John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Empowering Women in Business with Maggie Ishak, Focal Point Coaching

January 8, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Women in Business with Maggie Ishak, Focal Point Coaching

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Empowering Women in Business with Maggie Ishak, Focal Point Coaching (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 834)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, hosted by John Ray, the featured guest is Maggie Ishak, Focal Point Business Coaching. Maggie shares her journey from a 28-year corporate career to becoming a business coach specializing in helping women business owners and leaders. She discusses the unique challenges women face in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings, emphasizing the importance of time management, delegation, and setting boundaries. Maggie also highlights the value of coaching in providing accountability and strategic direction. She shares success stories, explains the differences between coaching and consulting, and outlines her various offerings, including one-on-one and group coaching, as well as specialized assessments.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Maggie Ishak, Focal Point Coaching

Maggie Ishak is a Certified Focal Point Business and Executive Coach and a Certified Trust Edge Partner.

Maggie educates and empowers her clients to reach their professional and personal goals: to grow their businesses, to engage their teams, to manage their time, and to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

Before launching her business coaching practice, Maggie enjoyed a 28-year corporate career at Michelin North America, holding senior leadership roles including VP of Supply Chain, VP of Operations and Director of Customer Experience. Maggie left a lasting impact not only on the business results but also on the teams she coached and managed and the customers she served.

Maggie has a BS in Chemical Engineering from MIT and an MBA from Wake Forest University. Maggie lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and three teenage sons.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:30 Meet Maggie Ishak: Business Coach for Women
01:58 The Corporate Journey: From Engineer to Business Coach
03:23 Navigating Corporate Challenges as a Woman
10:08 Balancing Work and Family in Corporate Life
17:58 The Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
20:04 The Three Eyes of the Business Owner
22:50 The Role of Coaching vs. Consulting
25:21 The Importance of Celebrating Wins
33:27 Success Stories and DISC Assessments
36:53 How to Connect with Maggie Ishak
38:20 Final Thoughts and Announcements

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank 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, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Revolutionizing Orthotics with AI, with Aadhav Sundar and Rishi Kanaparti, Stride Labs

January 8, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Revolutionizing Orthotics with AI, with Aadhav Sundar and Rishi Kanaparti, Stride Labs

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Revolutionizing Orthotics with AI, with Aadhav Sundar and Rishi Kanaparti, Stride Labs (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 833)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Rishi Kanaparti and Aadhav Sundar, the co-founders of Stride Labs. The discussion covers the duo’s innovative use of AI to streamline the production of custom orthotic insoles, significantly improving accuracy and efficiency over traditional methods. With AI-trained models, Stride Labs aims to address the high demand for orthotics and medical braces, reducing production time from hours to seconds. They also share their entrepreneurial journey, balancing school with startup demands, and their vision for expanding their technology across various medical devices. The episode concludes with an invitation for potential investors and clients to learn more about their groundbreaking work.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Aadhav Sundar, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Stride Labs

Aadhav Sundar is a co-founder and CEO of Stride Labs, a company that integrates artificial intelligence with biomedical engineering to revolutionize orthotic insole production. Under his leadership, Stride Labs has developed “Orthostride™,” an AI-driven software that automates the design process from 3D scanning to insole creation, reducing engineering costs and times by nearly 100x.

Sundar is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on Robotics at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has participated in programs such as Startup Exchange and CREATE-X, which have supported Stride Labs with funding and networking opportunities.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Sundar maintains an online presence through platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where he shares insights about his work and interests.

Sundar’s innovative approach to orthotic care and commitment to advancing biomedical engineering underscore his potential as a future leader in medical technology.

Rishi Kanaparti, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Stride Labs

Rishi Kanaparti is the co-founder and COO of Stride Labs, a company revolutionizing healthcare through AI and CAD for biomedical engineers. As a junior at Innovation Academy High School, Rishi is also the COO of NextGen Research Institute, helping high school students publish impactful research and connect with professors at top universities.

