John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Ending Women’s History Month with a Trailblazing Woman: An Interview with Teresa Tomlinson, Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

March 26, 2024 by John Ray

Hall Booth Smith Podcast Network

Ending Women's History Month with a Trailblazing Woman: An Interview with Teresa Tomlinson, Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

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Ending Women’s History Month with a Trailblazing Woman: An Interview with Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (Litigators Lounge, Episode 8)

For the third episode of Litigators Lounge celebrating Women’s History Month 2024, hosts Jackie Voronov and Shylie Bannon welcomed Teresa Pike Tomlinson, a partner at Hall Booth Smith, as a special guest. Teresa’s extensive and influential career is highlighted, from her start as an attorney and becoming the first female partner at her previous firm, Pope McGlamry, to her significant contributions as Mayor of Columbus, Georgia, and her efforts in preventing the closure of Sweetbriar College, her alma mater. Throughout the episode, topics such as gender discrimination, the importance of female empowerment and mentorship, and the challenges and successes faced by women in leadership positions are explored. The conversation also delves into Teresa’s personal mantra for facing challenges, the importance of women supporting each other, and her current complex litigation practice.

You can find a video and the full text of Teresa’s Sweet Briar College 2015 Commencement Address, referenced in the interview, by following this link.

The other two episodes celebrating Women’s History Month 2024 are:

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

Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Partner, Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Teresa Pike Tomlinson is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, offices, where she specializes in complex trial and appellate civil practice. She is known for her ability to handle strategically complicated and potentially high-value cases. She is admitted to courts throughout the country, including numerous federal circuit courts and the United States Supreme Court.

Teresa practiced law for 16 years with the plaintiff’s law firm of Pope McGlamry, where she specialized in complex litigation, giving her a unique perspective in her current defense cases. As plaintiff’s counsel, Teresa led a trial team to a $21.5 million award in her client’s favor, and led litigation teams in cases to include nationwide class actions, securities/derivative litigation, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Litigation, and Multi-District litigation.

As a young lawyer, Teresa prosecuted civil claims for surviving families of the 1996 ValuJet Air Crash, making her mark and becoming the first woman partner at her firm. She currently leads Hall Booth Smith’s multi-district efforts battling COVID-19-related claims in health care professional settings. Teresa previously served as Mayor of Columbus, Georgia, where she oversaw nearly 3,000 employees and a $275 million budget and was the chief elected official of the city/county government, public safety director, and Homeland Security Director for a 16-county region. She was a statewide candidate for the United States Senate in 2020, finishing second in a field of seven in the primary election.

Teresa earned a Juris Doctor from Emory University and a Bachelor of Arts in Government, Economics and Business Management from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. She served as Chair of the Board of Directors for Sweet Briar College, and in 2015 she led an initiative to raise $28.5 million in four months to avert a planned closure of her alma mater and put the college back on solid financial footing.

She is a member of the Georgia Bar and has been admitted to practice before federal and state courts across the country, including the United States Supreme Court, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Eighth and Eleventh Circuits, and the Georgia Supreme Court, among others.

Firm Website Profile | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to Litigators Lounge: A Dive into Workplace Dynamics and Legal Issues
01:06 Celebrating Women’s History Month with Teresa Pike Tomlinson
01:56 Teresa Tomlinson: A Trailblazer’s Journey and Impact
04:42 The Significance of Women’s History Month and Overcoming Gender Challenges
08:47 The Significance of Being the First Female Mayor of Columbus, Georgia
14:01 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Professional and Legal Fields
25:45 The Power of Support and Mentorship Among Women
30:23 Teresa Tomlinson’s Mantra for Confidence and Leadership
41:15 A Glimpse into Teresa Tomlinson’s Legal Practice and Closing Thoughts
43:04 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Episodes and Engaging with Litigators Lounge

About Litigators Lounge

Jackie Voronov and Shylie Bannon, attorneys at Hall Booth Smith who specialize in labor and employment law, are the hosts of the engaging podcast Litigators Lounge. Listen as they delve into the intricate world of workplace legal issues as they explore real-life examples, unpack legal scenarios, and offer expert insights to help organizations and employees navigate the ever-changing legal landscape. With engaging discussions, diverse viewpoints from expert guests, and an ample touch of humor, Litigators Lounge is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and expert advice on law and the workplace.

