Join us on the #FutureForward podcast where we dive into uplifting dialogues with some of the world's leading CEOs, Founders, Entrepreneurs, and Innovators. These insightful conversations are centered around nurturing resilience in our unpredictable world. A passionate advocate of "Innovation for Good", our discussions don't just stop there - we also delve into how innovation can create meaningful, positive changes in humanity, the environment, and various cultures.Our esteemed guests open up about their personal journeys, hurdles, and the obstacles they've overcome, all the while sharing actionable strategies that you, as our listener, can put into play immediately. We also sprinkle invaluable nuggets of wisdom related to self-care, the importance of positive breaks, and maintaining mental health.The core purpose of our podcast is to cast a radiant beam of hope during these uncertain times, providing an uplifting alternative to the barrage of less-than-positive news we are often subjected to. So, why not take a break from endless scrolling? Tune in to the FutureForward podcast and let's navigate the future, together!
Coping with the relentless challenges of ALS, I know all too well the importance of resilience, hope, and the importance of mental health, which is why I'm excited to invite back @Ryan Douglas, CEO of @DeepWell DTx, to talk about the latest product release, #Zengence. Explore the innovative frontier of mental health care through the prism of video games. From my beginnings in media and animation to founding Next Turn, we chart a course through the intersection of technology and therapy. Discover how groundbreaking Stanford studies are revolutionizing our understanding of video games, debunking myths, and uncovering unexpected benefits for mental health. Learn about the transformative potential of gaming design when coupled with behavioral science, offering new pathways for therapeutic practices. Experience the cutting edge of stress relief and resilience training through immersive game mechanics and virtual reality (VR). We unveil a new video game that uses motion constructs and biofeedback mechanisms, featuring a unique breath-control system that provides both in-game advantages and real-life stress management benefits. Get excited about a VR game currently being tested with 500 players, designed to build resilience and promote mental wellness. This episode celebrates the power of innovation, the crucial role of community support, and the endless possibilities at the intersection of technology and mental health.Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/deepwellcommunityDiscord Community: https://discord.gg/pwNAdNNEFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaming/DeepWellDTxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepwelldtxLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deepwelldtxWebsite: https://www.deepwelldtx.com/zengenceMeta Store: https://www.meta.com/experiences/7982150971811780#mentalhealth #VR #videogames Support the show
6/13/24 • 46:45
🎙️ **New Episode Alert: Future Forward Podcast - A Conversation with Daniel Doctoroff**I am thrilled to announce our latest episode of the Future Forward Podcast, where I had the honor of sitting down with an extraordinary guest, Daniel L. Doctoroff. Dan’s resume is a testament to a life dedicated to creating impactful societal change. As the former CEO of Bloomberg LP, Deputy Mayor of New York City, and the driving force behind Target ALS, his achievements speak volumes about his commitment to addressing complex social issues.🌟 *“In the face of adversity, we find our true strength. My journey with ALS has been a testament to this, but it’s also a journey I don’t walk alone. Meeting fellow travelers like myself who share this path reminds me that our battles, though personal, are part of a larger story of courage, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of solutions.”* - Daniel L. DoctoroffIn our conversation, Dan delves into his personal experiences with ALS, how it has reshaped his perspective, and his relentless efforts in pioneering research and treatment options for this disease. His insights are not just inspiring; they are a beacon of hope for many.As a bonus, Dan puts on his former Bloomberg hat to share a few predictions for 2024.Join us in this heartening episode as we explore the intersection of personal struggle, societal contribution, and the relentless pursuit of solutions in the face of life’s most challenging obstacles. #FutureForwardPodcast #DanielDoctoroff #ALSAwareness #Resilience #Innovation #SocNext stepsietalChangeSupport the show
1/18/24 • 40:02
Part two of our interview with Ryan DouglasExplore the captivating world of mental health innovation with Ryan Douglas in our latest podcast episode, "Mind Games: Revolutionizing Mental Health with Ryan Douglas." In this must-watch video, Ryan delves deep into the groundbreaking work of DeepWell Digital Therapeutics and its pioneering role in merging the realms of gaming and mental health therapy.Watch the Video HereDon't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights into how video games are being transformed into powerful tools for therapy and wellness. As Ryan Douglas eloquently states, "In the synergy of technology and empathy, lies the untapped potential of healing minds." This episode is a testament to that vision, offering a unique perspective on the future of mental health treatments.Join me for this fascinating journey into the heart of digital therapeutic innovation, where each game is more than just a source of entertainment—it's a step towards healing and understanding. Join us and be part of this revolutionary conversation in "Mind Games: Revolutionizing Mental Health with Ryan Douglas."#MindGamesPodcast#RyanDouglasInnovation#DeepWellTherapeutics#MentalHealthRevolution#GamingForWellness#DigitalTherapy#MentalHealthAwareness#InnovativeHealthcare#TherapeuticGaming#TechMeetsEmpathySupport the show
1/11/24 • 53:01
“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” — Brené BrownI am thrilled to share the latest episode of our podcast, "Fueling Success: The Vital Role of Self-Love and Self-Care." In this enlightening episode, we have the pleasure of hosting renowned personal development expert Teresa Sande.Teresa dives deep into the essence of self-love and self-care and explores their indispensable role in driving personal success. She sheds light on how these practices nurture our mind, body, and soul and can be leveraged to unlock our untapped potential.In a world where external demands and pressures often consume us, it's easy to overlook the importance of caring for ourselves. But as Teresa brilliantly explains, without nourishing our wellbeing, we can't possibly be at our best or achieve the level of success we can.Suppose you're on a journey toward personal success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a corporate professional, a student, or simply someone looking to enhance their life quality, this podcast episode is a must-listen!So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and embark on this journey together. Click the link below to listen now! 