Recognized by NVIDIA and Google for his innovative contributions, Rishi has been named among the top 10% of mathematicians and top 300 coders in the USA. With three research papers published in prestigious journals, including IEEE, he has presented groundbreaking work at global conferences like the IEEE Symposium in Hangzhou, China.

As a research assistant at Georgia Tech and Emory University, Rishi collaborates with international institutions to develop computational models that predict heart valve complications. He also serves as Director of Research Development at the Emory Blockchain Club, representing the organization at conferences all around the world.

In his free time, Rishi enjoys participating in hackathons, where he develops creative solutions at the intersection of AI and healthcare. He is also active in academic competitions like Science
Olympiad, HOSA, and Biology Olympiad, and he shadows medical procedures to bridge research and real-world applications.

LinkedIn | X (Twitter)

Stride Labs

Stride Labs is a pioneering biotech company transforming the custom medical brace industry through AI-driven automation.

Stride Labs partners with companies like NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to develop cutting-edge AI models to automate the biomedical engineering behind custom orthotics design.

They are currently looking to raise $1.2 million in funding to revolutionize the orthotics and prosthetics industry.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
02:09 Meet the Entrepreneurs: Aadhav Sundar and Rishi Kanaparti
02:45 The Problem with Current Orthotics
03:11 Stride Labs’ Innovative Solution
03:43 Backgrounds and Journey of the Founders
06:36 Balancing School and Entrepreneurship
08:20 How Stride Labs Improves Orthotics
13:44 Future Plans and Market Expansion
17:35 Call for Investment and Contact Information
18:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Protecting Seniors with Daily Money Management, with Barbara Scurry, Senior Partners

January 7, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Protecting Seniors with Daily Money Management, with Barbara Scurry, Senior Partners

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Protecting Seniors with Daily Money Management, with Barbara Scurry, Senior Partners (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 832)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Barbara Scurry of Senior Partners. Barbara shares how her company provides daily money management services to seniors, helping them with tasks like sorting mail, paying bills, and managing finances. The discussion highlights the importance of protecting seniors from financial scams, with Barbara sharing various success stories where her intervention saved clients substantial amounts of money. Additionally, Barbara discusses the characteristics one should look for when hiring a daily money manager and provides practical advice on how seniors can protect themselves from financial scams.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Barbara Scurry, Founder, Senior Partners

Barbara Scurry

Barbara Scurry grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but has lived in the Atlanta area since late 2000. She earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with honors from Middle Tennessee State University and pursued a career in marketing within the manufacturing, financial services, and geriatric healthcare industries. While doing sales and business development in nursing homes and marketing for a continuing care retirement community and a private-duty home care company, she developed a passion for working with senior citizens.

In 2011, Barbara founded Senior Partners, formerly known as The Money Moxie, with the aim of serving as a financial advocate for seniors who are grappling with their daily life and financial concerns. With her skill at organizing chaos, Barbara and her staff get things done for their clients, protect them from fraud, help keep them independent, and save them money. Senior Partners specializes in providing above and beyond personalized, concierge-type services for their clients.

Barbara lives in Peachtree Corners with her husband Darryl and their adorable Maltipoo, Mr. Mojo.

Senior Partners

Senior Partners is a daily money management company founded in 2011 that provides comprehensive financial support and peace of mind to seniors facing challenges with daily financial management. Their dedicated team of “Senior Partners” offers compassionate, professional services designed to help seniors maintain their independence and financial well-being, particularly for those without local family support or who have recently lost a spouse responsible for managing household finances.

