John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Navigating IRS and State Tax Resolution Issues, with Jason Wiggam, Wiggam Law

April 8, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Navigating IRS and State Tax Resolution Issues, with Jason Wiggam, Wiggam Law

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Navigating IRS and State Tax Resolution Issues, with Jason Wiggam, Wiggam Law (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 758)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Jason Wiggam, a partner at Wiggam Law, a boutique law firm in Atlanta specializing in tax problem resolution. They discuss the unique services offered by Wiggam Law, focusing on resolving issues with the IRS and state agencies, such as unfiled returns, unpaid taxes, and audits. Jason shares his journey into tax law, the importance of specialized knowledge in dealing with tax problems, and the value of hiring an experienced attorney for tax resolution. The conversation also delves into common tax issues faced by clients, the psychological impact of tax problems, and success stories demonstrating the positive outcomes achieved by Wiggam Law. Jason provides practical advice for individuals facing tax issues and highlights the benefits of professional legal representation in navigating complex tax disputes.

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.

Jason Wiggam, Wiggam Law

Jason Wiggam is a founding partner of Wiggam Law in Atlanta, Georgia. His practice focuses on representing individuals, businesses, officers, directors, shareholders, and partners in matters concerning the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Georgia Department of Revenue, and other state tax departments. He has successfully represented clients in the IRS’s recent crackdowns on syndicated conservation easements and micro-captive insurance disputes.

Jason also has significant experience handling IRS tax settlements, tax compliance, appeals representation, offshore foreign bank reporting compliance, audit representation from responding to IRS audit letters through to IRS audit reconsiderations if necessary, innocent spouse relief, IRS levy and IRS garnishment releases, penalty waivers/abatements, and lien releases/withdrawal. Jason has always had a passion for helping others, including those less fortunate.

While in law school, Jason worked for a year and a half at the Philip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic of the Georgia State University College of Law. Jason helped taxpayers who could not afford legal representation with their federal tax controversy and collection issues, including responding to IRS audit letters and CP2000 notices, working to settle IRS debt, and releasing an IRS levy or IRS wage garnishments. His work at the clinic earned him the Highest Pro Bono Distinction at graduation, which was awarded for working more than 150 extra pro bono hours above the normal course requirements of the clinic. Jason continues to serve the Philip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic as a current Advisory Board member and by funding the Jason and Allyson Wiggam Fellowship for current clinic students.

Jason earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, magna cum laude, from Georgia State University College of Law. While attending Georgia State, he was the recipient of the Outstanding Tax Student Award given by the State Bar of Georgia, Taxation Law Section. Jason also obtained an LL.M. degree in Taxation from New York University School of Law. He was named one of Georgia’s Legal Elite by Georgia Trend Magazine in 2015–2022, and a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2018–2023. Additionally, Jason is also a Georgia State Alumni’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2020 honoree.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Discovering Renaissance Bank: A Personal Banking Experience
01:12 Meet Jason Wiggam: The Tax Resolution Expert
02:03 The Journey to Tax Law: From Law School to Tax Clinic
03:59 Why Choose a Lawyer Over a CPA for Tax Issues?
07:01 Understanding the Client’s Mindset: Fear and Shame
10:00 Common Tax Problems and Solutions
13:12 The Initial Consultation: Setting Expectations
15:57 Debunking Myths About Hiring an Attorney for Tax Issues
22:59 Success Stories and the Impact of Tax Resolution
28:42 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
29:13 A Final Note on the Generosity Mindset and Listener Appreciation

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 750 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.

