inquiry, authentic learning, differentiated instruction, personalized learning, and talent development.

Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S. is an international author and presenter with over 20 years of experience working as a classroom teacher, a site administrator, an education program specialist with a state education agency, and a professional development trainer.

He has extensive experience working with students who are academically at-risk, gifted and talented students, English language learners, and students with special needs.

Erik is the author of Now THAT’S a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning published by ASCD. His book on teaching and learning for depth of knowledge will be published by Solution Tree International in Fall 2020. Erik has also been ranked as one of the World’s Top 30 Education Professionals for 2019 (#13) and 2020 (#3) by the international research organization Global Gurus.

Erik received his Master’s in Education Leadership from Northern Arizona University and Master’s of Science in Film and Television Production and Management from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication and English from the University at Albany. Erik currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his family.

Follow Maverik Education on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

About The Lurnist Radio Show & Podcast

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

About Your Host

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

About Hildebrand Solutions, DBA “The Lurnist

Follow The Lurnist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

THE DAY BEFORE MONDAY Shannon Teixeira with Waste Management and Lindsay Moellenberndt with AZ Biz Link

October 1, 2019 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

THE DAY BEFORE MONDAY Shannon Teixeira with Waste Management and Lindsay Moellenberndt with AZ Biz Link

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THE DAY BEFORE MONDAY Shannon Teixeira with Waste Management and Lindsay Moellenberndt with AZ Biz Link

Waste Management is the largest comprehensive waste and environmental services and recycler company in North America. Founded in 1968, the company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

The company’s network includes 346 transfer stations, 293 active landfill disposal sites, 146 recycling plants, 111 beneficial-use landfill gas projects and six independent power production plants.

Waste Management offers environmental services to nearly 21 million residential, industrial, municipal and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

With 26,000 collection and transfer vehicles, the company has the largest trucking fleet in the waste industry including the largest fleet of natural gas heavy-duty truck fleet of its kind in North America.

We’re always working toward a more sustainable tomorrow. Their focus is on maximizing resource value while minimizing impact in order to further both economic and environmental sustainability for their customers, shareholders and the planet.

Shannon Teixeira is a designer & builder of Modern HR who is deeply passionate about impacting people, business, communities. She fuses both business and people performance transforming to unified, aligned, collaborative and purpose driven workplaces for employees to be at their best and do their best work.

Her background has straddled between design, operations, marketing and HR working in companies from start-ups and Fortune 500 which has given her the ability to use innovative ways of thinking and doing to drive strategy into high performing organizational outcomes. She considers herself agile and thrives in growing, evolving and collaborative environments. She leads by showing up authentically, mentoring, teaching and having fun.

She is currently leading the people strategy for regional operations unit within WM with revenues exceeding $1B and over 3100 employees across five states. In addition she is part of a core team designing and implementing a new HR operating structure across all of Waste Management focused on a driving a people -first culture.

Shannon is co-founder of AZ Talent coop an organization focused on bringing together all of the people focused organizations across Greater Phoenix, is a past president of SHRM of Greater Phoenix and currently sits on the Advisory board for AZ Biz Link. She is also a Phoenix Business Journal past award recipient for HR Innovation.

Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.

AZ Biz Link spends our time and efforts on what fuels companies – their workforce and their leadership. We strive to understand what topics companies and individuals are curious about and develop thoughtful education events that answer those questions.

We love to tackle tough topics and provide non-political responses. We keep it real and focus on bringing the right community leaders to the table to help all of us navigate specific topics that relate to our personal and professional lives.

Ready to take your personal life and career to the next level? Join us for a future event.

Lindsay Moellenberndt is a real estate expert with a passion for connecting people and businesses with resources for growth. Throughout her career in commercial real estate and regional economic development she has helped friends, clients, colleagues and community members identify ways to elevate their businesses.

Lindsay founded AZ Biz Link in 2017, a professional development organization focused on facilitating discussions around today’s modern workforce and leadership challenges, while creating solutions and driving real positive change in the workplace.

Lindsay latest hobby includes hosting the AZ Biz Link podcast where she interviews local leaders to discuss all the great people, places, services & companies that exist in our community that can help set one up for personal and professional success.

Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn and follow AZ Biz Link on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT THE DAY BEFORE MONDAY PODCAST

An encouraging and practical podcast giving you the tools to have a happier “work” experience. We tend to do our best work in a healthy environment with/for people we respect, and this podcast will help you to identify and navigate toward the more fulfilling work you crave.

ABOUT YOUR HOST, BRENDA M. CUNNINGHAM

A former engineer and project manager within corporate America, Brenda M. Cunningham now runs Push Career Management and helps super smart professionals get back to work, get positioned for promotions, and get paid what they’re worth.

She is the President of the Resume Writers’ Council of Arizona, served on the board of the National Resume Writers’ Association, and holds credentials in resume writing, career management, and job search strategy (CPRW, CCM, and CJSS).

Working with corporations to provide more personal outplacement services, Brenda has already made an impact for several companies in manufacturing, retail sales, R&D, and financial services facing reductions in force (layoffs).

An author, public speaker, career strategist, and unapologetic encourager…Brenda is on a mission to make sure no one is limited by boundaries in their own career. You can connect with Brenda at LinkedIn.com/BrendaMCunningham.

ABOUT OUR SHOW’S SPONSOR

Push Career Management, LLC, is a Career Transition firm that works with professionals who are ready for promotion or who are eager to get back into quality positions in the workforce. They provide corporate outplacement services, 1:1 portfolio development (resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter, etc…), and job search/interview coaching.

Their clients get a huge surge of confidence after working with them. Their signature Discovery Process helps them to extract the things that make their clients marketable so they can demand and get paid what they’re worth…while accelerating their transitions. To find out more, visit pushcareermanagement.com and schedule a complimentary consultation or a more in-depth strategy session.

Financial Literacy with ACEE CEO Elena Zee Murray Smith with FPA of Greater Phoenix Kris Anest with Charles Schwab and Guest-Host Marie Burns

March 26, 2019 by Karen

ACEE-CEO-Elena-Zee-Murray-Smith-with-FPA-of-Greater-Phoenix-Kris-Anest-with-Charles-Schwab-nd-Guest-Host-Marie-Burns1

Phoenix Business Radio

Financial Literacy with ACEE CEO Elena Zee Murray Smith with FPA of Greater Phoenix Kris Anest with Charles Schwab and Guest-Host Marie Burns

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Financial Literacy with ACEE CEO Elena Zee Murray Smith with FPA of Greater Phoenix Kris Anest with Charles Schwab and Guest-Host Marie Burns

Arizona community members are invited to a Pro Bono financial planning event on Saturday, April 20th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Download the flyer for this free event and register here.

The Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE) is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving economic and personal financial literacy in Arizona. ACEE is the author of Arizona K-12 Economic Education Academic Standards and the only organization in Arizona which: provides teacher professional development in teaching personal finance and economics; has a strong, affiliated academic base with universities and community colleges; and distributes proven economic education curriculum resources to schools free of charge.

Elena Zee started her career in the private sector at American Express before becoming President and CEO of the Arizona Council on Economic Education. Elena has a Master’s Degree in Economics from Columbia University and Double Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Math from Wellesley College. Elena serves on the board of Organization for Nonprofit Executives, the National Association of Economic Educators and Global Economics Education Alliance. She was the former President of Phi Beta Kappa Phoenix Association, promoting excellence in liberal arts and science higher education.

Elena is very passionate about education, financial freedom and professional development.

Follow ACEE on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is the principal membership organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals, educators, financial services providers and students who seek advancement in a growing, dynamic profession. The primary aim of FPA is to elevate the profession that transforms lives through the power of financial planning.

FPA supports high standards of professional competence, ethical conduct and clear, complete disclosure when serving clients. By providing opportunities for professional development, business support, advocacy and community at the national and chapter levels, FPA is truly indispensable in the advancement of today’s CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals.

The Financial Planning Association of Greater Phoenix (FPAGP) strives to be the essential hub of the Phoenix-area financial planning community. It’s mission is to connect Certified Financial Planners and associated professionals with the resources they need and the people who need them. Certain CFP(R)s within the chapter have ambition to promote financial literacy in Arizona and do so through public awareness presentations and pro bono, 1-1 financial planning.

