Episodes
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
EP38: Organic Relationship Building Over Forced Initiatives
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
What's the secret sauce behind winning over employees and customers for the long haul? Our guest today, seasoned entrepreneur Tien Wong, believes it comes down to community.
Having built several companies from the ground up, Tien shares how human connections and nurturing an interconnected community have been his competitive edge time and again. Whether it's obsessive customer experience or organic relationship building, he provides invaluable insights for leaders seeking to foster belonging in the modern workplace.
Tien shares how he builds thriving communities across ventures as diverse as startups and pickleball. You’ll hear unconventional strategies like shared interests, value creation over extraction, and an emphasis on human connections that technology can’t replace.
The episode provides valuable insights for leaders seeking to boost loyalty by moving from transactions to relationships. Tien stresses that community requires constant nurturing, not one-off initiatives. Join us for this episode: INSPIRING - Organic Relationship Building Over Forced Initiatives.
Links from this episode:
CONNECTPreneur
Tien Wong on LinkedIn
PSuite
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
EP37: Remember When Robots Replaced Human Muscles?
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Change is inevitable like the changing colors of autumn leaves that draw visitors to admire their brilliance before they fall. But it's not the change itself that matters most, it's what we do in response - our creativity, courage and vision to move forward.
Join me as we listen to key points Lena Petrova made when she spoke with Deborah Fell last week. Petrova believes that while artificial intelligence is transforming our tools, it can never replace the human heart and mind. Our emotions, creativity and vision remain uniquely our own. She urges us not to resist change but to align it with what we believe in - to run our lives and companies with both financial and social purpose. As Petrova says, it's not about the change, it's about the change we create.
Join me for a specific listen to the points Lena Petrova made in the full episode last week.
You can listen to the full episode here.
About Deborah's guest in her own words:
My role as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra, a comprehensive communication company, was born from my passion for promoting cultural understanding.
I began my career providing spoken language interpretation and instruction services to high-level diplomats, schools, the Zenit soccer team, media organizations, and others in Russia. I served in various language services management and business development roles when I moved to the United States. My intimate experience in all aspects of the industry inspired me to create Ad Astra. I wanted to ensure equal access to information for all.
Language access facilitates communication among different people in all activities of their lives. Each day, I work harder to ensure Ad Astra’s services reflect the very best offerings and current industry standards to serve the needs of organizations of all kinds—e.g., businesses, medical facilities, government agencies, educational institutions—and individuals.
I have built Ad Astra with a diverse team of professionals who, like me, also profoundly care about people and communities across the nation and the globe and find ultimate satisfaction in creating stronger connections among disparate communities. My employees and I are deeply involved in many pro bono initiatives that provide communication services and language access to nonprofits and the community.
And I always seek to learn through professional development and travel. In my free time, you can find me exploring locales across the globe, immersing myself in new cultures and languages, and making friends.
About Ad Astra:
Ad Astra is a woman-owned business established in 2010. We have extensive, proven experience providing comprehensive communication and language access services in more than 200+ languages as well Deaf/ HOH services to industries that include healthcare/medical, government, marketing, judicial/legal, education, consumer electronics, environmental, human resources, finance, pharmaceutical, technology, and many others.
Ad Astra’s mission is to provide culturally competent and linguistically appropriate services in diverse environments, and we are sensitive to the broad range of cultural and linguistic issues connected to the cross-cultural communication services field. We provide communication with a human touch in the age of AI. Our company’s philosophy is focused on cultural awareness and sensitivity to transfer communication between parties from diverse cultures and abilities.
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
EP36: AI Ignites a Creative Content Renaissance
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
In this interview with Lena Petrova, Founder and CEO of Ad Astra, we learn how she has built a successful language services company focused on cultural understanding. Lena discusses curating a team around shared principles and vision, seeking people who align with the company's higher purpose. She sees AI as expanding, not replacing, human capabilities and believes creativity and emotions will endure. Ad Astra localizes languages, meeting customers and communities where they are, to drive business results while promoting cultural communication globally. Lena stresses focusing on the value you bring, saying if you believe in the change you are creating, money will follow. Her words inspire founders and leaders seeking to build purpose-driven, sustainable companies. Join us for this episode, AI Ignites a Creative Content Renaissance.
About Deborah's guest in her own words:
My role as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra, a comprehensive communication company, was born from my passion for promoting cultural understanding.