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

If you have questions or feedback for Jackie and Shylie, feel free to follow this link and email them.

Jackie Voronov, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Jackie Voronov is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s office in Paramus, New Jersey, and she represents management in a wide variety of employment matters and litigates employment claims before administrative agencies and state and federal courts. Her clients include major hotels, retailers, shipping companies, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, manufacturers, and national fast-food franchisees.

Jackie’s litigation experience includes the defense of employers in single and multi-plaintiff actions on claims of wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, race, national origin, gender, disability and age discrimination, breach of contract, family medical leave, failure to accommodate, retaliation, wage/hour laws, and related tort claims. Jackie also works with her clients to prepare various employment agreements (including non-compete, confidentiality, independent contractor, and separation agreements). She has extensive experience before various administrative tribunals, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the State Division of Human Rights (SDHR), the Division of Civil Rights (DCR), and other state, federal, and local agencies.

In addition, Jackie frequently conducts management training for employers on a wide variety of employment law topics, such as:

EEO/anti-harassment
employee recruiting and hiring practices
family and medical leave
reasonable accommodations for disabilities and religion
preventing and investigating harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower claims
wage and hour compliance
discipline and termination of employees
privacy in the workplace

Jackie is regularly invited to speak nationally on best practices and other employment-related issues. Before joining Hall Booth Smith, she worked for one of the country’s largest law firms, where she defended employers in a wide range of labor and employment matters, including wage and hour class actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), claims related to the New York State Human Rights Law (NSHRL), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), and Title VII.

Jackie was selected for inclusion as a New Jersey Rising Star by Super Lawyers® for six consecutive years (2010-2016), which honors the top 2.5% of young lawyers in New Jersey.

Shylie Bannon, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Shylie Bannon is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s Jacksonville, Florida, office. She also serves as Hiring Partner for the region of Florida, where she oversees associate attorney hiring endeavors. Prior to joining Hall Booth Smith, Shylie was a partner in both a multi-state, multi-specialty firm and a boutique practice.

At Hall Booth Smith, Shylie continues to represent physicians, mid-level providers, and health care providers in high-exposure medical negligence claims and in administrative proceedings before the Florida Department of Health. She also represents national retailers in high-exposure premises liability, negligent security, and transportation litigation with our National Trial Counsel team.

In addition to litigating matters involving personal injury and negligence, Shylie also represents management in all aspects of employment-related litigation arising from allegations of sex, disability, race, and pregnancy discrimination; whistleblower actions; and alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards. She does so in administrative proceedings before both the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as well as in all of the state and federal courts in Florida. She also provides employment-related counsel to clients, helping them avoid employment-related litigation through the implementation of best employment, investigation, and risk management practices.

Shylie earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, cum laude, and graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History.

Shylie volunteers with the Guardian Ad Litem program and supports child welfare advocacy efforts in Northeast Florida. She is also a Member of the Board for the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.

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.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Disclaimer

Litigators Lounge is a production brought to you by Hall Booth Smith, PC. 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.

The Paradox of The Generosity Mindset™

March 25, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

The Paradox of The Generosity Mindset™

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The Paradox of The Generosity Mindset™

John Ray discusses the seeming paradox of The Generosity Mindset™, noting that it’s easy to understand why some might think that achieving better pricing in your business and acting from a mindset of generosity might be at odds. Referencing ideas expressed in his book, The Generosity Mindset, John emphasizes how focusing on others’ needs leads to trust, goodwill, and building a reputation as a professional of value. He advocates for a business approach that balances generosity with financial health, enabling professionals to create sustainable businesses that contribute to their communities and to their own personal fulfillment.

