Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Susie Schaefer, Founder & CEO of Finish the Book Publishing (Episode 1549)

Critical Mass Business Talk Show | Orange County’s Longest-Running Business Talk Show

#MBA #Entrepreneur #Business #Ric Franzi Critical Mass Business Talk #Business Talk

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

大约1年之前 24:02

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Known as The Transformational Book Coach for “cause publishing,” Susie Schaefer believes that books are the gateway to creating a movement. Whether writing a book helps an author heal past trauma or raise awareness for social change, Susie empowers storytellers to be part of the global conversation and create a ripple effect for humanity, particularly when an author shares their own story in connection to their mission, message, and community.

Susie's bestselling books include A Path to Purpose: Seven Inspired Stories to Discover Your True North, The Pivot Project: Stories to Inspire the Shift in Your Life, Your First Book: The Publishing Guide for New Authors, and The Escape: How to Leave Your Abusive Relationship Safely (International Impact Book Award).

Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.
Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Susie Schaefer, Founder & CEO of Finish the Book Publishing (Episode 1549)

Critical Mass Business Talk Show | Orange County’s Longest-Running Business Talk Show

published 大约1年之前

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997集单集

#MBA #Entrepreneur #Business #Ric Franzi Critical Mass Business Talk #Business Talk

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Daren Lauda, CEO of Outset (Episode 1577) 25:19

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With over 30 years in the industry, Daren Lauda is a highly accomplished and versatile professional with a rich background in the technology and business sectors. Daren began his career as an Infantry Team Leader in the US Army. Leveraging his military experience, he transitioned into the corporate world and made a lasting impact in senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 technology companies like Fortive, PTC, and Salesforce. He also helped grow notable start-up companies, including Arbortext, Tririga, Mavenlink, and DispatchTrack. He is also the Founder of two companies, Outset and Second Step . Daren holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Pepperdine University. He also has an MBA from California State University at Long Beach. Daren is married with two children and lives in Southern California. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Zarina Bahadur, Founder & CEO of 123 Baby Box (Episode 1576) 26:58

6天之前26:58

26:58

Zarina Bahadur is the CEO & Founder of 123 Baby Box , a monthly subscription box for babies. Zarina received a full scholarship to the University of California Irvine for both her bachelors and masters degree. She founded the company while a masters student in business school. Zarina has won 1st place in five national pitch competitions and has scaled her company to international markets reaching parents all over the world. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews G. Abrams, Entrepreneur & Author of 'In Tune With Purpose' (Episode 1575) 29:27

6天之前29:27

29:27

Gernado G. Abrams is the entrepreneur and independent business owner of Bungi Enterprises , a full-service creative executive professional management and accounting services company. He has been a creative professional for over twenty-five (25+) years, working in the music, entertainment, and broadcasting network industries for decades. From a radio host to creating an independent record label, “Boss Music Online B.M.O.”, producing music, releasing street mix tapes, singles, EPs, and LPs. He is also a solo artist that manages other artists on the label—artists that write music on relatable topics about life, pain, loss, happiness, love, overcoming struggles, and success. This independent record label has a catalog of commercial, upbeat feel-good music within the genre of hip-hop, reggae, R&B, and gospel. From being a CEO, artist, producer, and songwriter to founding a not-for-profit corporation, ‘Stop The Violence Use Your Talents’, a movement that was developed after losing two brothers in the streets of Florida. Stop The Violence Use Your Talents (S.T.V.U.Y.T.) was created to expose talents through multimedia, from community events, documentaries, and TV shows such as ‘Stop The Violence TV Show | S.T.V. TV.’ As the producer and host of the TV show, he also created a series of Stop The Violence Public Service Announcements (PSA) commercials placed into TV broadcast and cable network rotations to help send a positive message of hope to audiences throughout U.S. public broadcasting stations, reaching millions of viewers. He is a U.S.-born Floridian artist living bi-coastal, a true sunshine boy hailing from the northern coastal parts of the sunshine state of Florida to the southern shores of the great golden state of California. He is not the average entrepreneur but a multi-talented businessman. He is also an established author who has written and published several self-help books through his independent self-publishing company, Bungi Abrams Publishing. Currently in the process of releasing more material—from music and books to an animation series and film—he is truly a brand all to himself, an original ‘G’ being useful and never giving in. The meaning behind the name of his enterprise, BUNGI. He is also the CFO / Controller for two companies in Orange County, Cal Pac Sheet Metal and OC Metals, Inc . -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Alexander Harmsen, Global Predictions Inc. / PortfolioPilot.com (Episode 1574) 32:40