🎧#SelfLove #SelfCare #PersonalSuccess #Podcast #TeresaSandeMore about Teresa: Teresa Sande, named one of the top "100 Women to Know in America" in 2022 and an expert in organizational effectiveness, who has dedicated her career to helping leaders unleash their full potential. With her cutting-edge frAIMwork (Awareness, Interrupt and Momentum) and over 40 empowering exercises, Teresa's new book "Find Your Fierce" is your ultimate guide to silencing your inner critic and becoming the confident leader you were born to be.How do you tap into your inner strength? What might be pulling you back, holding you down, or making you anxious? I truly believe everyone at one time or another has experienced a little bit (or a lot) of #impostersyndrome. In Teresa Sande's new book "Find Your Fierce: Interrupt Imposter Syndrome and Own Your Success" (use the link to get a discount on the book) she shares insights, strategies, and 40 (yes 40) exercises to help you discover your fierce CONFIDENCE. Building on her frAIMwork (get it? AIM; Awareness, Interrupt, and Momentum) she shares how you can take steps to "quiet your inner critic" and "own your success".Teresa Sande is passionate about equity in the workplace, healthy corporate cultures, and growing leaders to be their best. She holds her Master’s degree in Organizational Effectiveness and spent nearly 25 years as an executive with companies like Intel, Capital One, Cargill, and UnitedHealth Group. More about Teresa:As the CEO and founder of Mirror Mirror Strategies, Teresa is a consultant, coach, author, speaker, and imposter syndrome expert. Her book on the topic, “Find Your Fierce: Interrupt Imposter Syndrome and Own Your Success”, debuted in early 2021. Teresa enjoys mentoring others, and supporting various women’s groups. She splits her time between Minneapolis, MN, and Palm Springs, CA, in her free time she enjoys adventures with her husband and pets, and being outside as much as possible! “Find Your Fierce” is available on her website now at www.TeresaSande.com The book is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. Support the showSupport the show
6/15/23 • 39:01
"The bad news is time flies... the GOOD news is you are the PILOT!" Michael Altshuler'sSo, what strategies and tools are you leveraging to navigate this dynamic landscape?As we prepare for the economic uncertainties of 2024, one constant remains - the necessity of customer engagement and business growth. Amid digital transformation and omnipresent AI, it's crucial to frequently evaluate your product portfolio's relevance and keep innovation as a priority.Join Lisa Schneider and me as we discuss product innovation, emphasizing why product strategies are pivotal for your 2024 blueprint. Time waits for no one, so take the helm, innovate, and be ready to thrive in 2024.#innovation #digitaltransformation #productinnovation #strategySupport the show
6/13/23 • 41:41
What does the bass guitarist for Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band and a passionate executive leader have in common?Shifting the winds from bullying to caring, empathy, sharing, and kindness in children (and adults) is sadly not an easy task. That's where IM4U Learning transforms how we talk about and teach tough stuff! Children's advocate, songwriter, and author, @JimMayer, long-time member of the Coral Reefer band is known as an award-winning writer and producer of songs for children. He has performed at national education conferences and in regional assemblies for many years. He founded IM4U Learning, a startup to bring the joy of music and play-based learning to children and teachers in the classroom.So how does @Maura Connor fit into this story? Jim seeks a CEO to lead IM4U; there's an introduction and then a mash-up! Maura Connor and Jim Mayer have a shared purpose and passion for transforming education and making an impact in the lives of children and teachers. The common thread? Both had seen how bullying young children in schools had devastating impact and saw a critical need in our educational system to help children develop resilience, self-awareness, empathy, respect, and more. An ed-tech startup union is formed, and Maura takes the helm of IM4U Learning. #futureforward with me and Maura ConnorMaura and I are also grateful for the passionate work of Luann Abrams whose mission is to drive more #women into #CEO roles! Thank you, Luann for all that you do! (links in the article and mentions in the video for more info) About Maura ConnorMaura Connor currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of IM4U Learning, LLC. She is a seasoned operations executive who has built and led high-performing teams in the educational technology, publishing, workforce development, and healthcare industries. Her experience falls across both for-profit and non-for-profit entities; from small founder-led and PE-backed companies to larger private and publicly traded corporations. She has led the strategic execution of corporate initiatives; operations; product strategy and management; eLearning solution development; transformation and process improvement; product marketing; and client experience services. Maura is customer-centric. She throws herself into understanding market and customer problems to design the right solution that achieves the best experience and outcomes. She is passionate about cultivating talent and culture so individuals, teams, and communities can thrive.#IM4ULearning #edtech #edtechstartups #startupfunding #CEOX #womenleaders #womenCEOs #education #earlychildhoodeducation Support the show
6/13/23 • 51:01
"When Women Get Together, They Have the Power to Create Positive Change!"Maura ConnorToday's #futureforward session, Leading Through Uncertainty to Exit Ready for Growth was so inspiring! I was joined but some very talented and experienced women.The group shares tips, strategies, inspirational thoughts, and examples of successes. Listen and be inspired.Joined by A Panel of Excellent and Experienced Leaders:Lisa Schneider: An influential Chief Product Officer who identifies innovative growth opportunities and creates the products, culture, messaging, and partnerships to make those succeed. Her ability to clarify and focus product strategy and align it with business goals and outcomes drives consistent, substantial results and creates org-wide alignment and speed. Lisa is currently a fractional CPO and product strategy consultant across a range of verticals.Talila Millman: A transformational CTO, known for growing revenue through innovative products, developing growth strategies, translating strategy into roadmap and execution plan, and fixing processes for productivity and efficiency gains. Talila offers these services, as well as coaching, and speaking engagements through Talila’s company MillmanTech. Talila’s broad experience in AI, machine learning, data analytics, cloud, IoT, mobile, and SaaS, distinguishes her as an advisor, and a speaker. Linkedin:Julia Porter Plowman: Founder I Chief Brand Officer, Folk Global. Helps leaders build and market purpose-driven brands and create value. Inspire and influence executive teams around vision, values, strategy, and metrics, resulting in focused corporate initiatives, improved decision-making, and inspired company culture. Help Brands find their place in culture and engage with modern audiences.Maura Connor: Maura partners with CEOs and their executive teams to translate their long-term vision into the corporate strategic plan and road map to achieve their goals. Her focus is on the strategic and flawless execution of that road map. Her leadership approach cultivates a culture of accountability, integrity, transparency, and collaboration to ensure individual, team, and organization-wide success.” ,Together we share strategies, tips, and insights around the following questions:Support the show