This episode was adapted from the February 15, 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
00:07 The Counterintuitive Nature of Generosity in Pricing
00:34 The Paradox of Charging for Service
01:12 The Importance of Business Sustainability
02:16 Introducing the Generosity Mindset
03:11 The Power of Listening and Understanding
03:43 The Paradox and Power of Generosity
04:24 Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Trust and Prosperity
05:01 The Impact of Generosity on Professional Growth
05:31 Sustainability and Community Contribution
06:04 Conclusion and Invitation

About The Price and Value Journey

The title of this show describes the journey all professional services 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, 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 Small Businesses with HR Solutions, with Dan Gladding, Vested HR Solutions

March 25, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Small Businesses with HR Solutions, with Dan Gladding, Vested HR Solutions

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Empowering Small Businesses with HR Solutions, with Dan Gladding, Vested HR Solutions (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 756)

On this edition of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomed Dan Gladding from Vested HR Solutions, a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) that provides a suite of outsourced HR services. Gladding shared his journey in the HR industry, focusing on the growth and challenges faced by businesses across Georgia and beyond. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the complexities of employee benefits, health insurance, compliance issues, and the impact of remote work. Gladding highlighted the importance of understanding and navigating the evolving HR landscape for small to medium-sized businesses, emphasizing tailored HR solutions and the value of a comprehensive HR partner in fostering business growth and employee satisfaction.

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.

Dan Gladding, Vested HR Solutions

Dan Gladding is a Senior Business Development Manager with Vested HR Solutions.

Vested HR is committed to providing clients with tailored Human Resource and Risk Management solutions that will enable them to focus on the success of their businesses.

In 2019, an entrepreneur set out to solve a frustrating problem consistently seen throughout the payroll industry: a lack of compassion and understanding when it comes to the real humans behind a company’s operations.

From that, Vested HR’s “human-focused” approach was born. When you contact Vested HR, you’ll never speak to a recording or an answering machine. They believe in a real, honest, old-fashioned connection with a live human being who personally knows you and your staff.

From the start, thier business consultants take time to learn the ins and outs of your company and strategize ways to promote growth for you. At Vested HR, they understand that your most valuable investment is your people.

Vested HR has a diverse staff of seasoned professionals with over five decades of leadership in the PEO industry. Their top priority is always to maintain an unbeatable level of customer support, transparency, and knowledge on the latest compliance and regulatory changes within the payroll and HR industry.

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:21 Introducing Dan Gladding from Vested HR Solutions
01:36 Exploring the World of Outsourced HR with Vested HR
02:03 The Personal Journey into HR: Dan Gladding’s Story
02:40 Understanding Professional Employer Organizations (PEO)
03:00 The Benefits of Partnering with a PEO
04:35 Navigating Health Insurance Choices for Businesses
07:00 Attracting and Retaining Talent with Competitive Benefits
09:32 The Importance of Compliance in HR
17:13 Remote Work: Adapting to New Norms
19:25 Vested HR Solutions: Serving Businesses Nationwide
22:42 Success Stories and How to Connect with Vested HR
25:24 Closing Remarks and Additional Resources

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 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 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.

Leaving Big Law to Start a Successful Law Practice, with Anthonia Berry, Strategy Academy

March 25, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Leaving Big Law to Start a Successful Law Practice, with Anthonia Berry, Strategy Academy

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Leaving Big Law to Start a Successful Law Practice, with Anthonia Berry, Strategy Academy

North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray welcomed Anthonia Berry, Strategy Academy, to share how she helps attorneys thrive as legal entrepreneurs. Anthonia shared her insights on the challenges attorneys face when establishing their own law practices, especially post-COVID-19. With over 18 years of experience in legal marketing and business strategy for law firms, Anthonia discussed the importance of niche specialization, strategic marketing, case management software, and the crucial aspects of building a personal brand. She highlighted how Strategy Academy’s course, designed as an eight-module roadmap, helps attorneys navigate these challenges, from understanding their target audience to efficient practice management. Anthonia further elaborated on the significance of strategic planning and shared a success story to illustrate the transformation of an attorney’s practice through her guidance. She emphasized the necessity of viewing a law practice as a business and the impact of strategic marketing and specialization in achieving success.