I began my career providing spoken language interpretation and instruction services to high-level diplomats, schools, the Zenit soccer team, media organizations, and others in Russia. I served in various language services management and business development roles when I moved to the United States. My intimate experience in all aspects of the industry inspired me to create Ad Astra. I wanted to ensure equal access to information for all.
Language access facilitates communication among different people in all activities of their lives. Each day, I work harder to ensure Ad Astra’s services reflect the very best offerings and current industry standards to serve the needs of organizations of all kinds—e.g., businesses, medical facilities, government agencies, educational institutions—and individuals.
I have built Ad Astra with a diverse team of professionals who, like me, also profoundly care about people and communities across the nation and the globe and find ultimate satisfaction in creating stronger connections among disparate communities. My employees and I are deeply involved in many pro bono initiatives that provide communication services and language access to nonprofits and the community.
And I always seek to learn through professional development and travel. In my free time, you can find me exploring locales across the globe, immersing myself in new cultures and languages, and making friends.
About Ad Astra:
Ad Astra is a woman-owned business established in 2010. We have extensive, proven experience providing comprehensive communication and language access services in more than 200+ languages as well Deaf/ HOH services to industries that include healthcare/medical, government, marketing, judicial/legal, education, consumer electronics, environmental, human resources, finance, pharmaceutical, technology, and many others.
Ad Astra’s mission is to provide culturally competent and linguistically appropriate services in diverse environments, and we are sensitive to the broad range of cultural and linguistic issues connected to the cross-cultural communication services field. We provide communication with a human touch in the age of AI. Our company’s philosophy is focused on cultural awareness and sensitivity to transfer communication between parties from diverse cultures and abilities.
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
EP35: Practical Perspectives for Growth-Focused Leaders
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
In this week's episode, we explore an insightful conversation about partnerships and adapting business models during economic uncertainty. Host Deborah Fell reflects on key takeaways from her discussion with Keith Scandone, founder of O3, regarding the power of collaborative partnerships. Scandone shares how his company has pivoted to offer smaller, "wedge" offerings that provide value to clients with tighter budgets. He emphasizes being creative, thoughtful and embracing new ways of doing business during turbulent markets. Tune in to glean wisdom on building meaningful partnerships and pragmatic approaches to navigating challenges. This commentary provides practical perspective for leaders seeking to strengthen relationships and position their organizations for growth.
You can listen to the full episode here.
Keith Scandone: O3 Co-FounderAs O3’s Co-Founder, Keith focuses on the consultancy’s strategic goals and leading the company's venture initiatives. After 18 years as O3’s acting CEO, Keith’s current role enables him to focus on new growth areas and opportunities for the brand to expand its footprint and position in the market. Whether organic growth through O3’s service offerings, or inorganic growth through partnerships and investments, Keith is always looking at strategic ways to continue to differentiate the company.
Keith thrives on bringing people together and leveraging other’s connections and strengths to help each other, the industry and the community move forward. From spearheading the Forge Conference, Innovation Day, and the 1682 Conference to co-founding the Philadelphia chapter of the Awesome Foundation and Pay It Phorward, these are just some ways in which Keith likes to combine his network with his passion for innovation. His commitment to consistently craft and curate the O3 culture has led the consultancy to be recognized as one of Entrepreneur’s “Top Company Cultures” and “Best Entrepreneurial Companies."
Keith has also sat on several boards and continues to mentor several companies, most notably through the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies Mentor Connect program. Living in Philadelphia and D.C. has given him a unique network and perspective to grow the O3 brand.
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
EP34: Seamless Digital Journey - Plugging Leaks in Your Customer Experience
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Want to learn how to optimize your customer experience and create seamless digital journeys? Deborah Fell interviews Keith Scandone, co-founder of customer experience consultancy O3. They discuss identifying gaps in the customer journey across sales, service, marketing, and technology and provide strategic recommendations to tighten up pain points. Keith shares examples of a recent broken customer experience with Xfinity. Keith also explains how O3 looks holistically at the customer journey across websites, apps, portals, and more to identify gaps where customers are dropping off, using real examples like lead gen sites with poor conversion rates. Keith offers advice for pivoting strategy in challenging times through partnerships and “wedge” offerings. Deborah asked him about his role shift after 18 years as CEO to a visionary role with a more strategic focus. This episode provides valuable insights and stories for any company looking to improve their customer experience in “Seamless Digital Journey: Plugging Leaks in Your Customer Experience."