6/13/23 • 49:27
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but building on the new.“ Socrates (470-399 BC), Philosopher🚀 Join me on a captivating journey into the world of innovation and organizational change with the brilliant Braden Kelley, my esteemed fellow Advisory Board Member at Global Innovation Institute (Gini.org). "#futureforward " - an insightful video interview that will leave you inspired and motivated to take charge of the ever-evolving business landscape. In this exclusive conversation, Braden Kelley, a remarkable US Navy Veteran-turned-innovator and entrepreneur, shares his invaluable wisdom on charting the course of success amidst transformative times. With his humble yet uncanny intellect, he unveils the key secrets to driving innovation and overcoming the challenges posed by today's conversational chat applications, including the fascinating ChatGPT. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to gain insights from one of the brightest minds in the field! Together, we'll explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead and discover how to unlock the true potential of your organization. BIOBraden Kelley is an experienced leader of projects and programs focused on innovation, digital transformation, design research, design strategy, organizational change, marketing, customer experience and process improvement. He is the author of two books (1) "Charting Change" and (2) "Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire", creator of the Human-Centered Change & Innovation Change™ methodology, and has maximized profits for companies while living and working in England, Germany, and the United States. Braden is a US Navy Veteran and earned his MBA from top-rated London Business School.Braden is passionate about digital transformation, innovation and change, and has written for numerous online publications including CIO Online, The Atlantic, WIRED, and The Washington Post. In addition, he has written commissioned white papers on “Harnessing the Global Talent Pool to Accelerate Innovation” for Innocentive, "Winning the War for Innovation" for Imaginatik, and "Five Ways to Make Your Innovation Culture Smell Better" for Planview.In his spare time, Braden is a popular keynote speaker, and workshop leader, created and sold the world’s largest global innovation community – InnovationExcellence.com – home to 8,000+ innovation articles, and is an innovation leader on Twitter (@innovate) with 19,000+ hard-earned followers.Support the show
5/15/23 • 40:36
"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. "-MolièreJaime Taets is uniquely qualified to address this internal culture crisis. With over 20 years in corporate culture, 13 of which were spent leading large-scale global transformations at Cargill, one of the largest privately held corporations in the world, Jaime has honed the craft of bringing leaders and their people together for a unified goal. And it is with that leadership mindset that she formed Keystone Group International in 2013."Facing obstacles on our journey may just be part of the journey at the moment. Ask yourself, what are these obstacles trying to tell me? How can I learn from them? As Chief Vision Officer and Founder of Keystone Group International, Jaime and her team focus on leadership development, organizational strategy, growth, and change. What drives their work with clients is her belief that strong leadership and a change-resilient culture are the foundation for sustainable growth. Harnessing her experience leading thousands of executives and hundreds of companies on their large growth plans, she inspires real and sometimes challenging discussions about the crossroads between high performance and healthy change.www.jaimetaets.comSupport the show
4/17/23 • 39:25
"Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look." —Jodi PicoulTough and confusing market out there! Layoffs, stock market woes, inflation, uncertainty... quiet quitting, quiet hiring... it's all so daunting. For small family business owners, this time may be one to double down on protecting your psyche and your team's morale.Rita Ernst, Positivity Influencer and I explore some strategies for owners and people in general on how to find positivity in times that are challenging. We talk about some of the strategies in her new book, Show Up Positive#people #businessowners #positivityRita Ernst helps family-owned small businesses and their people build workplaces where happiness and productivity converge to create positive, committed, high-performing teams.Feeling overwhelmed or exhausted? She's helped owners get back to that sweet spot where productivity and happiness converge!Her mission here at Ignite Your Extraordinary is to “Ignite positivity at work to improve performance, culture, and personal well-being.As an expert in organizational design and behavior she does just that with 100% satisfaction.Support the show
2/8/23 • 50:59
I still sometimes feel like a loser kid in high school and I just have to pick myself up and tell myself that I'm a superstar every morning so that I can get through this day and be for my fans what they need me to be. Lady Gaga Do you ever feel like a fraud in meetings or in your workplace? You will love this lively interview which will help you turn the tables on those feelings and tap into your inner superstar! In my latest inspiring #futureforward interview, we explore the secrets to unlocking your confidence and overcoming #impostersyndrome once and for all.Meet Teresa Sande, named one of the top "100 Women to Know in America" in 2022 and an expert in organizational effectiveness, who has dedicated her career to helping leaders unleash their full potential. With her cutting-edge frAIMwork (Awareness, Interrupt and Momentum) and over 40 empowering exercises, Teresa's new book "Find Your Fierce" is your ultimate guide to silencing your inner critic and becoming the confident leader you were born to be.Don't settle for mediocrity or let imposter syndrome hold you back any longer. Join us as we dive into Teresa's life-changing strategies and transform into the fearless, unstoppable leader you were meant to be! #FindYourFierce #UnleashYourConfidence #BecomeALeader How do you tap into your inner strength? What might be pulling you back, holding you down, or making you anxious? I truly believe everyone at one time or another has experienced a little bit (or a lot) of #impostersyndrome. In Teresa Sande's new book "Find Your Fierce: Interrupt Imposter Syndrome and Own Your Success" (use the link to get a discount on the book) she shares insights, strategies, and 40 (yes 40) exercises to help you discover your fierce CONFIDENCE. Building on her frAIMwork (get it? AIM; Awareness, Interrupt, and Momentum) she shares how you can take steps to "quiet your inner critic" and "own your success".Teresa Sande is passionate about equity in the workplace, healthy corporate cultures, and growing leaders to be their best. She holds her Master’s degree in Organizational Effectiveness and spent nearly 25 years as an executive with companies like Intel, Capital One, Cargill, and UnitedHealth Group. More about Teresa:As the CEO and founder of Mirror Mirror Strategies, Teresa is a consultant, coach, author, speaker, and imposter syndrome expert. Her book on the topic, “Find Your Fierce: Interrupt Imposter Syndrome and Own Your Success”, debuted in early 2021. Teresa enjoys mentoring others, and supporting various women’s groups. She splits her time between Minneapolis, MN, and Palm Springs, CA, in her free time she enjoys adventures with her husband and pets, and being outside as much as possible! “Find Your Fierce” is available on her website now at www.TeresaSande.com The book is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. Support the show