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 $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

From Chaos to Professionally Organized Calm, with Cori McDougald, Meat & Potatoes Organizing

April 8, 2024 by John Ray

Cori McDougald, Meat and Potatoes Organizing

Minneapolis St. Paul Business Radio

From Chaos to Professionally Organized Calm, with Cori McDougald, Meat & Potatoes Organizing

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From Chaos to Professionally Organized Calm, with Cori McDougald, Meat & Potatoes Organizing (Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio, Episode 41)

On this episode of Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Cori McDougald, Founder and Owner of Meat and Potatoes Organizing. Cori shares her unique journey, from being an Olympic weightlifter to discovering her passion for professional organizing. She talks about the importance of creating functional and peaceful living spaces for busy individuals and families, highlighting how her personal experiences with her child’s sensory needs inspired her to start her business. Cori explains the comprehensive process of professional organizing, from consultation to project completion, emphasizing decluttering and optimizing spaces based on individual preferences. She also discusses the spectrum of clients she serves, from those who need one-time projects to others who benefit from ongoing support. Cori shares memorable projects, the geographical areas her team covers, and her goal to help more people transform their lives by decluttering and organizing their spaces.

The host for this episode of Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio was John Ray. The show is produced virtually by the Minneapolis St. Paul studio of Business RadioX®.

Cori McDougald, Founder and Owner, Meat & Potatoes Organizing

Cori started Meat & Potatoes Organizing because she wanted to help people get down to the basics in life—the meat & potatoes. Personally, she found so much freedom in downsizing, decluttering, and creating organization systems in her own life and she loves sharing this experience with others.

Call her crazy, but her favorite organization projects are garages & basements. (She also loves organizing all other parts of the home.) She grew up competing in Olympic weightlifting, and she absolutely LOVES lifting heavy objects and doing physical work. Anytime she can move and sweat, she is happy!

In her non-organizing time, she loves to hang out with her two boys, Thor & Magnus. Her husband Damon does security consulting (mostly from home now, thanks to Covid) and they enjoy skiing and snowboarding together in the winter. Her happy and licky dog, Jellybean, is her only little girl and by little, she means BIG, sweet, Doberman!

Meat & Potatoes Organizing

Meat & Potatoes Organizing is a women-owned and operated professional organizing company based in the Twin Cities Metro Area and has recently grown into the locations of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Brainerd, Minnesota; and Rochester, Minnesota. They are currently the largest team of experienced organizers in the Midwest and pride themselves on efficiency, honesty, integrity, and just plain ‘ole gettin’ sh!t done!

Their sole purpose is to partner with individuals, businesses, and government agencies to create functional and beautiful spaces. With a proven system for decluttering and organizing, Meat & Potatoes Organizing clients are guaranteed an organized space that will simplify their daily lives and reduce stress.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio
00:23 Meet Cori McDougald: From Olympic Weightlifter to Professional Organizer
00:42 The Philosophy Behind Meat and Potatoes Organizing
01:37 The Journey from Fitness to Organizing: A Personal Story
04:37 The Impact of Organizing on Mental Health and Performance
07:55 Exploring the World of Professional Organizing
14:38 The Transformative Power of Organizing: Client Stories
29:52 How to Get Started with Meat and Potatoes Organizing
31:43 Closing Thoughts and Resources

About Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio and host John Ray

John Ray was the host for this episode of Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio. The show was produced virtually from the Minneapolis St. Paul studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps.

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

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

April 8, 2024 by John Ray

Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial, Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Family Business Radio

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

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Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

In a commentary from a recent Family Business Radio episode, host Anthony Chen discusses why it’s vital to not be afraid to ask for help as you plan your financial journey.

Anthony’s commentary was taken from this episode of Family Business Radio. Family Business Radio is underwritten by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Family Business Radio is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services are offered through OSAIC, member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of OSAIC. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090, ext. 5075, or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.

Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Getting to Know You: A Hello Self Experience

April 3, 2024 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

Getting to Know You: A Hello Self Experience

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Getting to Know You: A Hello Self Experience (Hello, Self… Episode 39)

In Getting to Know You: A Hello Self Experience, host Patricia Leonard shared insights on self-discovery and personal growth. She introduced four “Hello, Self “moments that have occurred in the last few days.

