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Season 1, Episode 9: The River Rules

August 16, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Season 1, Episode 9: The River Rules

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The Leader’s Commute Podcast reflects on the dynamic of recalling past experiences that persistently return to us over the “Commute of our Lives” and prompt us to acknowledge their influence on how we think about business and leadership today. The commute theme is intentional. Past episodes have referred to what we have collected, delivered, and mapped in our life’s journey.

On this episode, “The River Rules,” Jess offers a strategy for dealing with change in your personal circumstances, not by treating change as a nemesis but as an opportunity to strengthen the organizational aptitude for setting up success. Joining host Jess Villegas is Perry Anne Scott, Owner and Principal of Converge Coaching and Consulting. She offers evidenced-based tools and proven processes to build stronger leaders and healthier teams.

Jess Villegas/Financial and Operations Executive, Business Performance Consultant, and Leadership Expert with ACUITY Business Consulting

ACUITY Business Consulting is a business performance consultancy working with leadership teams to translate their talent and resources into exceptional and sustainable organizational performance. They do this by surfacing actionable clarity and providing execution expertise in the areas of Strategic Design, Financial Management, Operational Excellence, and Leadership Development, so that leadership can confidently navigate their organizations toward next-level performance.

Jess Villegas is a Financial and Operations Executive, Business Performance Consultant, and Leadership Expert with track record of growing profitability in multi-site manufacturing, assembly, and distribution environments. He is skilled in the development of strong-accountability management teams, the design and execution of complex business strategies, and the optimization of resources to meet business objectives. Jess has managed in the roles of CEO, President, VP Operations, and Division Controller in diverse industries including water infrastructure technology, food-service packaging, and consumer products distribution. He’s recognized as an engaged and effective leader utilizing exceptional leadership and communication skills to achieve results.

The Leaders Commute Podcast is presented by

Episode 1: She Means Business

August 15, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 1: She Means Business

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For most of us, balancing our career, personal lives, and passions isn’t always easy.

That’s why we sat down with Aysha Abdullatif, VP of Marketing at Spherion, and Kim Hartsock, Managing Partner at Warren Averett, to hear about how they seemingly do it all. Tune in to hear these influential women in business share how they’ve mastered the art of integration, their thoughts on mentor/mentee relationships, and advice for young professionals starting out in their career.

In this Episode:

Is work-life balance a real thing?
How to find those mentor/mentee relationships
Knowing your strengths & what you bring to the table
What it looks like to believe in yourself before anyone else
How a bad mistake makes for a good story
Embracing your true self in a world of expectations

Resources & Links:

Aysha Abdullatif – LinkedIn
Kim Hartsock – LinkedIn
The Wrap: A Warren Averett Podcast
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce – Website

The Gwinnett Chamber’s “Voice of Business” Podcast, hosted by President & CEO Nick Masino, features engaging fireside chats with prominent business leaders, offering invaluable insights into leadership, small business growth, economic development, and inclusive best practices in business.

Tara Lombardo with United Child Actors Network and Alex Radford with The Edge Agency

August 15, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Tara Lombardo with United Child Actors Network and Alex Radford with The Edge Agency

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Tara Lombardo/United Child Actors Network

United Child Actors Network (UCAN) is a one-stop shop for everything a parent of a child actor needs to know so they can safely and successfully move their child through the entertainment industry. UCAN offers free resources, as well as an online masterclass that is an all-encompassing guide to empower the parent to not only advocate for their child’s rights, but give them an advantage in an extremely competitive industry.

Alex Radford/The Edge Agency

The Edge Agency is a women owned creative marketing agency that creates a bridge of impact between your business goals and your customer needs through a personalized approach to branding, marketing and internal communications for B2B companies.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Hosted by Mike Sammond and Steven Julian
Produced by Dan Braverman

Valencia Giles, Director and Owner of Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music

August 9, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Valencia Giles, Director and Owner of Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Valencia Giles/Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music

At the age of 7, Valencia’s father gave Valencia her first piano. She was so excited and enjoyed piano lessons like a little girl with a brand new doll. Little did she know the impact this gift would have on her life. Her elementary years were filled with music. By middle school, her second choice of instrument was the flute. Looking back, she realized that each band director in middle school, high school, and college appointed her as the director’s assistant. This path led her to the position she has today.

As the Director of the Lawrencevile-Suwanee School of Music (LSSM), she finds that her passion for teaching, assisting, and helping students has only grown. She loves what she does and she has a vision for every student who walks in the door. She is committed to making sure their musical beginning is filled with fun, quality instruction, and care. She is committed to hiring teachers that
are committed to the same goals of excellence.

Graduating with honors from Alabama A&M University with a double major in flute and piano was intense and rewarding. She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). She is the author of “Beaker’s House of Music,” a note theory curriculum; a recording artist for kids, and a composer. She is also a wife and mother of 3 wonderful children.