The company serves a diverse clientele, including seniors living alone, families in the “Sandwich Generation” struggling to manage their parents’ finances, and industry professionals seeking trusted advocacy for their senior clients. Their in-home services cover a wide range of financial needs, from bill-paying and budgeting to fraud protection and professional service coordination. With a commitment to personalized care, Senior Partners offers a free 15-minute consultation to help potential clients understand how they can provide support and maintain financial security for seniors.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:27 Guest Introduction: Barbara Scurry, Senior Partners
01:45 Daily Money Management Explained
04:30 Barbara’s Journey and Passion
07:46 Comprehensive Services Offered
15:20 Protecting Seniors from Scams
24:10 Client Success Stories
27:57 How to Choose a Daily Money Manager
30:17 Conclusion and Contact Information
31:29 Host’s Final Remarks

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Financial Planning for Couples and Women, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

January 6, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Financial Planning for Couples and Women, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

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Financial Planning for Couples and Women, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 831)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray chats with Kathy Healy from Healy Wealth Management. Kathy shares insights from her over two-decade-long experience in wealth management, discussing topics like budgeting, investment strategies, the importance of long-term care insurance, and the challenges associated with financial planning for couples and women. Kathy also delves into specific stories of client interactions and emphasizes the value of communication and planning in achieving financial goals.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

Kathy Healy, CFP®, founder and CEO of Healy Wealth Management in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized in this year’s Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors – Atlanta High Net Worth Advisors and Top Women Wealth Advisors 2024, Best-In-State.

Kathy has served more than 20 years in the financial services industry and provides a full range of financial services, including retirement and financial planning, wealth management, and insurance. Her husband, John Healy, CFA, is the Chief Investment Officer for Healy Wealth Management. Together they make an amazing team, working to improve each client’s financial well-being.

Kathy’s education and certifications include: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, University of Georgia – Terry College of Business MBA, University of Alabama at Birmingham BBA, University of Montevallo FINRA Series 7 held with LPL Financial FINRA Series 66 held with IFG Advisory, LLC and LPL Financial Life and Health/Accident Sickness Insurance.

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:36 Meet Kathy Healy of Healy Wealth Management
02:53 Understanding Wealth Management
06:46 Challenges in Saving for Retirement
08:15 Determining Risk Profile and Investment Objectives
18:34 Investment Philosophy and Strategies
21:06 Long-Term Care Insurance Insights
24:07 Social Security and Longevity Planning
28:34 Success Stories and Client Experiences
33:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Public Policy and the Workforce Housing Crisis, Part 2, with Kyle Wingfield, Georgia Public Policy Foundation

December 23, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Public Policy and the Workforce Housing Crisis, Part 2, with Kyle Wingfield, Georgia Public Policy Foundation

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Public Policy and the Workforce Housing Crisis, Part 2, with Kyle Wingfield, Georgia Public Policy Foundation (North Fulton Voices, Episode 7)

This episode of North Fulton Voices is part two of an interview with Kyle Wingfield of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. Led by Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond of the North Fulton Improvement Network, the discussion focuses on the challenges and impact of government regulations on housing costs, Governor Kemp’s rural housing initiative, the need for community decisions conducive to growth, and innovative housing solutions. The episode explores the interconnected issues of zoning, infrastructure, and economic development and highlights the need for local governments to make progressive changes to accommodate housing demands. Wingfield emphasizes the significance of understanding and addressing the urgent housing shortfall in Georgia and encourages community involvement in local planning.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Kyle Wingfield, President and CEO, Georgia Public Policy Foundation

Kyle Wingfield, Georgia Public Policy Foundation, as heard on the North Fulton Voices podcast, North Fulton Improvement Network — **Kyle Wingfield, Georgia Public Policy Foundation**

Kyle Wingfield is a native of Dalton and graduate of the University of Georgia. He joined the Foundation as president and CEO in April 2018 after spending nine years as an opinion columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has also worked for the Wall Street Journal, based in Brussels, Belgium, from 2004 to 2009, and for the Associated Press, based in Atlanta and Montgomery, Ala., from 2001 to 2004.

At the AJC, Kyle wrote often about state politics and policy, focusing especially on education and school choice, transportation, health care, and state and local taxation. He is a frequent guest on GPB’s “Political Rewind” show and was a finalist for the Reason Foundation’s Bastiat Prize for Journalism in 2013. Kyle’s weekly column continues to appear in 10 newspapers around the state.

Kyle received the UGA Grady College’s John E. Drewry Young Alumnus Award in 2006, was named to the UGA Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2012 and is a member of UGA’s Board of Visitors. He is a member of Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2018 and, as an Eagle Scout, remains an active volunteer in Scouting.