2/8/23 • 46:51
“Will your grandchildren will be eating from the moves you make this decade?”Entrepreneurs often don't have the time to sit and think about 10 years down the road and the lasting wealth that could be generated from the companies they founded. It's not a luxury but a necessity to ensure your future, your children's future and your company's future long-term life will have sustained growth and revenue-generating power.Jill Johnson and the organization she co-founded 20 years ago, The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL), want to help you make this happen! She's a nationally-recognized thought leader and trailblazer working to foster an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for people from historically excluded populations.Jill co-founded the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) in 2002 and serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the nonprofit organization. Now in its twentieth year, IFEL leverages the power of relationship capital to create pathways to success for Black and Latinx founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.WOCCON Summit page: http://woccon.org/summitJeremee Johnson, MCISJeremee Johnson serves as Vice President of Marketing & Technology for the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL). She is responsible for amplifying the organization's mission of supporting small businesses and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is more inclusive. Lori Anne OliwaLori Ann Oliwa is the public relations manager for the Institute For Entrepreneurial Leadership, an appropriate title considering her lifelong dedication to promoting principles of entrepreneurship. In 2009, she startedSocial Mediawww.weareifel.org | FB: weareifel | TW: weareifel | IG: weareifel | LI: weareifelwww.smallbusinessesneedus.orgwww.woccon.org | IG: wocconnecting | FB: wocconnectingwww.makingblackangels.orgSupport the show
1/16/23 • 39:44
"There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in." ― Leonard CohenRyan Douglas is a unique blend of brilliance with an engaging personality, a genius in so many ways, enthusiastic about his mission(s), fun to talk to, and has a big heart (from my viewpoint). So many other descriptors could be added but let's get to what he's done and is doing today. He's dedicated much of his life's work to innovating new technologies and therapies for mental health. His stats include 26+ patents issued across robotics, AI, and medical applications and 30+ FDA-cleared medical devices. Ryan surprised me at the end of our conversations by pulling up a copy of my book, Now That I Know;17 Life Lessons for Women Entrepreneurs, the icing on the cake (for me) of this wonderful conversation. But it's a sign of who he is. He listens, soaks in information, has the desire to continue learning, and loves to know who he is talking to. There are common threads between us; listening intently, following trends, and a desire to do good things for people. Then there's the common interest in technology but Doug is on a different planet! In 2022, Douglas unveiled DeepWell Digital Therapeutics (DTx), an independent video game publisher and developer that will "make video games that both entertain and provide treatment for a variety of issues" ..." with a focus on mental health", founded in partnership with Devolver Digital co-founder and game producer Mike Wilson. DeepWell aims to bring its games to users over the counter as an adjunct therapy, catching people in a mild-to-moderate place. Therapists could use the games to identify when people are heading toward suicidal ideation and need specific interventions beyond DeepWell’s scope. Ryan Douglas Utilizing a team of “more than 40 game designers, medical researchers, scientists, and creators”, DeepWell's first game will be released in 2023 and "will be designed to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and hypertension." Beyond their own games, Douglas and company are building on research that shows "video game-based tools can help with conditions like depression and ADHD" to create “a suite of processes that follow FDA guidelines” and can assist other independent "developers in designing and repurposing [existing] games to magnify their innate therapeutic value."More on Ryan Douglas"A noted expert and innovator in the fields of mental health, artificial intelligence, and surgical robotics, Ryan has been on the frontline of major paradigm shifts in healthcare for 15 years. Ryan is currently the CEO of DeepWell DTx Digital Therapeutics, a new game-changing company that creates medically therapeutic games that can be used to treat mental health conditions while maintaining best-in-class gameplay. Ryan has 26+ #patents issued across robotics, #AI, and #medicalapplications and has commercialized 30+ medical devices, including #treatments for depression, hypertension, women's health, chronic pain, and related neurological conditions. Ryan holds pivotal patents for medical AI, robotics, and systems and frequently has achieved FDA clearance for breakthrough therapSupport the show
1/9/23 • 47:54
So many of us these days are seeking deep meaningful, purposeful, and long-lasting relationships. Time is rarely on our side to seek and nurture new relationships. So how might we in 2023 make time for meaningful connections while also focusing on our work and family life? fylí may be one solution to this question.#FutureForward with me and Jaclynn Brennan (Jax), Founder and CEO of fylí, a female mastermind membership community focused on educational masterclasses, accountability, peer-to-peer mentorship, leadership advancement, and funding opportunities for early-stage female founders. As of December 2022, Gallup reported in the State of the Workplace report, a significant proportion of employees are not fully engaged in their work. Specifically, 85% of employees are either unengaged or actively disengaged. It just might be a good time to strike out and launch your own startup. Fear, doubt, lack of knowledge or resources, and lack of support may hold people back especially first-time entrepreneurs. A mastermind group may be a good support system for those who prefer to not go it alone and are open to collaboration, feedback, mentorship, and education. For founders and leaders, a mastermind group may be pivotal to achieving success. Advisory Boards and Boards are essential to many businesses but where can you be yourself, and share your stresses, your challenges, and pains confidentially to receive in return non-biased insights? Moreover, where can you go to learn the lessons of "I Don't Know What I Don't Know" in a risk-free environment? Surrounding themselves with multiple, high-performing minds, is what allowed new ventures and once-upon-a-time garage businesses to thrive and become established realities in today’s world. Think and Grow RichUntil now, finding mentorship and mastermind groups for early-stage women founders that are affordable, mentoring, organized, and focused on the actual stages of the startup journey were nearly impossible. That's where Jaclynn Brennan (Jax) comes in! She is doing just that with her fylí, a female mastermind membership community focused on educational masterclasses, accountability, peer-to-peer mentorship, leadership advancement, and funding opportunities for early-stage female founders. She decided to start a company realizing what she needed, what would have helped her on her own startup journey. And with mentors like Susan Rockefeller she's on the path to a successful journey. Jaclynn Brennan (Jax) Brennan is a Creative Executive and expert on the connection between business and branding. With over 12 years of experience as a Creative Director for a variety of luxury fashion brands, and has helped lead over 22 major corporations in executing branding strategies, she is an authority on taking brands, organizations, and entrepreneurs to the next level of success. Support the show