8天之前32:40

32:40

Alexander Harmsen, a tech entrepreneur passionate about AI, finance, and autonomy. He founded PortfolioPilot.com , an AI Financial Advisor with over $30 billion in assets on platform. Previously, he founded and sold Iris Automation, worked on NASA’s Mars Helicopter, and went through Y Combinator. He’s raised over $30M in venture capital and was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Shelley Iocona, Founder of ON ITS AXIS (Episode 1573) 25:35

8天之前25:35

25:35

Shelley Iocona is the Founder of ON ITS AXIS , a consultancy that helps companies achieve sustainable growth through digital and operational transformation. With over 20 years of experience in product development, operations, and strategic leadership, Shelley blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics to deliver results-oriented solutions. As a General Partner at 360 Venture Collective, Shelley invests in early-stage startups, offering strategic guidance and operational insights to help them scale. Her passion for innovation and impact shines through in ArcAccelerator, a distinctive offering from ON ITS AXIS designed to empower entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to unlock growth opportunities and scale their companies with a focus on wellness and responsible innovation. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Kristin Epperson, Founder & CEO of Charity Matterz (Episode 1572) 25:43

14天之前25:43

25:43

Kristin Epperson is the driving force behind Charity Matterz , an organization dedicated to strengthening the structural foundation and sustainability of nonprofits. Charity Matterz empowers organizations by providing strategic guidance in leadership development, operational optimization, and fostering long-term sustainability. By embedding social equity into every aspect of its work, Charity Matterz ensures that its solutions are inclusive and impactful. As the Founder and CEO, Kristin brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit management and business strategy. Her skills in negotiation, organizational design, and data-driven decision-making have positioned Charity Matterz as a trusted partner for nonprofits aiming to build sustainable and resilient systems. Kristin’s innovative approach emphasizes the importance of developing structures that enable nonprofits to achieve their missions effectively and sustainably. In addition to leading Charity Matterz, Kristin holds influential roles such as President of the Laguna Niguel Rotary Club and U.S. Ambassador to FODEMA in Malawi and LifeLink Rwanda. Her work with nonprofits like Otra Mas has been transformative, where she has implemented robust systems, optimized resource allocation, and fostered strategic partnerships that promote long-term viability. Charity Matterz is driven by a mission to build sustainable nonprofit organizations that uplift all aspects of human life. By fostering a culture of collaboration and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, the organization envisions a future where effective structures and partnerships lead to lasting and meaningful change. Charity Matterz celebrates the intrinsic value of every individual, creating a legacy of empowerment, compassion, and sustainable impact. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Ashleigh Louis & Jeff Soilson, Co-Founders of Quantum ADR (Episode 1571) 26:43

22天之前26:43

26:43

Ashleigh Louis, PhD, and Jeff Soilson, JD, co-founded Quantum ADR to help people stay out of court and avoid legal fees through mediation. As a dual-licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist alongside a former family law litigator, they weave together their combined five decades of psychology and family law experience to facilitate negotiation, insight, and value-aligned decision-making. Their fully online practice meets clients where they are in order to support them through conflict as effectively and efficiently as possible. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Brandon Martini, Co-Founder & COO of Stratus Financial (Episode 1570) 24:18