Keith Scandone: O3 Co-FounderAs O3’s Co-Founder, Keith focuses on the consultancy’s strategic goals and leading the company's venture initiatives. After 18 years as O3’s acting CEO, Keith’s current role enables him to focus on new growth areas and opportunities for the brand to expand its footprint and position in the market. Whether it be organic growth through O3’s service offerings, or inorganic growth through partnerships and investments, Keith is always looking at strategic ways to continue to differentiate the company.
Keith thrives on bringing people together and leveraging other’s connections and strengths to help each other, the industry and the community move forward. From spearheading the Forge Conference, Innovation Day, and the 1682 Conference to co-founding the Philadelphia chapter of the Awesome Foundation and Pay It Phorward, these are just some ways in which Keith likes to combine his network with his passion for innovation. His commitment to consistently craft and curate the O3 culture has led the consultancy to be recognized as one of Entrepreneur’s “Top Company Cultures” and “Best Entrepreneurial Companies."
Keith has also sat on several boards and continues to mentor several companies, most notably through the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies Mentor Connect program. Living in Philadelphia and D.C. has given him a unique network and perspective to grow the O3 brand.
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
EP33: Collaboration - Woven In or Tacked On?
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amy Bielski, CEO of Ripple Effect, a company that collaborates across the healthcare, nonprofit, and private sectors. We dug into the keys behind Ripple Effect's success, with Bielski highlighting how collaboration is baked into their culture. From incentivizing cross-team support to ensuring every policy explains its value, Bielski stresses why meaningful collaboration requires more than just encouragement. It must permeate operations. She notes that silos emerge naturally as companies grow, so sustaining openness demands intentional, threaded efforts. Tune into this focus, and then listen to our full conversation to hear more of Bielski's insights on fostering engaged, unified work.
Listen to the full interview here.
About Amy Bielski
Amy Bielski, President and CEO of Ripple Effect, has over 25 years of professional experience managing complex federal projects involving business strategy, technology, graphic design, communications, and health policy. She founded Ripple Effect in 2003 after seeing so many firms prioritize the technical side of business over culture. She believes that in a successful business, every element matters, not just the bottom line. Founding Ripple Effect allowed her to create an environment reflecting those values, and she has invested in a flexible, supportive environment for Ripple employees and a commitment to making clients successful regardless of the challenges. Amy has many interests, including weightlifting and martial arts, where she has earned her 3rd-degree black belt in Budo Taijutsu.
About Ripple Effect:
Ripple Effect is an award-winning, woman-owned consulting company that works with federal, private, and nonprofit clients to support policies and programs that shape our nation. From healthcare implementation to scientific research, the ever-growing customer base includes the National Institute of Health, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Department of Defense's, Navy Air Force, and Army branches. With a focus on operational excellence, Ripple Effect has gained national recognition, including four consecutive years on the Inc 5,000 list and a 2022 Moxie award for boldness in business. With over 200 researchers, scientists, policy, data analysts, and strategic communicators, Ripple Effect accomplishes its mission of working smarter and performing better by always adapting, learning, and finding efficient ways to meet the changing needs of its clients. Work smarter, perform better, and learn more at rippleeffect.com
Friday Sep 22, 2023
EP32 Keep People at the Center and Your Company Will Grow
Friday Sep 22, 2023
Friday Sep 22, 2023
We all love an underdog story, and CEO Amy Bielski's journey building Ripple Effect has it all. After seeing big firms prioritize profits over people early on, Amy was determined to do things differently. Now, 20 years later, Ripple Effect's 200+ employees are a tight-knit, loyal crew, with many staying 7-10 years! Amy credits their emphasis on flexibility, collaboration, and promoting lifelong learning. She urges fellow CEOs to keep looking long-term and stay true to their strategy while adapting. Amy's diverse interests, like martial arts and weightlifting, provide balance amid uncertainty. Her story shows that keeping people at the center enables a company to work smarter, perform better, and grow. Amy’s perseverance proves you can build a values-driven, award-winning consulting firm that feels more like family.
About Amy Bielski
Amy Bielski, President and CEO of Ripple Effect has over 25 years of professional experience managing complex federal projects involving business strategy, technology, graphic design, communications, and health policy. She founded Ripple Effect in 2003 after seeing so many firms prioritize the technical side of business over culture. She believes that in a successful business, every element matters, not just the bottom line. Founding Ripple Effect gave her the opportunity to create an environment reflecting those values, and she has invested in a flexible, supportive environment for Ripple employees along with a commitment to making clients successful regardless of the challenges. Amy has many interests, including weightlifting and martial arts where she has earned her 3rd-degree black belt in Budo Taijutsu.