1/3/23 • 36:27
What's not to love about talking to an intelligent, strong, talented woman whose deep curiosity, growth-mindedness, and love for innovating for good drives her every movement? Mariah wound her way after graduating from Kellogg School of Management into technology roles & the senior leadership ranks of companies like Intel, WebMD, and Verizon. She credits her growth path to having deep curiosity. She never studied technology in school but she landed in technology jobs taking it upon herself to learn as much as she could. You can’t win if you don’t enter. Mariah Scott Talking with Mariah, you quickly get she's someone that detects future opportunities and trends. You don’t need all the answers. Just ask the questions. Mariah is the former President of Verizon Robotics. She's a business builder who loves defining new markets and creating products that transform the way we work— from telehealth systems at Intel to software for commercial drone fleets at Skyward to autonomous mobile robots for warehouses and manufacturing at Verizon Robotics. Mariah has led teams in the US, Europe and Asia from startups to global programs. She's based in Portland Oregon, where you can find me outside with my dog on most days, even in the rain."I believe in technology for positive change, and that a great team makes everything possible."A great team makes the work meaningful.Watch our interview on LinkedinSupport the show
12/17/22 • 41:12
”Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration.”- Thomas EdisonRobert Wolfe, shares his stories of the 99% perspiration; the hard work it takes to build each start-up. "Each new adventure has its own challenges and hard work path to plow. Founders need to dedicate themselves to the long-haul journey. " There are rarely if any short cuts. Robert is a successful serial entrepreneur with a heart. He's passionate about the things he dives into. His secret power may just be that he puts people at the center of everything he does. Not just thinking about them but relentlessly working to engage them, listen to their ideas, and work with speed to implement the most valued recommendations coming from his customers. He founded #Moosejaw (sold to Walmart) and #CrowdRise (sold to #GoFundMe). He attributes his success early on to pure hard work and fast-failing to reset and try again. Robert's latest adventure, (which I love!) is #Zeck is co-founded by Robert and his brother Jeffrey Wolfe, (and interestingly Edward Norton, an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur). Support the show
12/7/22 • 38:04
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.— Eric HofferFutureForward with Cathy Hawley, Co-Founder at Bolster and Co-author of Startup CXO: A Field Guide to Scaling Up Your Company’s Critical Functions and TeamsCathy Hawley is co-founder of recently-launched Bolster which is a marketplace matching on-demand executives with startups and scale-ups. She has experience as a fractional and full-time Chief People Officer, and her passion is around building highly effective leadership teams and creating inclusive and people-focused workplaces."Nothing so bolsters our self-confidence and reconciles us with ourselves as the continuous ability to create; to see things grow and develop under our hand, day in, day out." — Eric HofferCathy has more than 20 years of experience in developing global People and Culture teams. She was the driving force behind the creation of the return-to-work program at Return Path and is now on the Board of Path Forward, a non-profit that helps companies create return-to-work programs for caregivers. Cathy loves spending time with her family, snowboarding, cycling, and traveling.If you are looking for to diversify your board or executive team or need exceptional & resilient talent that understands what it takes to drive forward in any market conditions, search now on Bolster.Interested in a full-time, interim, or fractional executive role or in joining a board of directors, submit your information on Bolster. Sign up or Search Talent Buy the book, Startup CXO Support the show
11/30/22 • 40:13
First Internet Bank (NASDAQ: INBK), Carparts (NASDAQ: PRTS); Amyris, (NASDAQ: AMRS) and Pembina Pipeline (NYSE: PBA). Speaker and Author. Business Advisor.Support the show
10/26/22 • 34:55
“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” Maya Angelou#FutureForward with Dr. Lisa Piercey MD, MBA, FACHEOne of the hardest times in the world was one Dr. Piercey faced during her tenure as Commissioner of Health for the state of TN. May lessons were learned during this challenging time. Just a few lessons that Dr. Piercey shares that she learned during this difficult time; how important it became to meet people where they are, relate to each person and to their tribe, do what it takes to ease their fears, be authentic and as transparent as possible to earn and maintain their trust.Paths of interest have been her guide throughout her career. She shares with young professionals to find a niche they have an interest in and dig into it. As you gain footing other opportunities will emerge. Follow your interests!LISA PIERCEY, MD, MBA, FACHEPiercey, MD, MBA is a nationally recognized physician executive with extensive public and private sector experience and is the Founder and CEO of Tristela Strategies, a boutique strategic advisory firm for healthcare investors and operators.Dr. Piercey served on Governor Bill Lee’s Cabinet as the 14th Commissioner of Health for the State of Tennessee, managing a $700MM budget and leading over 4,300 employees. One of the most significant contributions to her time in office was her leadership through the COVID-19 response, as Chairman of the Governor’s #pandemictaskforce, where she represented state health officials across national and international media platforms and in multiple interactions with the White House during two presidential administrations. Also in her role as Tennessee’s health chief, Dr. Piercey provided licensure and regulatory oversight for the state’s 300K health professionals and 1,400+ healthcare facilities. She collaborated with TennCare, the state’s Medicaid agency, as well as legislators and policymakers, to advance pivotal policy and budgetary initiatives, such as rural healthcare access, dental care for the uninsured, and the overhaul of the state’s TANF reserve fund.Prior to her public service, Dr. Piercey spent over a decade as a senior-level operations executive, providing clinical and administrative leadership in large medical group and health system operations, where she exceled at driving strategies for access to cost-efficient care, particularly in rural, underserved and high-risk populations. As Executive Vice President of West Tennessee Healthcare, the nation’s ninth largest public, not-for-profit health system with over $1B in revenue and 7,000 employees, she had fiduciary responsibility for all of the system’s rural hospitals, behavioral health service lines, and post-acute services and spearheaded the region’s population health initiatives, creating the system’s chronic disease management program with remote patient monitoring, and designing and programming its internationally acclaimed medical fitness center. She also organically grew the state’s largest telepsychiatry network and launched the system’s first medication assisted treatment program, including development of a first-of-its-kind residential MAT program for pregnant and postpartum women. Published byTeresa SpanglerFutures Visionary, Founder/Entrepreneur, Growth Driver, Innovator, Culture Maker, Digital Transformation Leader, SpeakerSupport the show