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.

Anthonia Berry, Strategy Academy

**Anthonia Berry, Founder, Strategy Academy**

Anthonia Berry is a seasoned professional with more than 18 years of hands-on experience in marketing and business development within the legal sector. Her career spans across both domestic and international landscapes, providing her with a rich understanding of the nuances and intricacies of law firm operations.

Throughout her career, Anthonia has been instrumental in partnering with law firms of all sizes, assisting them in not only establishing their practices but also nurturing their growth into thriving entities. Having collaborated with legal practices ranging from small boutique firms to large multinational conglomerates, Anthonia has amassed a wealth of insights into the diverse needs and challenges faced by lawyers at different stages of their careers.

Her breadth of experience encompasses a wide array of practice areas, allowing her to offer tailored guidance to attorneys venturing into various specialties within the legal field. Anthonia’s dedication to the success of her students is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to delivering value-packed content.

Through Strategy Academy, she aims to demystify the process of starting a law firm, providing aspiring attorneys with the guidance, tools, and resources they need to confidently embark on their entrepreneurial journey. With Anthonia at the helm, Strategy Academy is not just a course; it’s a testament to her unwavering dedication to empowering legal professionals and transforming their dreams of entrepreneurship into reality.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:25 Introducing Anthonia Berry from Strategy Academy
01:44 The Evolution of Strategy Academy and Its Impact on Law Practices
04:01 Why Specialize in Legal Marketing and Business Strategy?
06:26 The Challenges of Big Law and the Journey to Solo Practice
10:22 Strategy Academy: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Solo Practitioners
18:43 The Importance of Software in Managing a Law Practice
22:12 Marketing Strategies for Law Firms: Finding Your Niche
24:48 Inside Strategy Academy: Course Details and Success Stories
33:54 Connecting with Anthonia Berry and Strategy Academy
35:00 Closing Remarks

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Nesha Mason, The Drake House

March 25, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Nesha Mason, The Drake House

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Nesha Mason, The Drake House (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 9)

Nesha Mason, President of The Drake House, joined this episode of the Good2Give Podcast. The Drake House is a nonprofit operating in North Fulton, focusing on assisting single mothers and their families who face homelessness. Hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy interviewed Nesha on the history of the Drake House, its programs, and the impact it has had on the community. Founded following a realization of the homelessness crisis affecting single mothers in North Fulton, the Drake House provides emergency and transitional housing, financial literacy, and community support to empower single mothers towards independence. The organization has evolved to offer comprehensive support, including a fresh market and a professional women’s career network. The conversation covered volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and how the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia supports the Drake House through partnerships, funding, and resources, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing homelessness and financial vulnerability among single mothers and their children.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House

Nesha Mason is a dedicated leader with a rich and diverse background in education, operations management, and community engagement. With experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, Nesha has consistently demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Her passion for community service and helping others has led her to roles in public service, education and nonprofit leadership. Mason served as the first female African American Mayor of Abilene, Kansas. In this role, she focused her efforts on planned growth and government transparency for residents. Mason chose not to seek reelection, opting to pursue alternative certification to be a K–12 educator. After serving as a teacher at Haynes Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta, Mason served as Executive Director of a state-wide educational foundation connecting high school students to the hospitality industry.

In her current role as President of The Drake House, Nesha Mason combines her leadership skills, educational expertise, and commitment to community welfare to lead and support initiatives that empower families and create lasting positive change.