Through these stories, Patricia underscored the importance of staying receptive to life’s signals and recognizing the multifaceted nature of individual identity, challenging societal tendencies to categorize people narrowly.

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

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

Positioning From the Client’s Perspective

April 1, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Positioning From the Client's Perspective

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Positioning From the Client’s Perspective

John Ray discusses a misconception held by some solopreneurs and small firm professional services providers: that their value and positioning start with their credentials. Through a storytelling approach involving a conversation with a leadership coach, Ray illustrates the importance of framing one’s value from the client’s perspective rather than merely showcasing certifications. He emphasizes that clients seek value based on their own perceptions and challenges. Effective positioning should thus focus on understanding and articulating how one’s services address specific client issues. Positioning in this manner leads to better pricing and client satisfaction.

This episode was adapted from the February 1, 2024 edition of John’s newsletter, The Price and Value Journey.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to The Price and Value Journey
00:05 The Misconception of Positioning in Professional Services
00:22 A Real-World Example: A Leadership Coach
01:41 The Importance of Value from the Client’s Perspective
02:24 Shifting the Conversation: From Certification to Solving Problems
03:05 The Power of Client-Centric Positioning
04:05 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About The Price and Value Journey

The title of this show describes the journey all professional service providers are on: building a services practice by seeking to convince the world of the value we offer, helping clients achieve the outcomes they desire, and trying to do all that at pricing that reflects the value we deliver.

If you feel like you’re working too hard for too little money in your solo or small firm practice, this show is for you. Even if you’re reasonably happy with your practice, you’ll hear ways to improve both your bottom line and the mindset you bring to your business.

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John owns Ray Business Advisors, a business advisory practice. John’s services include business coaching and advisory work, as well as advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their pricing. John is passionate about the power of pricing for business owners, as changing pricing is the fastest way to change the profitability of a business. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, consultants, coaches, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

In his other business, John is a Show Host and Producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) studio of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their own podcast using The Generosity Mindset™ Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John is also the host of North Fulton Business Radio. With over 750 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 its region like no one else.

John’s Book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 National Bestselling Author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

If you are a professional services provider, your goal is to do transformative work for clients you love working with and get paid commensurate with the value you deliver to those clients. While negative mindsets can inhibit your growth, adopting a different mindset, The Generosity Mindset™, can replace those self-limiting beliefs. The Generosity Mindset enables you to diagnose and communicate the value you deliver to clients and, in turn, more effectively price to receive a portion of that value.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, marketing or branding professional, business advisor, attorney, CPA, or work in virtually any other professional services discipline, your content and technical expertise are not proprietary. What’s unique, though, is your experience and how you synthesize and deliver your knowledge. What’s special is your demeanor or the way you deal with your best-fit clients. What’s invaluable is how you deliver great value by guiding people through massive changes in their personal lives and in their businesses that bring them to a place they never thought possible.

The combination of all these elements is quite different for you compared to any other service provider in your industry. Therein lies your value, but it’s not the value you see. It’s the value your best-fit customers see in you.

If pricing your value feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you, this book will teach you why putting a price on the value your clients perceive and identify serves both them and you, and you’ll learn the factors involved in getting your price right.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Empowering Lives Through Unforgettable Journeys, with Christina Menkemeller, Being Positioned

March 28, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Lives Through Unforgettable Journeys, with Christina Menkemeller, Being Positioned

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Empowering Lives Through Unforgettable Journeys, with Christina Menkemeller, Being Positioned (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 757)

This episode of North Fulton Business Radio features an inspiring and truly unforgettable conversation with Christina Menkemeller, founder and executive director of Being Positioned. Her organization provides unforgettable travel experiences for people with rare genetic disorders. Christina shares her personal journey of navigating life with neurofibromatosis type two (NF2), a rare genetic condition, and how it led her to create Being Positioned. The organization, akin to Make-A-Wish, aims to empower individuals with rare genetic disorders by breaking the cycle of depression through the joy and freedom of travel. Christina discusses the transformative impact of these travel experiences on recipients, including stories of regained confidence and new life perspectives. She also touches on the challenges of running the nonprofit amidst her own health battles. The episode captures the essence of how Being Positioned is not just offering trips but is deeply involved in changing lives by fostering community, hope, courage, and a sense of adventure among those facing difficult diagnoses.