Murray Smith is a Financial Planner at KeatsConnelly, the largest cross-border wealth management firm in North America that specializes in helping Canadians and Americans realize their dreams of a cross-border lifestyle. Murray is responsible for providing financial planning recommendations to move people efficiently toward their financial goals. His recommendations are formed from a deep understanding of a client’s situation, values and goals combined with his expertise, experience and skills in financial planning and analysis.

When Murray isn’t helping people achieve their goals, he is busy working on his own projects. Along with his wife and young son, Murray tends to the 600 square feet of gardens in their backyard (including rainwater collection). In addition to spending time with his family, he loves do-it-yourself projects, tinkering with electronics, developing software and playing guitar. To help build community, he performs public awareness and pro bono work through the Financial Planning Association of Greater Phoenix (FPAGP).

Murray is a board member of the FPAGP. He currently is vice-president and will be the organization’s president in 2020. In 2021, he will remain on the executive committee as chairman.

Follow FPAGP on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Kris Anest has been in the brokerage business since February 1987. She started her career with Fidelity Investments working in Salt Lake City, Utah and Boston, Massachusetts.

She has been with Schwab since December 1995 with a break in service from 2001 to 2007. During her break in service, she taught World History, Economics and Advanced Placement Macroeconomics at North Canyon High School in Phoenix, Arizona. During her teaching tenure, she continued to provide independent investment consulting services.

During her tenure with Schwab, Kris has served as a registered representative in Participant Services, Retail Brokerage Services, Quality Assurance and Retail Help and Advice. She managed Participant Services call center teams and the Institutional Prime Broker desk as a Senior Manager in Trading Operations. She is currently managing a team of business analyst in Advisor Services Pricing and Billing. She has co-chaired the Schwab Phoenix Community Ambassador Team and is active in non-profit efforts. She is an OCJ Kids board member and an executive board member on the Arizona Council on Economic Education.

Kris attended Arizona State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in History and Economics. She earned her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Mary’s University, MN. She is FINRA Series 63, 66, 7, 9 and 10 licensed and Schwab also carries her P&C insurance licenses. Kris’ hobby is competitive ballroom dancing.

Connect with Kris on LinkedIn.

Marie Burns, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with insurance and securities licenses, has been advocating for clients as a financial advisor for close to 20 years. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association nationally and locally, 100+ Women Who Care, Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors, and Mountain Park Church. Originally from Wisconsin, she has helped clients with their financial lives in a bank setting, accounting firm, at Vanguard, at a financial planning firm and now writes and speaks and has her own practice with an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm. She enjoys cooking, reading, walking, hiking, Zumba and especially creating memories with family and friends.

Connect with Marie on LinkedIn and follow Paper Lifesavers Facebook.

TALES FAILS AND ALES Local First Arizona with Thomas Barr and U and Improved with Jodi Low

February 28, 2019 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

TALES FAILS AND ALES Local First Arizona with Thomas Barr and U and Improved with Jodi Low

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TALES FAILS AND ALES Local First Arizona with Thomas Barr and U and Improved with Jodi Low

Join Jennifer Burwell and Kyle McIntosh for the monthly rendition of Tales, Fails, & Ales . . . where we drink ales and tell tales about fails. We represent MAC6, a company dedicated to the success of entrepreneurs and sharing their stories. Our hope is by forcing these leaders to share their biggest fuck ups, that we can realize our greatness is always just on the other side of adversity. Tune in monthly and enjoy hearing from the latest fuck ups, and be inspired by their tenacity to push through and make it happen.

Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. We support, promote and advocate for a strong local business community and raise public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies. Local businesses contribute to a sustainable economy for Arizona and build vibrant communities we’re all proud to call home.

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 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.

U & Improved provides innovative, sustainable leadership development training to individuals and companies committed to growth. We give our clients the tools to improve collaboration and communication in a way that results in loyalty, trust and a culture of coaction.

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.

Follow U & Improved on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

ABOUT TALES FAILS and ALES

Tales, Fails & Ales is brought to you by MAC6, Conscious Capitalism Arizona, Phoenix Business Radio X, Crush Craft Cider, and Lyft. Remember to keep your fuck ups in the board room and not on the road.