Under Nesha’s direction, The Drake House has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its programming. Her strategic insight and commitment to holistic support have propelled the organization from providing shelter to a two-generational approach to overcoming homelessness and financial vulnerability. This shift has been pivotal in ensuring that families not only find housing but also receive comprehensive resources to transition towards independence and stability.

In her personal life, Nesha has been married for 23 years and is the proud parent of five adult sons. Nesha and her husband currently reside in Roswell, Georgia, where they continue to be actively involved in their community.

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.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Topics Discussed in This Interview

00:00 Welcome to the Good2Give Podcast
00:36 Introducing Nisha Mason from The Drake House
01:57 The Drake House: A Beacon of Hope for Single Mothers
03:21 Expanding Support: From Emergency Housing to Financial Literacy
10:39 The Importance of Community and Sponsorship
22:12 Volunteering, Funding, and How to Get Involved
30:08 Upcoming Events and How to Support The Drake House
33:23 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Dr. Praveen Arany, University of Buffalo

March 25, 2024 by John Ray

LaserLife Insights

Dr. Praveen Arany, University of Buffalo

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Dr. Praveen Arany, University of Buffalo (LaserLife Insights, Episode 6)

On this episode of LaserLife Insights, host Pete Cousins interviewed Dr. Praveen Arany, an expert in photobiomodulation and associate professor at the University of Buffalo, about the science and clinical applications of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Dr. Arany discussed his journey from skepticism to pioneering research in the field, highlighting the therapy’s mechanism, benefits, and clinical evidence. The conversation covered the challenges of acceptance in mainstream medicine, the importance of proper device selection, and applications in cancer care, specifically for preventing oral mucositis in cancer patients. Additionally, the potential of whole-body photobiomodulation for wellness, anti-aging, and preparation for strenuous activities was discussed. Resources for further research and the role of governing bodies in establishing consensus guidelines are also addressed. The episode emphasized photobiomodulation’s scientific backing, its broad range of applications, and the future potential of integrating light therapy into general health and wellness practices.

LaserLife Insights is underwritten by Summus Medical Laser and is recorded and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

(Image credit: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki)

Praveen R. Arany, B.D.S., M.D.S., M.M.Sc., Ph.D.

Dr. Praveen Arany trained as a dentist, oral pathologist, and biomedical engineer. He served as an Assistant Clinical Investigator at NIDCR/NIH, Bethesda, from 2012 to 2015. He is currently an Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo, NY.

Dr. Arany has 6 patents, over 150 scientific publications with over 8,000 citations, and an h-index of 36. His work has been featured in many mainstream media highlights in over 70 countries.

He has received numerous awards recognizing his research contributions, including the Young Investigator National Institutes of Health and Wound Healing Society, Horrace Furomoto American Society for Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, and the Theodore Maiman Award from the Academy of Laser Dentistry.

He has been invited to speak in various national and international forums, reviews for over 75 scientific journals, serves on nine journal editorial boards, including associate editor in four, and reviews grants for national and international funding agencies.

Dr. Arany is the immediate past president of the World & North American Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy, Chair of the PBM group in SPIE and Optica (OSA), and Chair-elect of Lasers Biophotonics Group, International Association of Dental Research.

University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Profile | LinkedIn | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to LaserLife Insights
00:34 Meet Dr. Praveen Arany: A Pioneer in Photobiomodulation
01:44 Dr. Arany’s Journey from Skeptic to Believer in Light Therapy
03:42 Understanding the Science Behind Photobiomodulation
06:02 Navigating the Complex World of Laser Therapy Devices
10:48 The Promising Role of Photobiomodulation in Cancer Care
19:15 Addressing the Skepticism Surrounding Photobiomodulation
22:52 Finding Reliable Information on Photobiomodulation
26:10 Exploring the Potential of Whole Body Photobiomodulation
29:35 Closing Remarks

About LaserLife Insights and Your Host, Pete Cousins

LaserLife Insights highlights the stories, strategies, and best practices from some of the most successful providers and practice owners in physical therapy, chiropractic, dental, vet, sports medicine, pain management, and more. Guided by host Pete Cousins, the show explores the world of Class IV Laser Therapy, uncovering facts about the science behind the technology, exploring success stories, and learning from experts who have witnessed the transformative effects of laser therapy firsthand.