10/26/22 • 35:09
Faizun Kamal is an award-winning franchise coach, nationally renowned public speaker and best selling author. As CEO of The Franchise Pros, she leads a full-service franchise consulting & development agency. She coaches people nationwide on making the transition from employee to entrepreneur. She also works with entrepreneurs to turn their existing businesses into national franchised brands. Her best selling book, “The Right Franchise for You: Escape the 9 to 5, Generate Wealth, & Live Life on Your Terms”, is the guide that thousands have used to find their “perfect fit” franchise! Her unique style of inspirational coaching coupled with swift doses of tough love encourages clients to embrace fear, insecurity & uncertainty as doorways of opportunity. She has helped countless individuals find their franchise based on individualized assessments of their personal, lifestyle & income goals. She guides clients to proactively move beyond career burnout to build a sustainable career that they love! Faizun’s drive to create significant life changes through entrepreneurship stems from her own personal experience as a corporate refugee. As an executive in the high-stakes, high-stress world of corporate America, she found herself living an increasingly unbalanced life with little time for family. After almost a decade in corporate America, she was laid off. Instead of immediately jumping back, she began a deeply introspective journey to intentionally redesign her career & life. Faizun received her BA in Women’s Studies & Environmental Studies from Mount Holyoke College. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy & a Master’s in Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins University. She is a graduate of Stanford University’s Social Entrepreneurship Program. Designated by designer Tory Burch as “a woman to watch”, Faizun has been featured extensively by the Tory Burch Foundation, Forbes, Franchise Journal, & Huffington Post, among others. She is a frequent guest on nationally syndicated radio shows & podcasts speaking on the topics of taking responsible risks to create career pivots, the art of finding the “perfect fit” business, & strategically pivoting from executive to entrepreneur. As a former Fortune 15 Executive with 20+ years of experience in entrepreneurial, corporate, multinational & nonprofit settings on 3 continents, Faizun brings her unique brand of wisdom, wit & entrepreneurial chutzpah to universities & leading business conferences.Support the show
10/20/22 • 41:46
There are so many wonderful lessons and helpful tips from my discussions with Lori Mihalich-Levin. A lawyer turned entrepreneur, she started Mindful Return over 8 years ago after realizing a growing need for resources supporting new moms and working new parents reentering the workforce.One lesson learned she shared is, just because people don't call you back does not mean they are not interested. She found that time and time again not giving up on someone turned the assumption they were not interested into just that...AN ASSUMPTION. People have busy lives.Nearly 98 Companies have signed up to provide programs to their employees. This is such a valuable way to support your organization's people. Mindful Return has also added programs for experienced parents as well and has a strong community that are all there to support families.Such an enjoyable discussion and I learned a little tip about visiting National Parks that I never knew. Hint; does anyone have a 4th grader I could borrow?More about Lori Mihalich-Levin, JD, she/her/hers CEO & Founder, Mindful Return, LLCLori Mihalich-Levin, JD, believes in empowering working parents. She is the founder and CEO of Mindful Return, author of Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave, and co-host of the Parents at Work Podcast. She is mama to two wonderful red-headed boys (ages 9 and 11) and is a healthcare lawyer in private practice. Her thought leadership has been featured in publications including Forbes, The Washington Post, New York Times Parenting, and Thrive Global.Lori has some upcoming programs you may be interested in. Links to her sites and works below.LinkedIn Company ProfileFacebook PageTwitterInstagramPinterestParents at Work PodcastAuthor, Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return From Maternity LeaveSupport the show
10/18/22 • 34:27
Carrie is the founder and CEO of Jade Lending, a capital fund supporting women and/or minority entrepreneurs in established businesses seeking working capital to achieve growth potential. Jade Lending is a social impact lending platform whose mission is to support the growth of women/minority-owned businesses. We are not venture capitalists or angel investors, nor do we require any equity state in any business to which we lend. We provide loans on flexible terms along with a network for mentoring, resources, and referrals. Jade Lending is NOT just a loan, we are a community. Carrie is also the founder and CEO of Mako Documents, a division of a multimillion-dollar medical laboratory. Mako Documents stores, scans, shreds, and manages a broad range of health information including medical records, business records and radiology films. Mako’s team is passionate about making an impact in people’s lives both here locally in North Carolina and around the world. Mako’s team spends thousands of hours volunteering with local nonprofits. Mako has donated millions in free medical services to those that don’t have access. Mako currently supports over 472 local nonprofits and charities including military service dogs, homes for the blind, disabled, special needs children, horses for those that are paralyzed, and veteran’s cancer research. Mako employs military veterans for many of our positions and supports over 80 Christian missionaries around the world. Carrie’s passion is all about paying it forward. She was the founder of Athena of Triangle; the win is to empower women as strong leaders in either multinational corporations or their own business ventures through the ATHENA Leadership Model. Carrie in the early 1990s started a luxury transportation company with three credit cards. Carrie and her team built Blue Diamond Worldwide Transportation into the largest Woman Owned Transportation Company in the Carolinas. Carrie served on the board of the National Limousine Association. Carrie is a seasoned public speaker and community organizer. She facilitates the Raleigh NC Women Presidents Organization. A mastermind group of women business owners with over $1 million in revenues. She founded and facilitated the Triangle Ladies Power lunch from 2010 to 2015, a networking lunch that spotlights women superstars in business, politics, and nonprofits. Carrie served as Vice Chair with Women Business Collaborative. WBC is an alliance of business women’s organizations working together to achieve equal position, pay, and power for all women in business.Support the show