CLICK HERE to watch the video on YouTube.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Karen Zapp, Financial Educator for HowMoneyWorks

August 2, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Karen Zapp, Financial Educator for HowMoneyWorks

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Karen Zapp/HowMoneyWorks

Karen Zappe is a Financial Educator for HowMoneyWorks. She’s also a former Naval Officer and she had a long career in engineering.

HowMoneyWorks teaches people how money really works because it’s not being taught in schools. Understanding how money works – the basics of personal finance – is an essential life skill that everyone needs each and every day. They teach the WHAT and the HOW so your families, friends, neighbors, and communities can be financially literate and not simply educated. They teach from the book, How Money Works – Stop Being a Sucker. It’s the top-selling book on personal finance since 2020. It’s been featured on national TV over 370 time (plus radio, web media, and more) and seen by over 125 million viewers on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNBC, etc. HowMoneyWorks’ crusade is to erase financial illiteracy, because the less you know… the more the finance industry makes.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Produced by Dan Braverman

Amber Baird, Principal and Co-Founder of McLaren Accord Consulting

July 26, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Amber Baird, Principal and Co-Founder of McLaren Accord Consulting

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Amber Baird/McLaren Accord Consulting

With over 15 years of experience in product marketing, strategy, and consulting, Amber Baird excels in transforming positive customer experiences into tangible business growth. Having served in leadership roles in several consulting firms and in corporate America, Amber brings a unique perspective on what drives success. As Head of Product Marketing & Strategy at Ware2Go, a UPS-backed logistics and technology start-up, Amber maximized growth and market penetration through customer-focused strategies and innovative go-to-market initiatives.

Now, as Principal and co-founder of McLaren Accord Consulting, Amber specializes in bridging the gap between high-level strategy and ground-level execution. She prioritizes open communication and strong relationships to ensure alignment from C-suite executives to frontline teams, delivering practical and impactful results. Her customer-centric approach combines analytical thinking with a human touch, essential for sustainable growth in today’s competitive landscape.

Outside of work, Amber finds inspiration exploring Atlanta’s mountain trails and planning travel adventures with her husband. Their 2 cats must sadly remain at home. Balancing professional dedication and personal creativity fuels her ability to think outside the box and drive exceptional business outcomes.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Produced by Dan Braverman

Shiloh Bigles with Level Minds CBD and Michelle Bertrand with Poetic Fitness

July 25, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Shiloh Bigles with Level Minds CBD and Michelle Bertrand with Poetic Fitness

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Steven Julian, Shiloh Bigles, Michelle Bertrand, Harper Lebel

Shiloh Bigles/Level Minds CBD

Level Minds CBD prides itself on being more than just a CBD store and manufacturer. They are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of their customers through high-quality products and exceptional service. With a brick and mortar store and their own line of CBD gummies, tinctures, and topicals, they stand as a beacon of trust and reliability in the CBD industry.

Don’t miss the Level Minds Wellness Fair on Saturday August 10 from 11am-5pm at Level Minds CBD in Suwanee. CLICK HERE for tickets and more information.

Michelle Bertrand/Poetic Fitness

Poetic Fitness is where strength and healing unite. It is more than a business; it’s a support system for anyone looking to shed physical weight or release emotional burdens. With Michelle as your guide, you’re set to embark on a transformative journey toward holistic healing. Discover the poetry in your own strength with Poetic Fitness.

Michelle will be leading a Low Impact workout at 12:00pm at the Level Minds CBD Wellness Fair on August 10th.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Hosted by Harper LeBel and Steven Julian
Produced by Dan Braverman

Episode 1: Founded on Integrity with Rob Dinker

July 23, 2024 by Mike

Practicing-with-Integrity-How-It-All-Began-and-How-It-Has-Evolved-feature

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 1: Founded on Integrity with Rob Dinker

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Founded on Integrity E1

In this episode of “Practicing with Integrity,” host Dr. Daniel Galindo kicks off the podcast by welcoming Rob Dinker, the founder and CEO of Integrity Dental Services. Rob takes us through the fascinating journey of his company, which started in 2019 just before the pandemic, and has seen rapid growth ever since. He reveals his strategies for building a dedicated team, such as hiring seasoned industry veterans to mentor younger employees, fostering a non-toxic work environment, and providing clear career advancement paths. Throughout, he shared the importance of good leadership, continuous communication, and actively listening to employees to ensure their satisfaction and retention.

The conversation deepens in the second part as Dr. Galindo and Rob discuss the critical role of relationships and trust in the dental industry. Rob highlights that strong relationships are key to differentiating their services in a competitive market, where trust keeps clients loyal even during tough times. He shares his approach to maintaining these relationships, stressing personal connections, consistent communication, and proactive problem-solving. The discussion then shifts to leadership and organizational culture, with a nod to Liz Wiseman’s book “Multipliers.” Rob concurs that effective leadership and a positive culture are essential for a company’s success, enabling an efficient operation that values input from all levels and leverages technology.