LaserLife Insights is underwritten by Summus Medical Laser and is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

**Pete Cousins, Chief Commercial Officer, Summus Medical Laser and Host, LaserLife Insights**

The host of LaserLife Insights, Pete Cousins, grew up as an avid sports fan and knew early on that he wanted to be focused on health and wellness in some capacity. After completing his undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology, Pete started a fitness training business, where he discovered his talent for coaching and influencing others. In 1999, he was recruited into medical sales, exceeded expectations, and quickly rose to leadership positions. He has spent the entirety of his career since then in B2B healthcare commercial leadership roles.

Over the years, Pete has held progressively larger leadership roles within industries ranging from aesthetics to dermatology, dental practice management software, and currently, chiropractic, PT, pain management, dentistry, and veterinary medicine at Summus, where he is currently CCO.

He holds certifications such as “Integrity Selling Facilitator,” Predictive Index Certified Facilitator, Continuous Improvement Leadership, Culture Index Profiling, AMA Advanced Sales Management, and Dimensions of Professional Selling.

With a focus on adding value to others, Pete aims to make every episode of LaserLife Insights worthwhile for all who listen!

Pete Cousins LinkedIn

About Summus Medical Laser

Summus Medical Laser is a U.S. pioneer in Class IV laser therapy with over 18 years of experience.

Summus Laser was established in 2018, although the Founder and CEO, Dr. Richard Albright, was a pioneer in the field of photobiomodulation in 2004 by becoming the 2nd company in the US to receive FDA clearance for this ground-breaking technology.

Their mission is simple: to improve lives through laser therapy.

Their growth comes from a relentless commitment to constantly improve their lasers, provide reliable stateside service, follow science in their product development, supply effective consumer marketing tools, and deliver world-class training. No matter which of their models best fits your practice, you can be assured that a Summus Medical Laser will improve your efficiency, broaden the therapy options you offer, and provide safe, rapid relief, resulting in satisfied and returning patients.

Franklin, Tennessee, Summus’ hometown, is a historic yet innovative place with solid values and a community of generous neighbors. No matter where you are in the world, you can count on those same values in the Summus team and the lasers they offer as you generously serve those who need your care.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Leveraging Technology Strategically, with James Brighton, TMG

March 22, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Leveraging Technology Strategically, with James Brighton, TMG

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Leveraging Technology Strategically, with James Brighton, TMG (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 754)

James Brighton with TMG joined host John Ray on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio to discuss critical aspects of technology management and optimization in business. James offered insights on assisting businesses in optimizing their IT spending and making strategic technology purchases, especially in the wake of tightened budgets post-COVID-19. James shared how vendors manipulate the technology purchasing process to their advantage and how TMG approaches this by being customer-centric and agnostic to solutions. James highlights major technology themes like cybersecurity, detailing the magnitude of the threat and the common pitfalls companies face, such as unpreparedness and ego. He also touches upon the challenges of cyber insurance policies becoming more restrictive and expensive due to the rising prevalence of cybercrime. The episode wraps up with James expressing skepticism about the widespread applicability of AI for businesses outside the Fortune 50, due to resource constraints.

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.

James Brighton, Technology Solutions Advisor, TMG

James Brighton is a Technology Solutions Advisor with TMG, formerly The McCracken Group.

TMG serves as a technology acquisition partner for their clients by engaging with and helping organizations and IT leaders understand all the disruptive technologies that exist today. TMG challenges the status quo of “traditional” VAR’s, ISV’s, and technology resellers. As an organization, they continually train and search for what is trending, where the markets are going, and what types of technologies are emerging—from cloud to cybersecurity to next-gen connectivity like SD-WAN.