22天之前24:18

24:18

In his role as COO and Co-Founder at Stratus Financial , Brandon Martini spearheads strategic initiatives and oversees day-to-day operations to drive growth and ensure operational excellence. Together with Stratus FInancial's exceptional team, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's vision and implementing a customer-centric approach. Stratus' mission is to revolutionize the financial landscape by offering comprehensive and intuitive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. Brandon has been flying since 2014 and holds Commercial Pilot Certificates along with CFI/CFII/MEI instructor ratings. He has a deep knowledge of part 141 and part 61 flight school operations in addition to training guidelines set forth by syllabuses and the FAA. With expertise in flight instruction and a deep understanding of pilot student loans and private finance, Brandon leverages his skills to create innovative solutions in the aviation industry. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Naushad Huda, Slalom / I Like This Grape (Episode 1569) 32:12

28天之前32:12

32:12

Naushad Huda is a Senior Principal at Slalom , a global management consulting firm, where he leads customer strategy for Contact Center Transformations. He leads with a passion for research, problem-solving, and actionable insights. His career is marked by an unwavering belief in human potential, a trait that fuels his optimism and commitment to creating meaningful connections. Naushad’s curiosity is boundless, driving him to explore new ideas and continuously learn. This insatiable curiosity has not only propelled his professional achievements but also inspired his passion project, VINOPOP™. This unique venture’s mission is to “bring the tasting room experience out of the tasting room”, offering intimate wine-tasting events led by winemakers. By understanding the nuances of why people love visiting winery tasting rooms, Naushad crafted an experience that blends storytelling with personal enjoyment. The success of these pop-up events has led to the launch of VINOPOP™ Private, which offers personalized wine-tasting experiences for both home gatherings and corporate events. Naushad attributes much of his success to three key qualities: curiosity, humility in acknowledging what he doesn’t know, and a strong commitment to trust and integrity. He encourages others to nurture their curiosity, embrace the learning process, and maintain a reputation of honesty and reliability. His journey is a testament to the power of asking questions, embracing new challenges, and building trust. Through VINOPOP™, Naushad continues to create memorable and educational experiences, emphasizing that it’s not just about the wine, but the stories, connections, and moments shared. As Naushad looks to the future, he remains excited about expanding VINOPOP™ and bringing the magic of the tasting room to more people in innovative and engaging ways. His story exemplifies the impact of curiosity, integrity, and human connection in both personal and professional realms. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Anoushka Mirchandani, Founder & CEO of SIMMER (Episode 1568) 24:01

29天之前24:01

24:01

Anoushka Mirchandani is the founder of SIMMER , a financial literacy platform designed to make managing money simple and approachable. With almost two decades of experience in the financial services industry, including leadership roles at Morgan Stanley and BlackRock, Anoushka has a proven track record of driving innovation and building strategic solutions. At SIMMER, Anoushka focuses on offering bite-sized lessons and interactive tools through a gamified approach, helping users build confidence and take control of their financial futures. With the platform set to launch in 2025, Anoushka is dedicated to making financial literacy accessible and actionable for the next generation. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Steve Healis, President of White Glov Logistics (Episode 1567) 24:58

5 weeks之前24:58

24:58

Steve Healis graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with an engineering degree but quickly realized he did not want to be an engineer. Procter & Gamble only hired engineers for their entry-level supervisory positions because engineers would have a better understanding of the technology – BUT they had to find engineers who also had people skills. Steve started as a supervisor in the laundry detergent (Tide, Bold, etc.) packaging department and, after two years, was promoted to warehouse manager. During this time, he learned how to hire, fire, discipline, motivate, and manage professionally. Later, he was recruited by Frito-Lay as the Sales Operations Manager, overseeing distribution facilities and the truck fleet in the Pacific Northwest. His last corporate job was as Sales and Customer Service Manager for Technicolor Videocassette in Newbury Park, CA. They duplicated videocassettes for all the major studios (Disney, Warner Brothers, MGM, etc.), and it was here that Steve learned about corporate sales and customer service. Six years of corporate jobs, combined with his engineering background, prepared him perfectly for business ownership. In 1988, a friend from Procter & Gamble asked Steve to join him in growing his part-time janitorial business. Steve said yes, and in six years, they grew the company from one employee to 50. Seeking more, they split in 1994, and Steve started Avalon Building Maintenance, Inc. with 20 employees. Over the next five years, he grew it to 450 employees, making the Inc. 500 list. Engineers with Steve’s degree were known as “efficiency experts,” and he incorporated a limousine as a mobile office, equipped for work on the go. In 2002, Steve was approached to sell his company but declined because key employees would be let go. Instead, in 2003, he sold the company to his top employees with a 50-year royalty agreement. This allowed Steve to create a unique way to sell businesses that gives the seller a lifetime of residual income while enabling employees to buy the business with no money down. He has since helped many other businesses sell their companies this way ( PassTheBaton.com ). This reduced schedule over the last 21 years has allowed Steve the time and resources to launch various businesses, including an employment agency, a computer company, and a home cleaning company. He has started 25 total businesses with 28 partners, employing over 1,500 people, and recently launched a logistics company that helps people receive, inspect, store, deliver, and install high-end furniture in their new home or office. Steve lost his only daughter to mental illness and got divorced in 2018. In 2021, Steve met Andressa in Brazil, and they got married in 2023. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Mark Hebner, Founder & CEO of Index Fund Advisors, Inc. (Episode 1566) 22:09