About Ripple Effect:
Ripple Effect is an award-winning, woman-owned consulting company that works with federal, private, and nonprofit clients to support policies and programs that shape our nation. From healthcare implementation to scientific research, the ever-growing customer base includes the National Institute of Health, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Centers [00:20:00] for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Department of Defense's, Navy Air Force, and Army branches. With a focus on operational excellence, ripple Effect has gained national recognition including four consecutive years on the Inc 5,000 list and a 2022 Moxie award for boldness in business. With over 200 researchers, scientists, policy, data analysts, and strategic communicators, Ripple Effect accomplishes its mission of working smarter and performing better by always adapting, learning, and finding efficient ways to meet the changing needs of its clients. Work smarter, perform better, learn more at rippleeffect.com
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
EP31: Creating Impact Through Intention
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
If you joined us for our recent episode, you witnessed a powerful conversation between Deborah Fell, and Dan Lackner, a fractional Chief Sales Officer for Chief Outsiders. Today, we'll be diving deeper into that conversation. From understanding people's profound impacts on our lives and careers to the difference between mere activity and genuine, transformative impact, Dan and Deborah touched on subjects that resonate with many of us. Listen to this commentary as Deborah breaks down the key takeaways as she highlights Dan's fresh perspective on how intentional actions lead to significant results.
Full episode:
EP30: Leadership Alchemy - From Data to Door-less Offices
About Dan Lackner:
Dan is a senior sales leader with extensive experience in analytic software applications, CRM, SaaS solutions, and designing and implementing high velocity, predictable, recurring revenue models. He works closely with early to mid-stage technology companies to build a tight interlock with marketing and eliminate friction in the demand funnel. With a track record of success in sales, marketing, product management, engineering, and customer success, Dan drives revenue growth by designing and implementing sales processes, compensation plans, account strategy, training, and demand funnel management.
Links from this episode:
Dan Lackner on LinkedIn
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
EP30: Leadership Alchemy - From Data to Door-less Offices
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Navigating the intricate intersection of data and software, we pull back the curtain on the mechanics of decision-making in this episode. Join Deborah and her guest, Dan Lackner through the pivotal moments of an expert who has graced both the syndicated data landscape and the software industry. Before linking arms with Chief Outsiders, Dan spent his years not just as a staple in the room, but as an influential force driving operations and sales. But what does "not becoming a piece of furniture" truly mean in the business realm? Why is a door-less office more than just an open-door policy? In this conversation, uncover the significance of fostering genuine human connections in a digital age and the unsung merits of rolling up one's sleeves in business. CEOs, brace yourselves. This episode promises not just a wealth of insight, but actionable strategies to galvanize your teams and enterprises in any economic landscape. Welcome to a masterclass in transformative leadership, "Leadership Alchemy: From Data to Door-less Offices."
About Dan Lackner:
Dan is a senior sales leader with extensive experience in analytic software applications, CRM, SaaS solutions, and designing and implementing high velocity, predictable, recurring revenue models. He works closely with early to mid-stage technology companies to build a tight interlock with marketing and eliminate friction in the demand funnel. With a track record of success in sales, marketing, product management, engineering, and customer success, Dan drives revenue growth by designing and implementing sales processes, compensation plans, account strategy, training, and demand funnel management.
Links from this episode:
Dan Lackner on LinkedIn
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders
Previous guest, Charles Dobens
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
EP29: Joy as a Catalyst in Business Success
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Joy is a powerful driver in overcoming challenges in business, as explored in our latest commentary episode. Deborah delved into this theme with the dynamic Charles Dobbins, founder of Multifamily Investing Academy. Charles recounted his journey from the insurance sector to fulfilling his dream of owning apartments, highlighting the roles of passion, persistence, and the courage to pivot. His story is a testament to the power of joy, creativity, and commitment in building a successful business. Join them for this commentary, "Joy as a Catalyst in Business Success."
For more of Charles' inspiring insights, check out the full episode and stay tuned for our upcoming conversation with Dan Lachner, a chief sales officer resource!
Links from this episode:
Full episode with Charles Dobens
Multifamily Investing Academy
MultifamilyOS on YouTube
About Charles Dobens
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders
Providing insights specifically for CEOs to help them unlock growth to increase the value their business.
With so many voices offering “hot tips” and “how to’s” for growing your business and team, it’s hard to know what’s worth listening to. Deborah brings simple, immediately actionable strategies and growth hacks through inspirational stories and real-world experiences that can help design enduring profit into any business plan.