10/12/22 • 40:01
Gavriella Schuster is a visionary and mission-focused executive and public company director with broad influence on the leading edge of technology-enabled business innovation. A Microsoft veteran who ran its partner ecosystem, Gavriella is a strategic business leader recognized for changing businesses and business models. She has extensive sales, marketing, and product development expertise helping thousands of client companies transform through technology. Over 26 years at Microsoft, Gavriella led significant change initiatives while transforming its relationships with partners and customers. As Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, she reimagined the global partner program, growing it into a powerhouse with more than 90,000 cloud services partners and over 12,000 published marketplace solutions. Earlier roles include the US Enterprise and Cloud Business as well as the global Windows Client Business. She is currently a strategic advisor for the Berkshire Partners private equity firm, and a Member of the Board of Open Systems, Nerdio and Chinasoft International. She is also a fierce advocate for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. She is a founding executive sponsor and board advisor of the Women in Tech Network and Women in Cloud and serves on the boards of the Women Business Collaborative and SHE Community. She delivered a TEDx talk last year BeCOME an Ally: How to achieve gender equity | Gavriella Schuster | TEDxCherryCreekWomen - Bing video and has recently released a new eBook on Becoming an Ally ALLIES - Gavriella Schuster. Links:WebsiteEbookLinkedInTEDx TalkSupport the show
10/6/22 • 40:24
Today's #futureforward session, Through Uncertain Times, was so inspiring! I was joined but some very talented and experienced women. The group shares tips, strategies, inspirational thoughts, and examples of successes. Watch and be inspired.Joined by A Panel of Excellent and Experienced Leaders:Lisa Schneider: An influential Chief Product Officer who identifies innovative growth opportunities and creates the products, culture, messaging, and partnerships to make those succeed. Her ability to clarify and focus product strategy and align it with business goals and outcomes drives consistent, substantial results and creates org-wide alignment and speed. Lisa is currently a fractional CPO and product strategy consultant across a range of verticals. Talila Millman: A transformational CTO, known for growing revenue through innovative products, developing growth strategies, translating strategy into roadmap and execution plan, and fixing processes for productivity and efficiency gains. Talila offers these services, as well as coaching, and speaking engagements through Talila’s company MillmanTech. Talila’s broad experience in AI, machine learning, data analytics, cloud, IoT, mobile, and SaaS, distinguishes her as an advisor, and a speaker. Linkedin: Julia Porter Plowman: Founder I Chief Brand Officer, Folk Global. Helps leaders build and market purpose-driven brands and create value. Inspire and influence executive teams around vision, values, strategy, and metrics, resulting in focused corporate initiatives, improved decision-making, and inspired company culture. Help Brands find their place in culture and engage with modern audiences. Maura Connor: Maura partners with CEOs and their executive teams to translate their long-term vision into the corporate strategic plan and road map to achieve their goals. Her focus is on the strategic and flawless execution of that road map. Her leadership approach cultivates a culture of accountability, integrity, transparency, and collaboration to ensure individual, team, and organization-wide success.” ,Together we share strategies, tips and insights around the following questions: In uncertain times where people and companies feel most vulnerable – leadership styles/strategies may need to change- What examples and strategies could you share of valuable changes or evolutions leaders could make to prepare for 2023?o Engage people allowing them to do projects that make them shine o Change is constant- back to the basics of doubling down on vision and demonstrating and engaging the organization in the company's vision, mission, and values. o Increase effective communications and transparency to ease people’s fears and engage them to “help”2. Resilience & survivor skills are key- self-awareness measures to see where gaps and vulnerabilities are becoming increasingly important. How might CEO’s measure their level of resilience in the company and take measures to strengthen these skills?3. There are layoffs happening yet there is still a strong need for finding great talent! These tSupport the show
10/3/22 • 49:27
Elevating Women into CEO & Board Roles Interview with #LuannAbrams, CEO of #ProjectCEOX (www.projectceox.com)Project CEOX creates opportunities for investors and executive women by connecting high-level women to roles at venture-backed companies. From her time in venture capital managing an early-stage venture fund and as an LP, she's been compelled to find a solution to the inequities in leadership. "I saw at growing startups, culminating in me founding CEOX, an organization with a mission to elevate women into CEO and board roles." This former Aerospace engineer shares her inspiring story with Plazabridge Group Teresa Spangler.Teresa's Future-Forward interview series inspires growth-minded individuals, startup founders, company executives, and women to reach beyond any mental limitations. "Battle fuel for those tiny nagging imposter-syndrome voices in our heads!" #startups #leadership #ceo #growthhttps://lnkd.in/ghA94DnbSupport the show
9/29/22 • 39:28
Edie is the CEO of the non-profit Women Business Collaborative accelerating women leaders in business. Edie had served as Man Dir of Diversified Search. Edie was Chairman & Founder of STEMconnector® and its Million Women Mentor(MWM) Initiative building the one-stop communications and best practices Initiative for STEM. She served as a Vice Chair of Diversified Search where she previously directed the Washington and government business. She brings to her role over four decades of experience in supporting diversity at the most senior levels of corporations, organizations, and government in the U.S. and globally. Prior to joining Diversified Search and STEMconnector(R), Edie was the Founder and CEO of Diversity Best Practices (DBP), a member service for diversity practitioners where she designed the CEO Diversity Leadership program, including the prestigious CEO Diversity Awards. She was publisher of the CEO Magazine, The Diversity Primer, and The Diversity Officer. Edie is also the founder of the Business Women's Network (BWN). Edie has won 53 major leadership awards for Diversity, Women, STEM, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Edie is in the Enterprising Women's Hall of Fame and a founding member of C200 and received the Mosaic Award from Diversity Woman. Edie was The first woman Chair of the World Affairs Council of DC and a member of The Economic Club of Washington DC, Honorary or Advisory Boards of several major organizations such as ATHENA and Enterprising Women and its Foundation. She served for four years on the National Board of SCORE given her commitment to her Dad who served SCORE for many decades. Edie helped to build the Women’s Advisory Board of Office Depot. She formed the Women’s Advisory Board for Inter-Continental Hotels. Edie has served on the Board for the Business School at the University of Maryland, the Journalism School of the University of Tennessee, and the Women's Center in Nigeria, and has been honored by all three. Edie is active on several community boards and had been an officer of Big Brothers-Big Sisters of the National Capital Area for 26 years.Support the show