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.

Christina Menkemeller, Founder & Executive Director, Being Positioned

Christina Menkemeller, driven by a deep desire to help others, initially pursued a career in therapy. However, her life changed when she was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors. Her condition, Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), causes progressive hearing loss, leading her to question the feasibility of a counseling career.

After graduating with a master’s degree in social work, she received an unexpected job offer from her neurooncologist. She was hired as a social worker at the same cancer center where she was receiving chemotherapy. The job felt like a miracle and gave Christina the opportunity to meet the needs of her fellow patients, while learning how to navigate being a patient herself.

But after working there for a year, her doctor decided to give her a break from treatment. So, Christina and her husband quit their jobs to travel the world for 14-months! These transformative experiences led her to establish Being Positioned, a nonprofit providing unforgettable travel adventures for people with rare genetic disorders. Christina combines her unique perspective as a patient and her passion for people to inspire meaningful change through their journey experiences.

Being Positioned is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower and improve the lives of individuals living with rare genetic disorders. Their mission is to help each person discover purpose through traveling, building community, and creating memorable experiences.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:30 Introducing Christina Menkemeller from Being Positioned
01:59 The Mission of Being Positioned: Travel Dreams for Those with Rare Genetic Disorders
02:25 Understanding Rare Genetic Disorders
05:42 Christina’s Personal Journey with Neurofibromatosis Type 2
07:53 The Life-Altering Diagnosis and Its Impact
12:15 From Social Worker to Nonprofit Founder: The Birth of Being Positioned
14:38 A World Tour with a Purpose
18:00 The Formation of the Nonprofit, Being Positioned
19:47 Navigating Challenges and the Power of Travel
23:34 Empowering Through Adventure: Real-Life Impact Stories
26:50 The Ripple Effect: Gratitude and Personal Growth
28:29 Fueling the Mission: Fundraising and Community Support
29:44 A Unique Fundraiser: Cereal de Mayo
33:43 Facing the Future: Plans and Personal Challenges
37:50 Closing Thoughts

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.

Hiring a Ghostwriter to Write Your Book, with Hal Clifford, Hal Clifford Associates

March 27, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Hiring a Ghostwriter to Write Your Book, with Hal Clifford, Hal Clifford Associates

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Hiring a Ghostwriter to Write Your Book, with Hal Clifford, Hal Clifford Associates

On this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray welcomes Hal Clifford, a seasoned ghostwriter with four decades of experience, to discuss hiring a ghostwriter to write the book you’ve always dreamed about. Hal shared insights into the ghostwriting process, the importance of a good writer-client relationship, and the strategic benefits of publishing a book for business professionals. With a rich background in editing and developing bestsellers, Hal delves into his journey from magazine editing to ghostwriting, the distinctions between ghostwriting, editing, and coaching, and offers practical advice for selecting a ghostwriter. The discussion covers the emotional journey of book writing, the process from interviews to publication, and the business case for professionals to publish, emphasizing that the return on investment largely comes from enhanced credibility and client engagement rather than book sales themselves.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Hal Clifford, Hall Clifford Associates

Hal Clifford has dedicated over four decades to the craft of writing and editing, leaving a significant mark in the literary world. He has played a pivotal role in editing New York Times bestseller David Goggins’ books Can’t Hurt Me and Never Finished. His expertise also extends to developing multiple Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestsellers, such as Joe Mechlinski’s Shift the Work and Krister Ungerböck’s 22 Talk Shifts. Clifford’s editorial acumen has been recognized in book reviews by the New York Times, including works like Ginger Strand’s Killer on the Road and Inventing Niagara, as well as James Prosek’s Eels.