Georgia Public Policy Foundation

The Georgia Public Policy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan research institute with a mission to improve the lives of Georgians through public policies that enhance economic opportunity and freedom.

The Foundation believes that sound public policy is grounded in facts, an understanding of economic principles, and core values of the free enterprise system—economic freedom, limited government, personal responsibility, individual initiative, respect for private property, and the rule of law.

Since 1991, the Georgia Public Policy Foundation has conducted rigorous research and analysis of state public policy issues, striving to educate citizens, policymakers, and the media. The Foundation remains state-focused, independent, non-partisan, and market-oriented in its approach.

Each year, the Foundation hosts over a dozen events across Georgia, providing opportunities for members to discuss pressing issues with leaders in politics, education, media, and business. Past speakers include Presidents of the United States, U.S. Speakers of the House, Supreme Court Justices, U.S. senators, representatives, presidential candidates, ambassadors, state officials, governors, members of the national media, and local business leaders.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One
01:15 Governor Kemp’s Rural Housing Initiative
05:09 Challenges in Housing Development
11:57 Economic Development and Housing Affordability
23:13 Innovative Housing Solutions
30:24 Call to Action and Conclusion

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia — Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs — and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact, seek to educate the public about these issues, build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connect resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Nancy Diamond

Nancy Diamond is a Project Manager with Schmit & Associates, a real estate development firm, creating town center revitalization in communities all around the metro area.

Nancy served 8 years as a Roswell City Council Member, including a term as Mayor Pro Tem, with liaison positions with Community Development, Transportation, Recreation & Parks, and Public Safety.

In addition to her work with the North Fulton Improvement Network, Nancy has been active in area non-profit organizations, including board leadership positions in the STAR House Foundation, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, and the Roswell Rotary Club.

A native of Atlanta and a 42-year North Fulton resident, Nancy worked at Turner Broadcasting in the early years of CNN, then became a freelancer in sports television graphics. While raising her two daughters, she worked from home, first developing a corporate gift service and later as a mortgage loan originator.

Nancy and her husband, Glenn, now relish the role of grandparents to 8-year-old Owen.

About North Fulton Voices

While North Fulton County is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, the region faces a growing crisis: a severe shortage of housing options for middle-income employees, particularly essential workers such as first responders and teachers. North Fulton Voices, presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network, is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and discussion of missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Listen as we understand the implications of this problem, explore innovative solutions, and examine why providing these housing options is vital for North Fulton’s future. The show is sponsored and offered as a service to the community by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and Business RadioX – North Fulton

The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John Ray is a podcast show host and producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneur and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

Website | LinkedIn

Injecting Humor into Business, with Comedian Jeff Justice

December 20, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Injecting Humor into Business, with Comedian Jeff Justice

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Injecting Humor into Business, with Comedian Jeff Justice (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 830)

In this engaging episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray chats with comedian Jeff Justice, the head laugh master at Jeff Justice’s Comedy Workshoppe. Jeff shares his journey from magician to comedian and then to comedy teacher. He provides insights into how humor can be a valuable tool in business, helping to improve communication, reduce stress, and make presentations more engaging. Jeff also highlights the importance of self-effacing humor, the benefits of professional guidance in learning humor, and the impact of humor in everyday leadership. Real-life success stories of his students illustrate the transformative power of laughter. You’ll want to listen to this episode for tips on incorporating humor into your professional life and for an uplifting conversation about the role of comedy in business.

Jeff offers a free resource to listeners of this episode: Twenty Mistakes that Normal People Make When Trying to Be Funny. You can download the pdf by following this link.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Jeff Justice

Jeff Justice was destined to become a humorist. At an early age, he discovered that if he could make his older brothers laugh, they would stop giving him “Noogies.” Thus, his first realization in humor: You can’t laugh and be angry at the same time.

Jeff spent fourteen years headlining the top comedy clubs across the United States. For the past twenty years, Jeff has focused on empowering corporate Americans to reduce stress in both business and personal life by utilizing our innate sense of humor as a safety valve. Jeff’s true gift is helping people laugh at their mistakes so they can take themselves lightly and their work seriously.