The laser-focused role that TMG fills with their clients is to enable better technology purchasing decisions using proprietary tools, impartial and neutral research, and client consultations coupled with TMG’s comprehensive engineering experience. The client experience is continued from the purchasing decision through their complete care, starting with contract negotiation, solution implementation, and total life-cycle management with project management and full in-house Tier 1 support included. TMG’s clients look to them to bring clarity and understanding through their exhaustive analysis, purchase guidance, and vendor management to offer business solutions.

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:24 Introducing James Brighton from TMG
01:31 Optimizing IT Spend and Strategic Technology Purchasing
02:24 James Brighton’s Unexpected Journey into Tech
04:55 The Importance of Being Customer-Centric in Tech Consulting
06:43 Navigating the Complex World of Technology Purchasing
13:43 The Alarming Reality of Cybersecurity Threats
18:37 The Growing Challenge of Cyber Insurance and Compliance
21:50 AI in Business: Hype vs. Reality
24:58 Who Benefits from TMG’s Services?
28:32 How to Connect with James Brighton and TMG
29:17 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 bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Mike Gainor, Carolina Handling

March 21, 2024 by John Ray

Executive Perspective

Mike Gainor, Carolina Handling

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Mike Gainor, Carolina Handling (Executive Perspective, Episode 11)

Executive Perspective host Danny Vander Maten welcomed Mike Gaynor to discuss his work at Carolina Handling. The discussion covered Gaynor’s career journey from Auburn University to leading sales and marketing at Carolina Handling, a company specializing in warehouse automation and material handling solutions. They delved into the impact of COVID-19 on business operations, the rise of AI and automation in the industry, and the company’s rapid growth and adaptation to the booming demand for warehousing in the Southeast. Gaynor also shared insights into Carolina Handling’s service model, the benefits of having Toyota as a parent company, and the company’s commitment to philanthropy and community engagement.

Executive Perspective is underwritten and presented by Cresa Atlanta. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Mike Gainor, Executive Vice President, Carolina Handling

Mike Gainor was named Executive Vice President of Sales at Carolina Handling, LLC in April 2019. He joined the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company in 2010 as a sales representative, and the next year, he was promoted to regional sales manager, overseeing the company’s Georgia, Alabama and Florida regions. He was named vice president of sales in 2016.

In his current role, Gainor oversees Carolina Handling’s sales and marketing teams and the company’s Intralogistics Solution Group, a team of consultants and engineers that design and install integrated, automated solutions for warehouses, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers.

Prior to joining Carolina Handling, Gainor worked for five years in a variety of sales and operations roles for Penske Truck Leasing.

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gainor spent most of his childhood in Miami, Florida. A graduate of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, Gainor resides in Fayetteville, Georgia, with his wife, Haley, and their children, Kendall, Grayson, Ford and Jack.

Carolina Handling

Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading material handling solution providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone territory. The company provides lift trucks and automation solutions for warehouses and distribution centers, as well as parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, Greensboro, NC, Raleigh, NC and Greenville, SC, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, SC. The company has more than 780 associates.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:00 Welcome to Executive Perspective
00:52 Introducing Mike Gaynor from Carolina Handling
01:14 Mike Gaynor’s Journey: From Auburn to Carolina Handling
03:28 The Evolution of Carolina Handling
04:37 Adapting to Industry Booms and Challenges
13:04 The Impact of AI and Automation on the Industry
23:00 Carolina Handling’s Philanthropic Efforts
26:24 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations
28:43 Wrapping Up with Final Thoughts
30:09 Closing Remarks and Credits

About Executive Perspective

Executive Perspective features executives and business leaders from a wide variety of sectors. Host Danny Vander Maten and his guests cover industry trends, insights, challenges, success strategies and lessons learned. Executive Perspective is underwritten and presented by Cresa. The show series is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® and can be found on all the major podcast apps. A complete show archive can be found here.