5 weeks之前22:09

22:09

Mark T. Hebner is the founder and CEO of Index Fund Advisors, Inc., (IFA) , author of the highly regarded book Index Funds: The 12-Step Recovery Program for Active Investors, focused on investor education. Mark’s current book and previous editions received praise from financial industry experts and academic luminaries, including John Bogle, David Booth, Burton Malkiel, and Nobel Laureates Harry Markowitz and Paul Samuelson. The book has been nominated as one of the three all-time greatest investment books, along with the writings of John Bogle and Warren Buffett. This book details the possible perils associated with stock picking, mutual fund manager picking, market timing, and other wealth-depleting behaviors. Hebner’s 12-Step Program teaches the differences between active and passive investing, explains the emotional triggers that impact investment decisions, and offers an enlightening education on evidence-based investing that may forever change the way an investor perceives the stock market. Hebner is a respected speaker, frequent news contributor and authority on investing. His life’s mission is to “change the way the world invests by replacing speculation with education.” Hebner is especially knowledgeable about index funds, portfolio construction and the research indexes designed by Nobel Laureate Eugene Fama and Kenneth French. These indexes provide the building blocks for the prudent evidence-based investment strategies that Hebner implements for his IFA clients. Mark is a Wealth Advisor (Series 65) and has an MBA from the University of California, Irvine and a Bachelor’s in Nuclear Pharmacy from the University of New Mexico. He was a member of the Young Presidents' Organization for over 20 years and is currently a member of the World Presidents’ Organization and the Chief Executives Organization. Prior to founding Index Fund Advisors in 1999, Mark was President, CEO and co-Founder of Syncor International (previously a public company - SCOR) from 1975 to 1985. In Jan. 2003, Cardinal Health acquired Syncor for approximately $850 million. As a division of Cardinal Health, it is the world's leading provider of nuclear pharmacy services. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews John Forsyte, President & CEO of Pacific Symphony (Episode 1565) 24:23