Jeff’s innovative ideas have been featured many times on CNN and CNBC, while his expertise in humor has also been recognized in numerous magazine and newspaper articles plus radio shows across the country.

Jeff’s client list includes IBM, Coca-Cola, Southern Company, Kroger, the Food Marketing Institute, the National Association of Realtors, James Madison University and the list goes on.

His latest book is Laugh More, Stress Less (and avoid getting burned out).

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Meet comedian Jeff Justice: The Head Laugh Master
02:18 Jeff’s Journey from Magic to Comedy
04:40 The Birth of Jeff Justice’s Comedy Workshoppe
07:31 Tips for Using Humor Effectively
11:27 Humor in Business Presentations
17:18 The State of Humor in Business Today
19:04 The Power of Humor in Communication
20:08 Humor in Stressful Situations
20:45 Creating a Humorous Environment
22:42 Personal Stories of Humor
24:32 The Impact of Comedy Workshops
26:18 Success Stories from Comedy Classes
29:44 Details of the Comedy Workshoppes
33:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

December 19, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

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Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 829)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Jason Etheridge, Founder and CEO of Logic Speak. Jason discusses the mission and philosophy behind Logic Speak, a managed IT and cybersecurity company. Jason shares insights on proactive IT management, the importance of operational maturity, and the role of technology in business growth. The conversation also highlights LogicSpeak’s commitment to community service, showcased by their Volunteer Time Off program and involvement with local organizations like North Fulton Community Charities. Jason also elaborates on the impact of receiving the 2024 Community Service Excellence Award from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the value of chamber involvement. The episode concludes with a discussion on the positive feedback from Logic Speak’s clients and their approach to treating clients with kindness and respect.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Jason Etheridge, Founder and President, Logic Speak

Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

Jason Etheridge is the Founder and President of Logic Speak, a managed IT service provider that empowers the modern workforce through technology strategy, support, and security.

Through Jason’s leadership, Logic Speak recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has over 25 years of experience in the IT field in Georgia.

Prior to founding Logic Speak, Jason worked as a Technology Consultant for Hewlett-Packard and served as the Director of Information Technology at Extreme Logic, where he received the Extreme Logic Excellence through Results award for his work with Ernst Young. He has also consulted for small businesses in the Atlanta area and has implemented systems to streamline corporate processes and reduce overall IT costs.

Jason serves on many industry advisory boards, including Datto, IT Glue, and Mailprotector. He is also a member of an MSP-Ignite peer group and a facilitator of peer groups for smaller MSPs.

Jason lives in Johns Creek, GA, with his wife Jennifer, two boys, Jameson and Jackson, and Harbins, their labradoodle. He is an Enneagram 7, was recently voted life of the party by his co-workers, and loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he is not spending time with his family, coaching baseball, or thinking about technology.

Logic Speak

Logic Speak, based in Alpharetta, GA, is a dedicated IT managed services provider that focuses on empowering small to medium-sized businesses through tailored technology solutions. Founded in 2004 by Jason Etheridge, the company operates with a philosophy centered on relationship-building and technology humility, aiming to demystify IT for its clients. Logic Speak emphasizes understanding each client’s unique needs and challenges, ensuring that technology serves as a facilitator for business growth rather than a hindrance. Their services range from proactive technology strategy and support to comprehensive cybersecurity measures, all designed to help businesses operate efficiently and securely.