Executive Perspective

Danny joined Cresa in the Spring of 2016 and brought a diverse background with nearly 10 years of experience in finance, business operations, and strategy to his client’s real estate transactions.

At Cresa, Danny’s primary responsibilities include strategic planning, lease analysis, negotiations, and cost mitigation. As a registered Certified Public Accountant with an active license in the state of Georgia, Danny provides unique financial insight into every critical aspect of the transaction.

Cresa is the world’s most trusted occupier-centric commercial real estate firm. They strategize for the best possible results for occupiers everywhere. Cresa thinks beyond space. Partner without conflict. And apply their integrated expertise to make your business better.

Connect with Danny: LinkedIn | Twitter

Connect with Cresa: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

From Pressure to Peace as an Expat CEO, with Bernadette Harris, The BTB Advisory Firm

March 20, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

From Pressure to Peace as an Expat CEO, with Bernadette Harris, The BTB Advisory Firm

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From Pressure to Peace as an Expat CEO, with Bernadette Harris, The BTB Advisory Firm

Bernadette Harris, the owner of The BTB Advisory Firm, joined host John Ray to share her unique entrepreneurial journey. Bernadette shared insights from starting her tax preparation and bookkeeping business in 2001, evolving into a forensic accountant and a certified fraud examiner dedicated to aiding small businesses. Her narrative includes navigating the successes and challenges of entrepreneurship, the pressure that built up over the years, how the pandemic amplified that pressure, and a health scare that led to a pivotal decision to drastically cut down her client list. Bernadette also discussed her transition towards a CEO role, moving out of day-to-day operations, and her move to Mérida, Mexico, to live as an expat. This move, she emphasized, was a crucial step in reshaping her business to focus on providing comprehensive services to a curated list of clients, significantly contributing to her firm’s evolution and her personal rejuvenation.

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

Bernadette L. Harris, Founder and CEO, The BTB Advisory Firm

Bernadette L. Harris is the CEO and Forensic Accountant at The BTB Advisory Firm, a small business accounting firm focused on helping entrepreneurs make confident financial decisions and propel their businesses forward. With over 20 years of experience, she has helped numerous small business leaders gain a handle on their finances, understand their financial picture, and positively impact their bottom line.

Bernadatte is not only an award-winning tax and forensic accountant, but she is also a bestselling author and keynote speaker. She holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and an MS from Carlow University. Her professional certifications include Certified Fraud Examiner and QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor.

Bernadette is passionate about empowering small business owners with financial literacy and expertise. Through her firm, she provides high-quality financial data, advice, and strategies to help clients make informed decisions and achieve long-term success. Her clients praise her ability to ease their fears, help them understand their financial picture, and positively impact their profits.

With a strong educational background, professional certifications, and decades of experience, Bernadette has established herself as a trusted advisor and advocate for small business owners seeking financial guidance and growth.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to The Price and Value Journey with Bernadette Harris
01:44 The Evolution of Bernadette’s Accounting Firm
04:02 Navigating the Pandemic: Challenges and Growth
06:14 A Personal Health Crisis Leads to Major Changes
10:43 Strategic Business Shifts and Becoming an Expat
15:44 The Difficult Decision to Let Go of Clients
20:46 Revamping the Team and Embracing Remote Work
22:59 Embracing Remote Work and Flexibility
24:07 The Power of Location Independence
25:59 The Role of Coaching in Business Transformation
28:40 Stepping into the CEO Role: A New Leadership Paradigm
32:33 Navigating Business and Personal Growth from Mexico
38:23 Envisioning the Future: Business Evolution and Client Relationships
42:21 Connecting with Bernadette
43:17 Closing Thoughts

About The Price and Value Journey

The title of this show describes the journey all professional service providers are on: building a service 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 a price that reflects the value we deliver.

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.