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

Junior Achievement with Anne Landers and ASU Lodestar Center with Nicole Almond Anderson E16

February 18, 2019 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Junior Achievement with Anne Landers and ASU Lodestar Center with Nicole Almond Anderson E16

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Junior Achievement with Anne Landers and ASU Lodestar Center with Nicole Almond Anderson E16

Continuing education outside the traditional classroom is important for creating leaders of all ages whether it’s the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation and their undergraduate, graduate or certificate programs designed to provide professionals with the tools they need to accelerate social impact or Junior Achievement of Arizona and their unique programs empowering K-12 students to be successful.

Nonprofit professionals and advocates of a strong workforce will want to tune in to hear how these two organizations are making great strides to build strong communities not just in Arizona, but worldwide!

For the last 60 years, Junior Achievement of Arizona (JA) has been empowering the futures of millions of Arizona students by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money, plan for their future, and make smart academic, career and economic choices. Delivered by 9,500 business and community volunteer mentors, our hands-on, age-appropriate programs focus on three key areas: financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Serving more than 80,000 students each year and over 2 million since its founding, JA is shaping the college- and career-readiness conversation, and we play an important role in Arizona’s workforce and economic development. Our programs help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world, and demonstrate how learning correlates to earning – knowledge critical to empowering today’s students to be successful, contributing members of society in the future.

We serve students with diverse backgrounds and socio-economic status throughout Arizona, with primary focus on providing our programs to students from low-income households.

We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization wholly dependent on the financial and volunteer support of individuals, foundations and businesses.

We have two offices – headquartered in Tempe, where our two JA BizTown® facilities are located, and another office in Tucson, serving our Southern Arizona students and partners. We are a member of Junior Achievement USA.

Anne Landers is the Senior Director of Marketing and Development for Junior Achievement of Arizona, a Tempe-based nonprofit that prepares 83,000 primarily low-income children to succeed in work and life each year by educating them about financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial thinking. She has been with the organization for four years and is the organization’s first marketing director in 20 years.

Before coming to JA, she was the Interim Director at an international community development nonprofit, Life In Abundance, where she oversaw the implementation of U.S. based operations of programs abroad. She began her career at a start-up advertising and PR agency, David and Sam PR (Decibel Blue), where she was one of the agency’s first two employees.

Anne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from ASU. She lives in Gilbert with her husband, two soon-to-be school-aged sons and black lab.

Follow JA on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation is a global leader in advancing understanding and effective philanthropic and nonprofit practice as a distinctive community development strategy.

Through research, education, technical assistance and convenings, the Center focuses on advancing nonprofit leaders and philanthropists to solve problems, to realize a community’s highest aspirations and to accelerate social impact.

For over a decade, Nicole Anderson has worked at Arizona State University where currently she is the Manager of Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Relations for the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation within the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions. She serves as President of the Sun Devil Club’s Young Professionals Group and the Vice President of the ASU Young Alumni Chapter. In 2017, City of Phoenix Mayor Stanton appointed Nicole to the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues.

She is a member of the Board of Directors for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona and for the Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding a treatment, and an eventual cure, of Pitt Hopkins Syndrome and other similar disorders. She also founded RareiTees for a Cure, a clothing brand created with a unique mission to bring awareness to rare diseases.

Anderson received a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU, as well as Masters of Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions at ASU.

Follow ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation On LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

About 3C Amplified

3C Amplified is a space to highlight businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals collaborating to amplify their impact in the community. We share real world examples for how partnerships allow for growth both within our businesses and our communities. Listen in as we share how others are connecting, creating and collaborating and how you can be part of something greater.

About Jacqueline Destremps

Jacqueline Destremps is a creative marketing strategist and founded Another Hand Advantage, LLC in 2014 to help community minded small business owners and nonprofit professionals move forward more confidently with their marketing strategy. After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in Psychology, she has spent her professional career working in both the nonprofit and for-profit sector.

She now enjoys being self-employed and the flexibility it provides to allow more time to volunteer, serve on nonprofit boards, choose pro-bono projects, run 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun (which she co-founded in 2014) and travel the world. Jacqueline believes in creating connections between businesses and nonprofits in the community to stimulate growth and collaboration.

Follow AHA on Twitter and Facebook.