The team at Logic Speak prides itself on being approachable and responsive, fostering an environment where clients feel valued and understood. They believe that effective communication is key to successful IT management, which is why they strive to avoid technical jargon and instead focus on clear, helpful dialogue. By combining technical expertise with a genuine care for their clients’ success, Logic Speak positions itself not just as a service provider but as a strategic partner in navigating the complexities of modern technology. Their commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond individual clients to the broader community, reflecting their mission to enhance lives through technology.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:34 Guest Introduction: Jason Etheridge of Logic Speak
02:02 Understanding Managed IT Services
04:23 Celebrating 20 Years in Business
05:41 Operational Maturity and Business Growth
08:45 The Importance of Security Awareness
11:08 Mission Statement and Core Values
16:57 Community Involvement and Volunteer Time Off
19:55 Chamber of Commerce Involvement
25:48 Client Testimonials and Closing Remarks

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

The Complexities of Workplace Romances: Understanding Law of Attraction, Part Nine

December 18, 2024 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

The Complexities of Workplace Romances: Understanding Law of Attraction, Part Nine

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The Complexities of Workplace Romances: Understanding Law of Attraction, Part Nine (Hello, Self… Episode 58)

In this episode of Hello, Self …, host Patricia Leonard explored the complexities of workplace romances through the lens of the Law of Attraction.

Patricia discussed the prevalence of workplace relationships, their impact on professional and personal lives, and the societal perceptions surrounding them. Highlighted by statistics from various surveys, including Forbes, she covered topics such as the compatibility of workplace partners, the influence of these relationships on work-life balance, and the potential consequences on careers.

Patricia emphasized the human elements and emotions that often overpower professional guidelines and provides food for thought on the personal choices we make in balancing love and professionalism.

Hello, Self… is presented by Patricia Leonard & Associates and produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Find the video version of this podcast on YouTube here.

About Hello, Self…

Hello, Self… is a biweekly podcast focused on inspiring stories of turning dreams into reality. Join coach and author Patricia Leonard and her guests as they share life-changing Hello, Self… moments.

Hello, Self… is brought to you by Patricia Leonard & Associates and is based on the new book by Patricia Leonard, Hello, Self.., available here.

The show is produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with Business RadioX®. You can find this show on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

Patricia Leonard, Host of Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard is President of RUNWAY TO SUCCESS, a division of Patricia Leonard & Associates located in Nashville, TN. She is a MESSAGE ARTIST speaker, career & business coach, author and magazine columnist. Patricia consults with clients on leadership, empowerment, career management, entrepreneurship and the power of language. Her work is focused on helping clients find their runway to success!

She has a professional background in management, human resources, corporate training, business consulting and talent development. Patricia has worked with companies in the service, music, banking, manufacturing, publishing, warehousing, healthcare, academic, retail and financial industries, and has taught management classes as an adjunct professor.

Patricia has a degree in Human Resource Management, is certified as a Career Coach and Consulting Hypnotist and is MBTI qualified.

Her volunteer energies are focused on Women in Film and Television-Nashville, where she is a Board Vice President; Dress for Success as the Advisory Board President; and International Coaching Federation-Nashville where she held Board roles for several years.

Patricia is the author of Wearing High Heels in a Flip Flop World, BECOMING WOMAN…a journal of personal discovery, THE NOW, HOW & WOW of Success, Happenings, a full year calendar of inspirational messages and a spoken word album titled, I AM…

She enjoys songwriting, creating poetry and has written a one-woman show and artistic speech she performs titled Hello, Self…, about a woman in midlife reinventing herself, which led to her new book by the same name, available here.

On the personal side, Patricia, describes herself as a woman, lover of life, mother, grandmother, career professional and message artist; AND in that order! Her goal is to continue inspiring others, of any age, to START NOW creating and expanding their Runway to Success.

She believes that life is a gift, the way we wrap it is our choice.

Connect with Patricia:

Website| LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition, with 2024 Chair Jim Teel and 2025 Chair Dean Collins

December 17, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition, with 2024 Chair Jim Teel and 2025 Chair Dean Collins

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GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition, with 2024 Chair Jim Teel and 2025 Chair Dean Collins (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 102)

In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, the discussion centers on reviewing the successful 2024 Chamber year and introducing exciting plans for 2025. Special guests include Jim Teel, the 2024 Chair and Regional Vice President at Goodwyn Mills Cawood, and Dean Collins, the incoming 2025 Chair and Senior Partner at Axis Companies. Topics covered include the significant accomplishments of the past year, the introduction of tiered dues, and the launch of the North Fulton Economic Alliance. The conversation also delves into the regional branding efforts, workforce development, and economic development initiatives aimed at enhancing the North Fulton community.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Dean Collins, 2025 GNFCC Chair, Founder & President, Axis Companies