6 weeks之前24:23

24:23

John Forsyte has led Pacific Symphony since 1998, during which time it has emerged as the largest orchestral institution founded in the U.S. in the past 50 years. Under his leadership, the Symphony has grown in national and international stature. Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall in 2018 as one of two orchestras invited to perform in Philip Glass’ 80th birthday celebration. That same year, the Symphony embarked on its first tour of China, performing in five major cities. The 2017-18 season culminated with the Symphony's first nationally televised appearance on PBS’s Great Performances . During the COVID-19 pandemic, Forsyte spearheaded innovative community engagement efforts, including hundreds of video productions for schoolchildren and nonprofit partners. The Symphony also launched Symphony on the Go , a mobile stage concert series offering free performances in neighborhoods throughout the region. For its dedication to serving the community during this challenging time, Pacific Symphony was recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year for the Central/South Orange County region. Forsyte's decades-long collaboration with Music Director Carl St.Clair has pioneered new concert formats and audience engagement methods, helping build an audience base that better reflects the demographics of Orange County. These initiatives include semi-staged opera productions, annual children’s offerings, the innovative Café Ludwig chamber music series with Orli Shaham and Pacific Symphony principal musicians. A major milestone in Forsyte’s tenure was the creation of the American Composers Festival (ACF). The festival has featured thematic and contextual programs, world premieres, commissioned works, and performances of rarely heard pieces, highlighting the Symphony’s commitment to innovative and compelling programming. Over the years, the ACF has garnered critical acclaim and featured prominent composers such as John Adams, Philip Glass, and William Bolcom, and has attracted a wide range of audiences, further solidifying Pacific Symphony's reputation as a leader in promoting American music. During Forsyte’s tenure, Pacific Symphony became the only orchestra in California to receive a James Irvine Foundation New California Arts Fund Grant. This supported the creation of the Building Communities Concert Series , featuring cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Nowruz, and a free family festival around the Lantern Festival, further expanding the Symphony’s engagement with the region’s diverse communities. Pacific Symphony has expanded its community engagement programs, creating transformative initiatives like arts-X-press (a middle school arts immersion camp), Heartstrings (a partnership with 47 nonprofit organizations), the free Lantern Festival, Strings for Generations in partnership with the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, and Santa Ana Strings . Under Forsyte’s guidance, the Symphony's award-winning music education offering, the Freida Belinfante Class Act program, has grown from 7 to 30 schools. A strategic priority during Forsyte’s tenure has been the expansion of the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles program. This initiative now includes four distinct groups: Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, and Pacific Symphony Youth Concert Band. Together, these ensembles serve over three hundred students annually, offering exceptional training and performance opportunities for young musicians across Southern California. The program’s transformative impact is demonstrated by the high rate of students accepted into leading music conservatories and universities. Under Forsyte’s leadership, Pacific Symphony has maintained a balanced budget for more than two decades while significantly increasing its fundraising efforts. Contributed income has grown fivefold, and the organization has raised an additional $35 million for its endowment during this period. Forsyte’s contributions to the arts have been widely recognized. He has been honored with the Helen M. Thompson Award from the American Symphony Orchestra League and the Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award by Arts Orange County. He currently serves on the Chief Executive Roundtable at UC Irvine and the boards of Arts Orange County and Orange County Music and Dance. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews LaVal Brewer, President & CEO of South County Outreach (Episode 1564) 23:28

7 weeks之前23:28

23:28

LaVal Brewer is the President & CEO of South County Outreach in Irvine, CA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing hunger and homelessness by helping people help themselves. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management and more than a decade in executive leadership, LaVal is a seasoned expert in board development, strategic planning facilitation, and fostering high-functioning teams. LaVal's journey in the nonprofit sector began at age 16 when he took a part-time summer job with Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, igniting his passion for community service. Growing up in South Los Angeles, his middle-class upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for stability and the importance of giving back. For 21 years, LaVal held leadership roles in Southern California YMCAs, including nearly a decade as Executive Director of three large branch facilities. His innovative leadership and commitment to community development propelled his success in those roles. Later, as Executive Director of Playworks Southern California, LaVal championed the transformative power of play in schools. At OneOC, he drove organizational growth through corporate partnerships and employee engagement as Director of Business Development and Partnerships. Since joining South County Outreach, LaVal has spearheaded transformative initiatives, such as reimagining the Food Pantry into a welcoming, grocery store-like environment. His vision includes creating partnerships with cities, funders, and corporations to provide rent and utility assistance while empowering families to break free from the cycle of hunger and homelessness. In addition to his professional achievements, LaVal is a trusted facilitator of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, helping boards and leadership teams strengthen trust, communication, and effectiveness. His skills in strategic planning and executive coaching are sought after by organizations looking to align their vision with impactful outcomes. LaVal holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services from Springfield College and is deeply involved in his community. He has served as an Elder at the Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo and contributes his leadership as a member of the Board of the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) and the Public Law Center. He also serves as a Commissioner for the City of Mission Viejo Planning Commission. LaVal resides in Mission Viejo with his wife and three daughters, whose love and inspiration fuel his passion for building stronger communities. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County .…

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show: Ric Franzi Interviews Gregg Hemphill, CEO of Nexbelt, LLC (Episode 1563) 31:35

7 weeks之前31:35