Clifford is also the author of the upcoming title Blackout Punch, highlighting the fastest-growing, most notorious beverage in America. Having written three published nonfiction books under his own name, he deeply understands the immersive process of living with a subject for extended periods of time. His career milestones include serving as the Editor in Chief at Scribe Media, an independent publishing company, up until early 2023. He left Scribe Media to establish his own venture, Hal Clifford Associates, focusing on ghostwriting, editing, and publishing.

His previous role as the Executive Editor at Orion magazine saw Clifford edit stories that were finalists for the National Magazine Award for Best Essay and pieces included in Best American Science and Nature Writing. The magazine’s receipt of the Utne General Excellence Award distinguished his tenure at Orion. Clifford’s collaborative efforts with renowned writers such as Wendell Berry, Barry Lopez, Rebecca Solnit, Terry Tempest Williams, Bill McKibben, and many other talented individuals, underscore his significant contributions to literature and the broader publishing industry.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to The Price and Value Journey with John Ray
00:04 The Journey of Writing and Publishing a Book
01:01 Introducing Hal Clifford: A Master Ghostwriter
02:36 Hal Clifford’s Ghostwriting Journey and Philosophy
04:16 Understanding the Roles: Ghostwriter, Editor, and Book Coach
06:58 Choosing the Right Path for Your Book
08:27 Evaluating and Hiring the Right Ghostwriter
19:16 The Ghostwriting Process: From Interviews to Manuscript
23:14 The Ghostwriting Process: From Draft to Publication
24:24 Adapting to the Author’s Style and Utilizing Existing Content
25:27 Navigating the Emotional Journey of Writing a Book
27:36 The Challenges of Revisions and Editing
29:06 Personal Stories: The Power and Peril of Vulnerability
32:50 The Timeline and Accountability in Book Publishing
36:07 The True Value of Publishing a Business Book
42:29 Connecting with the Author and Final Thoughts

About The Price and Value Journey

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of "The Price and Value Journey" — John Ray, Author of *The Generosity Mindset* and Host of *The Price and Value Journey*

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John’s Book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 National Bestselling Author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Analysis and Implications of the EU AI Act

March 27, 2024 by John Ray

EU AI Act, Richard Sheinis, Jade Davis, Hall Booth Smith

Hall Booth Smith Podcast Network

Analysis and Implications of the EU AI Act

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Analysis and Implications of the EU AI Act (PrivacyCafé, Episode 3)

On this episode of PrivacyCafé, hosts Richard Sheinis and Jade Davis, leaders of the Hall Booth Smith Data Privacy, Security, and Technology Group, discuss the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act and its implications for businesses globally, especially in the USA. They elaborate on how the EU AI Act categorizes AI systems based on risk levels and its focus on high-risk applications while allowing minimal or no risk uses. The conversation transitions into how other countries and the United States are approaching AI regulation, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adhering to state-specific AI laws for businesses operating in multiple regions. They also cover practical concerns around the use of generative AI tools in the workplace, including data security, bias, proprietary information protection, and legal compliance. The discussion concludes with recommendations for businesses to audit AI tool usage, train employees on AI policies, and establish safeguards to mitigate the risks associated with AI deployment.

PrivacyCafé is underwritten and presented by Hall Booth Smith. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to PrivacyCafé
00:43 Diving into the World of Artificial Intelligence
01:05 Exploring the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act
04:53 Global AI Legislation: Following the EU’s Lead
06:58 The State of AI Laws in the United States
15:53 Navigating AI Applications and Public Concerns
16:52 Implementing AI: Policies, Tips, and Legal Considerations
24:42 Wrapping Up: AI Use and Company Policies
26:57 Closing Thoughts

About PrivacyCafé

PrivacyCafé is your essential guide through the complex terrain where law, data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence intersect. Hosts Richard Sheinis and Jade Davis, Co-Leads and Partners in the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice at Hall Booth Smith, unravel the intricacies of privacy laws, offer insights on cybersecurity issues and concerns, explore fast-moving artificial intelligence technologies and their implications, and interview top experts. Underwritten by Hall Booth Smith, this podcast is essential listening not only for data privacy and cybersecurity experts but for business owners, executives, and others interested in the latest insights on these topics.