9/28/22 • 42:48
Brandon Shelton founded TFX Capital (TFX) in 2015 with a fundamental belief that the best entrepreneurs come from those who have served. As the Managing Partner, he leads the firm’s service-driven investment strategy. With a focus on Pre-Series A and Series A B2B technology companies, TFX provides unique and trusted access to companies founded by high-performing, commercially tested former military and national security leaders. As a veteran himself, Brandon brings more than 20 years of military, financial, strategy, and operational experience including within high-intensity and change environments.Brandon is a strategic leader, problem solver, and relationship builder that inspires his team to achieve great things while providing relentless support to the founders the firm invests in throughout their various stages of growth. Under Brandon’s leadership, TFX’s network-driven support is accelerated through TFX’s network of 50+ advisors and more than 2,500+ supporters.In addition to serving in the U.S. Army as a Ranger-qualified Infantry and Intelligence officer, Brandon’s previous roles include senior management positions at financial services firms and consultancies, both on and off Wall Street, where he developed and executed growth, expansion and technology transformation strategies often leveraging military principles. This experience included serving as the Head of Strategy at a multi-billion-dollar company in North America.Brandon has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Richmond and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He serves as an Advisory Board member for Veterans Bridge Home and previously served on the Boards of the StreetShares Foundation, National Association of Veteran Serving Organizations, and on the SBA’s Veterans Business Affairs Advisory Council.When he is not spending time with his wife and three daughters, Brandon is training for triathlons and ultra-marathons and supporting Veteran causes.Support the show
9/27/22 • 42:27
Interview and demonstration of Plazabridge Group's Ideablock asset protection platform! Eli is a seasoned IP attorney and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the field. He is the CEO of IdeaBlock, a legal tech startup that leverages the time-stamping functionality of the Bitcoin distributed network to defensively protect all forms of intangible corporate assets against market competitors quickly and economically. He has become a recognized authority on issues surrounding the patentability of blockchain-based inventions and regularly advises businesses (from new ventures to established Fortune-100 corporations and from a cross-section of market sectors) regarding IP issues that may be relevant to their particular implementations of distributed ledger technology. Eli also works with clients in developing strategies for developing blockchain-based assets and leveraging these protected assets to drive revenue. In addition, for the last eight years, Eli has helped clients secure patent rights over proprietary advanced wireless communication technologies, many of which have been written into or are currently being written into worldwide communication standards. He has written more than 500 patent applications for inventions in the wireless communications field alone and has prosecuted even more. Before practicing IP law, Eli studied electrical and computer engineering at MIT and UW-Madison and began his professional career as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. After gaining valuable experience as a patent examiner, Eli earned a Juris Doctor with honors and an IP focus from the University of New Hampshire School of Law (Franklin Pierce Center for Intellectual Property). At UNH, Eli served as the Editor-in-Chief of IDEA: The IP Law Review, one or the world's preeminent IP law publications and clerked for federal judges at the trial court (N.D. Illinois, Hon. J. Guzman) and appeals court (1st Circuit, Hon. C.J. Howard) levels. After graduation, Eli began private legal practice at a large general practice firm in Washington, D.C.Support the show
9/22/22 • 30:51
About Trouble for Good:Trouble's purpose is to raise as much money as possible for non-profits doing the hard work of closing gender equity gaps. Our moonshot goal is to reach $100 million so that we don't have to wait another hundred years to see progress happen. We launched Trouble on 8-18, the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment to help carry the torch of gender equity forward, handed to us by those incredible women who fought so hard for our rights, and to honor the women today who are TroubleMakers for Good. Together we celebrate their courageousness and raise much-needed capital for non-profits hellbent on change.Our website Troublemakers.org is designed to honor TroubleMakers & to be a resource and inspiration. 100% of profits from Trouble purchases support organizations focused on gender equity issues. National donation partners to date include Higher Heights, Vision2020, Gift Card Bank, Girls on the Run, GirlTrek, I Have The Right To, Girls Who Code, and Last Mile Education Fund.Know, too, that while our fun, edgy, dare-we-say-beautiful merchandise has an important mission, it’s also sourced from sustainable, diverse, and socially-conscious businesses.About Trouble for Good's Co-founders:Meredith CurrenBusiness owner, community leader, founder of successful angel investment firmServed as Campaign Chair, Transition Team partner and member of Governor Gina Raimondo’s senior management team.Experienced board director with leadership roles on multiple corporate and non for profit boards including RI Public Television, BCBS, BankRI (Vice Chair), OS Tax Exempt Fund, Research Engineering & Mfg. Co and the Wheeler School (Chair)B.A. Smith College. Columbia University MBA; recipient of the Hutchinson Award for Entrepreneurship Bari HarlamSuccessful C-suite business leader, marketer, professor, and author.Pioneer in customer loyalty, customer experience, personalized & digital marketing and data analysisStrategic customer focus and business acumen have driven enormous value for companies including CVS Health, BJ’s Wholesale Company, & Hudson’s Bay CompanyExperienced board director and advisor for multiple corporate and not for profits including Eastern Bank, Aterian, Champion Petfoods, OneWater Marine, Rite Aid, Govern for America, and Gift Card BankUniversity of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School; B.S. Econ, M.S., and Ph.D.Instagram and FB: @TroublemakersforgoodLinkedIn: @TroubleTwitter: @TroubleforgoodSupport the show
9/20/22 • 36:17