Rob Dinker, CEO of Integrity Dental Services, has been in the dental industry for over ten years. During those years, he was one of the first individuals in the laboratory industry to transition into working with some of the most prominent dental service organizations in America.

Rob attended college at Terry College of Business-University of Georgia, gaining a Master of Business Administration with a minor in economics. Before his education, he obtained the Hope Scholarship to pay for all of his schooling.

In his free time, Rob enjoys working out and playing golf. He also has a fiancé and two red labradors that he enjoys spending time with. Rob also enjoys being active in his church community and lives his life, putting God first.

Follow Integrity Dental Services on Facebook.

About This Show

Welcome to “Practicing with Integrity”, the podcast that shines a light on the pioneering spirit of modern dentistry. Each episode, we delve into the comprehensive world of dental techniques and technologies that are using the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join us as we explore the innovative practices that re not only transforming lives but also the very essence of dental science. Whether you’re a professional in the field or just curious about the latest advancements, this podcast offers a unique perspective on the art and science of dentistry and dental technology. Stay tuned as we navigate the fascinating landscape of oral health, where integrity meets innovation.

About Your Host

As one of the most distinguished figures in the field of dentistry, Dr. Daniel Galindo has enjoyed an illustrious career in prosthodontics. Educated at the Universidad Javeriana School of Dentistry in Bogota, Colombia he then completed his specialty training in prosthodontics at the University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, NY.

He served as Assistant Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and currently serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Dr. Galindo and his young family moved to Scottsdale, AZ in the Summer of 2002 and soon after that opened his family-operated private practice in North Scottsdale. In 2008, he opened the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center in North Phoenix as a founding partner and clinical director. There he revolutionized the approach to the management of the edentulous and soon-to-be edentulous patient by improving the delivery methods and efficiencies of full-arch implant dentistry, adopting the All-on-Four treatment concept.

In early 2024, Dr. Galindo joined Integrity Dental Services as Chief Clinical Officer, making his appointment a pivotal moment in Integrity’s ongoing history. His wealth of experience will see him lead the clinical direction of the organization, strengthening its existing services and helping to bridge the gap between innovative laboratory techniques and the ever-changing practical needs of a modern dental practice.

Dr. Galindo will also play a pivotal role in the launch of the new state-of-the-art live clinical hands-on educational facility in Scottsdale, Arizona. This new facility is set to transform client and partnership experiences, reinforcing Integrity’s position as a leader in the dental laboratory industry.

As a Board-Certified prosthodontist, Dr. Galindo is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. He is also a Fellow in the International College of Dentists and is an active member of numerous prestigious dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, American College of Prosthodontists, Academy of Osseointegration, American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, American Prosthodontic Society and the International Team for Implantology. He has also authored numerous scientific publications and is a sought-after speaker at national and international meetings.

About Our Sponsor

In September 2019, Integrity Dental Services opened its doors. In less than two years we have grown from 3 employees to over 170. From 3 locations, we provide our products to customers in over 35 states around this great country. Frankly, we get it.

Integrity Dental Services is a dynamic, forward-thinking, cutting-edge, and problem-solving dental Laboratory company, and it all starts with communication.

We take pride in the work we produce, and we proudly make it in the USA with the highest quality materials available. We have assembled a team of true professionals that understand these values and love what they do. USA-made products and our team of professionals are the recipe for our success. This is what Integrity Dental Services is all about.

Quality is so much more than a product; it is a philosophy that starts with communication. We at integrity are excellent listeners, and we are excellent at truly understanding the needs of our customers. We build relationships, not account numbers, and you won’t find an automated phone tree answering your call.

Lucy Mejia, Owner of The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East

July 19, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Lucy Mejia, Owner of The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Lucy Mejia/The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East

Lucy Mejia is a dedicated wife and mother of two small children, an Atlanta native, and a proud alumna of Georgia State University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Geology and a graduate degree in Environmental Geosciences. Before starting her business, Lucy gained valuable experience working with gas and water utility companies in GIS (Geographical Information Systems).

As the owner of The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East, Lucy leads a community-driven, eco-friendly, minority-owned business committed to making a positive impact. Certified as a Minority Owned Enterprise by the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, her business takes pride in its diverse and inclusive approach. Connecting resources through recycling, donating to local non-profits, and supporting other small businesses is a passion of Lucy’s driving the businesses mission to create a more sustainable and connected community. At The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East, the team believes in the power of small actions to create meaningful change. With Lucy’s leadership and commitment to responsible disposal, they strive to declutter spaces while uplifting communities, ensuring that every piece of junk tells a story of positive impact and sustainability.

Beyond her business, Lucy is deeply engaged in her community. She serves as an ambassador for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, where she was awarded Ambassador of the Year for 2023-2024, sits on the Board of Directors for Dekalb Senior Provider Network, and is an active member of the Peachtree Corners Business Association and various other organizations. Through her various roles, Lucy works tirelessly towards a more connected and thriving Atlanta Metro East. In her free time, Lucy enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, camping, traveling, and reading.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Produced by Dan Braverman