Richard and Jade welcome your questions, feedback, and topic requests. Email them: PrivacyCafe@hallboothsmith.com. You will also find other news and insights from Richard and Jade, as well as other professionals in the Data Privacy & Cybersecurity practice at Hall Booth Smith, by visiting the Data Privacy & Cybersecurity page.

PrivacyCafé is underwritten and presented by Hall Booth Smith. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Richard Sheinis, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Richard Sheinis has litigated in federal and state courts for 37 years and has been the first chair for approximately 175 jury trials. His clients have included health care professionals and institutions, technology companies, and global business entities.

Rich takes advantage of his litigation background to work with businesses in the areas of data privacy and cybersecurity, employment, and technology. He works with a wide variety of companies, from small technology businesses to publicly traded companies with a global footprint.

Rich also teaches Health Information Privacy and Security as an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Jade Davis, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Jade Davis is a Partner at Hall Booth Smith who focuses her practice on data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and construction technology.

Jade provides strategic privacy and cyber-preparedness compliance advice and defends, counsels, and represents companies on privacy, global data security compliance, data breaches, and investigations. Jade advises companies on best practices in privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data, mobile, cloud storage, Ad Tech privacy, Internet of Things, and other areas of regulatory compliance.

She leads companies in legal assessments of data security and provides counsel to companies on how best to implement strategies to lead with data and avoid pitfalls. She helps companies strategically think about data while being mindful of global data protection laws, such as the GDPR, UK GDPR, PIPEDA, PDPA, PIPL, LGPD, nFADP, DPDP, CCPA, HITECH, and HIPAA, to name a few.

Jade enjoys helping clients deal with crisis management issues to protect the brand and leads forensic investigations. Her data privacy/cyber security practice reaches into a variety of sectors such as Healthcare, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Construction, Technology, Marketing, Agriculture, Retail, Entertainment, Telecommunications, Energy, Transportation, Logistics, Human Resources, Real Estate, and Insurance to provide litigation defense, advisory assistance, and contractual expertise regarding data privacy agreements, standard contract clauses and addenda, vendor subcontracts, privacy policies, and cookie policies, among others.

About Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Established in 1989, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) is a full-service law firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with regional offices strategically located throughout Georgia and the United States. Experienced across a wide range of legal disciplines, HBS prides itself on providing knowledgeable, proactive, client-specific counsel to individuals, domestic and international corporations, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

HBS possesses the legal knowledge, skill, and experience to meet their clients’ needs wherever they do business. HBS maintains the highest commitment to ethically and professionally serve their clients by providing the highest quality legal representation.

They deliver quality legal services in a variety of service areas. Experience across legal disciplines combined with a focus on the unique business or personal requirements of the client is the hallmark of the firm. Their clients receive the attention, expertise, and cost-effectiveness of a smaller law firm with the full-service and strong regional presence typical of a larger one.

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Disclaimer

PrivacyCafé is a production brought to you by Hall Booth Smith, P.C. This podcast is published for the purposes of providing general information and education on topics which include those related to the law and legal issues, but the contents of the podcast do not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast or utilizing the information contained in it in any way does not constitute nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between you and Hall Booth Smith or its lawyers. The contents of this podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

GNFCC 2024 BOLD Award Winners: Kathy Swahn, The Drake House, and Natalie DeLancey, City Springs Theatre Company

March 26, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC 2024 BOLD Award Winners: Kathy Swahn, The Drake House, and Natalie DeLancey, City Springs Theatre Company

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GNFCC 2024 BOLD Award Winners: Kathy Swahn, The Drake House, and Natalie DeLancey, City Springs Theatre Company

This edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider showcases the contributions of two Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce BOLD Award recipients for 2024. Kathy Swahn received GNFCC’s BOLD Businesswoman Legacy Award, and Natalie DeLancey was named GNFCC’s 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Dedicated to Good. Kathy and Natalie, along with several other individuals and companies, were named BOLD Award winners during a luncheon held on March 20, 2024. Kathy Swahn, formerly of the Drake House, discussed her work with single mothers and children, highlighting the importance of community support and affordable housing. Natalie DeLancey of City Springs Theatre shared how the arts enrich the community by offering high-quality performances and educational programs. Both guests explored their leadership journeys, the impact of their organizations, and the vital role of community engagement and women’s leadership in fostering a vibrant, supportive environment. Rebekah Anderson was the host for this episode.

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

What is BOLD?

The mission of Businesswomen Organizing for Leadership and Development is to connect businesswomen to build outstanding networks and spheres of influence, to collaborate amongst themselves and with their partner organizations to develop their businesses, and to celebrate and recognize the women of North Fulton. Sarabeth Stein is the 2024 BOLD Committee Chair.

Kathy Swahn, President Emeritus, The Drake House

**Kathy Swahn, The Drake House, 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Legacy Award**

Kathy Swahn was named GNFCC’s 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Legacy Award.

Kathy has resided in the North Fulton area for almost 45 years. She has watched the community evolve from what was “unincorporated Fulton County” to a six city bustling suburban community. Her history has been surrounded by a focus on children: a stay-at-home mom raising two daughters, years of leadership in Girl Scouting and school PTAs, the National Charity League, chairing the North Fulton Council of PTAs, and chairing the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Kathy transitioned back to work by jumping into the non-profit world. She joined the team at North Fulton Community Charities, running their Holiday Program, becoming Development Director and successfully managing the $3M capital campaign for their Elkins Road location. Along the way, she also served on the DFACS Board and chaired the board of the Fulton County Continuum of Care for four years.

**Kathy Swahn, President Emeritus, The Drake House**

After having the opportunity to join in the GNFCC Leadership Program, Kathy was surrounded with a dynamic group of folks who worked to create The Drake House. Since 2004, she served as board chair for the first four years, executive director for nine years, and is now retired. Over those years, The Drake House served over 500 single mothers with over 1,000 children and grew the assets of the organization to over $4M.

She continues to serve TDH on the Advocacy Committee, and for the past ten years, she has served as a volunteer for the North Fulton Improvement Network. This is a think-tank of civic leaders studying the need for “missing middle” housing answers for first-time home buyers, senior housing for those who wish to downsize, as well workforce housing for essential workers in the healthcare, education, safety and hospitality industries.

She spends much of her time traveling to the DC area, where her children and grandchildren reside.

The Drake House

The Drake House is a 501(c)3 organization that works to respond to the growing number of women and children experiencing homelessness in North Fulton. They involve members of our community in the effort to keep single mothers and their children united under one roof as they work toward self-sufficiency.

The Drake House helps women with children overcome the circumstances of homelessness with dignity while keeping their families intact. In response to the changes in our post-COVID world, The Drake House has adapted its programming to help the families we serve acquire housing and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Graduates of their program work, pay taxes, rent apartments, purchase groceries, attend faith-based organizations, and hopefully, one day, become homeowners. They are equipped to be good employees, tenants, and neighbors. When given the opportunity, some even use their story to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and take advantage of all the services The Drake House has to offer them. As they continue their work to improve their program and campus, The Drake House does so with the expectation that the results will lead to more graduates, more resilient children and teens, and ultimately, a stronger community.

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Natalie DeLancey, Executive Director, City Springs Theatre Company

**Natalie DeLancey, City Springs Theater Company, 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Dedicated to Good**

Natalie DeLancey is GNFCC’s 2024 BOLD Businesswoman Dedicated to Good.