Dean Collins is the Founder and President of Axis Companies, a firm he established in 2016 to address critical needs in the transportation and site development industries. With over 25 years of experience, Dean has cultivated a deep understanding of the complexities involved in land development projects, positioning Axis as a leader in the field. Under his leadership, Axis Companies has developed a comprehensive “Development Suite” that offers tailored services in land development, project management, and construction management, enabling clients to choose between individual services or complete turnkey solutions.

Before founding Axis, Dean served as Vice President and Director of Facilities at TYLIN International for nearly 23 years. In this role, he successfully led business development and design efforts for vertical projects across the Americas, managing a diverse team of architects, engineers, and construction managers. His extensive background in project management and design has been instrumental in shaping Axis Companies’ innovative approach.

Dean holds an Associates degree in Engineering from the State University of New York at Delhi and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Jim Teel, 2024 GNFCC Chair, and Regional Vice President, Goodwyn Mills Cawood

As Regional Vice President for Georgia, Jim leads business development and marketing efforts as well as coordinates employee development initiatives for all of GMC’s Georgia offices. Jim is passionate about encouraging personal leadership and growth and providing opportunities for employees to lead and thrive.

An active member of the community, Jim is engaged in many organizations, including being named the Greater North Fulton Chamber Board Member of the Year and a Regional Leadership Institute Class of 2019 graduate. He is also a member of the Junior Achievement of Georgia Board of Directors, the Economic Development Association of Georgia, the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, the Georgia Municipal Association, the Georgia Rural Water Association, the Georgia Association of Water Professionals, and the Association for Learning Environments.

Jim graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, a master’s degree in building construction, and a minor in community planning.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider
00:38 Meet the 2024 and 2025 GNFCC Chairs
01:48 Jim Teel’s Journey and GMC’s Growth
03:48 Dean Collins’ Background and Business Success
05:15 Reflecting on 2024 Accomplishments
10:23 Looking Ahead to 2025 Goals
13:40 The Importance of Regional Branding
18:46 Recruiting Talent in North Fulton
20:29 Advice for the Incoming Chair
24:28 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) — **Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Empowering Women in Business with Maggie Ishak, Focal Point Coaching (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 834)

Maggie Ishak, Focal Point Coaching

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Revolutionizing Orthotics with AI, with Aadhav Sundar and Rishi Kanaparti, Stride Labs (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 833)

Aadhav Sundar, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Stride Labs

Rishi Kanaparti, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Stride Labs

Stride Labs

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Protecting Seniors with Daily Money Management, with Barbara Scurry, Senior Partners (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 832)

Barbara Scurry, Founder, Senior Partners

Senior Partners

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Financial Planning for Couples and Women, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 831)

Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Public Policy and the Workforce Housing Crisis, Part 2, with Kyle Wingfield, Georgia Public Policy Foundation (North Fulton Voices, Episode 7)

Kyle Wingfield, President and CEO, Georgia Public Policy Foundation

Georgia Public Policy Foundation

Topics Discussed in this Episode

North Fulton Improvement Network

Jack Murphy

Nancy Diamond

About North Fulton Voices

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and Business RadioX – North Fulton

Injecting Humor into Business, with Comedian Jeff Justice (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 830)

Jeff Justice

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 829)

Jason Etheridge, Founder and President, Logic Speak

Logic Speak

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The Complexities of Workplace Romances: Understanding Law of Attraction, Part Nine (Hello, Self… Episode 58)

About Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard, Host of Hello, Self…

Connect with Patricia:

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition, with 2024 Chair Jim Teel and 2025 Chair Dean Collins (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 102)

Dean Collins, 2025 GNFCC Chair, Founder & President, Axis Companies

Jim Teel, 2024 GNFCC Chair, and Regional Vice President, Goodwyn Mills Cawood

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

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