Natalie became the Executive Director of City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) in 2021 after previously helping to form the company as the Managing Director beginning in 2017. She is responsible for overseeing overall operations, fundraising, and artistic vision for CSTC, including raising over $2 million annually for the organization and serving roughly 50,000 patrons and students each season.

Before City Springs Theatre Company, Natalie was the Director of Arts Education & Community Outreach for ArtsBridge Foundation, the arts education outreach arm of Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Natalie managed four types of programs including: Field Trips, Master Classes, Family Performance Series & the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – Shuler Hensley Awards. In addition, Natalie produced and directed the annual competition for the Shuler Awards and she received the program’s first-ever Southeast Regional Emmy Award for her 2017 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards production.

**Natalie DeLancey, Executive Director, City Springs Theatre Company**

Prior to ArtsBridge, Natalie served as the Artist Partnerships Manager at Young Audiences, Woodruff Arts Center. Before joining Woodruff, she served as the Manager on Duty at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in the Cobb County Civic Center complex. Natalie has a performance background in musical theatre and received a BA in Theatre & Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University’s College of the Arts.

Natalie was a member of Leadership Cobb’s Class of 2016, selected for the inaugural 30 Under 30 program with the International Association of Venue Managers in 2015 and a member of the 2014 Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta class. Natalie was also the recipient of the 2016 Ernest Barrett Award from the Cobb Chamber for her commitment to excellence. She currently serves as the Chair-Elect of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a member of the 2024 Leadership Perimeter class.

Natalie is passionate about high-quality entertainment and arts education, and she is thrilled to be in a community that fully supports those initiatives!

City Springs Theatre Company

City Springs Theatre Company is dedicated to entertaining, educating, and enriching lives by creating world-class theatre experiences and innovative arts education programs that drive cultural richness and economic vitality.

City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) was formed in 2017 by Sandy Springs residents Jan Collins, Steven Hauser, and Peggy and Jerry Stapleton in response to the needs and desires for high-quality musical theatre produced locally and highlighting regional talent. As a Presenting Partner of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, City Springs Theatre is committed to artistic excellence, community engagement, and educational initiatives for all ages.

City Springs Theatre Company would not have become a reality without the generous support of Ken and Trish Byers and the Sandy Springs Foundation.

Led by Executive Director Natalie DeLancey and Tony Award winner and Atlanta native Shuler Hensley as Artistic Director, CSTC has served over 174,000 patrons and 135,000 students through mainstage musicals and educational programs.

City Springs Theatre Company, launched a Conservatory program in 2018 dedicated to training the next generation of performers and technicians in musical theatre. The Conservatory offers private lessons, a pre-professional company, summer musicals for high and middle school students, and participates in the Junior Theatre Festival. The Conservatory’s pre-professional company is a unique training program dedicated to students age 12-18 who are looking to pursue a career in the performing arts.

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Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to the GNFCC 400 Insider!
00:29 Introducing Our Esteemed Guests
01:17 Celebrating Leadership and Achievements
02:01 Inspirational Journeys: Kathy Swahn’s Story
03:23 Natalie DeLancey: A Pillar in the Arts Community
05:21 The Significance of the Bold Recognition Award
07:09 Challenges and Triumphs in Supporting Women
14:37 Empowering the Next Generation
19:30 Retirement? Not Quite! Kathy’s Continued Advocacy
21:55 Exciting Upcoming Productions at City Springs Theatre
23:15 How You Can Support Our Guests’ Organizations
24:59 Wrapping Up: The Impact of Leadership and Community Support

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

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

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.

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Disclaimer

GNFCC 2024 BOLD Award Winners: Kathy Swahn, The Drake House, and Natalie DeLancey, City Springs Theatre Company

What is BOLD?

Kathy Swahn, President Emeritus, The Drake House

The Drake House

Natalie DeLancey, Executive Director, City Springs Theatre Company

City Springs Theatre Company

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Our Mission

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