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

For over 30 years, she has helped leaders navigate growth and change. Christine Comaford, author of SmartTribes joined Critical Mass Radio show to share her expertise and tips to influence positive change within an organization. Her proven strategies and teaching methods are easy to learn and help leaders see into their blind spots, expand their vision, and effective influence outcomes.

Founder of Device Interactive, Dalip Jaggi, joined Ric in the studio to talk about his firm and the many firms he has helped founded and directed. Active in the Orange County community, Dalip shares with us his journey and some insight with fellow business leaders.

He’s an expert in the successful implementation of large-scale organizational behavior change. And with over 25 years of experience developing and implementing enterprise-wide initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, his leadership and strategies prove global effectiveness. Tim Wasserman, CLO of TwentyEighty Strategy Execution joins the show to discuss how his firm is helping middle market companies improve their business.

With a mission to provide leadership as a funder, convener, and planner to support healthy development and learning for Orange County’s young children, The Children & Families Commission of Orange County work hard to improve the lives of local children and their families. Christina Altmayer, Executive Director of the Children & Families Commission of Orange County joins Ric in the studio to share her experience with the commission along with the annual report of the Orange County Community Indicators.

Critical Mass Radio Show presents our Speaker Series held at California State University Long Beach, featuring our panel of guests Michael Solt, Dean of Business School California State University Long Beach and Will Pomerantz, VP Special Projects Virgin Galactic. Listen as our panelists dive into the topic of The Power of Curiosity and how it can how it affects your business and your career.

Do you ever wonder what to do with your partially used gift cards? Ruchi Mitra returned to the hot seat to share with our audiences how Changefindr has grown and future goals for the organization. Changefindr is an online platform that lets people donate their unused or partially used gift cards to causes and charities of their choice.

He brings a rather unique set of experience with over 30 years of business and life experience that include being a U.S. Navy Submarine Officer, Interim CEO/COO, and entrepreneur. Marc Koehler of Lead with Purpose joined Ric in the studio to share how his firm helps underperforming businesses and shares the best tools and practices for smaller businesses.

With over 200 professionals with offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, San Diego, Encino, and the Cayman Islands, Squar Milner is a top Southern California based CPA firm. Scharrell Jackson joined our guest host Genese Davis in the studio to discuss what makes Squar Milner unique as one of the nation's top 100 accounting firms.

Educating retiring business owners and their advisors about employee ownership as an exit strategy is just one aspect of her business. She also shares innovative employee engagement practices to help business owners thrive. Anne-Claire Broughton of Broughton Consulting joins us today.

She has been the online mentor to over 14,000 leaders from 30 different countries with a distinct method of training - B.U.S.Y (Best Unique Strategies for You). Marnie Swedberg, International Leadership Mentor joined us to share her practical, doable success strategies to increase your productivity and delight.

With over 30 years of leadership and business management experience, Peter Braeuler from Blue Sky Leadership Consulting, joined Ric in the studio to discuss how he helps guide clients in improving performance and execution to meet their business goals.

Are you looking to recruit people for your business? Are you looking for the top notch people that you can rely on? Jonh Wentworth of The Wentworth Company joined Critical Mass Radio show to discuss the unique and innovative science-based approach to recruiting, carefully screening and delivering exceptional candidates.

A Place to live, with the freedom to thrive. Statistics show that in 2013, 3.4% of the 65 and older population lived in institutional settings such as nursing homes. And reports show that when you take this popular apart, you can find that the older a person gets, the more likely they are to move into an institutional care environment. Tom Stringer of the Freedom Management Company joined Critical Mass Radio Show to talk about how his team is helping the aging population to plan for what is to come in the future with institutional care and resources

Are you interested in the current economic status and update? Dean Anil Puri and Dr. Mira Farka from California State University Fullerton joined Ric to discuss the Annual Economic Update & Forecast of 2015 leading into 2016.

When an average of about 2% of a state’s employers have more than 100 employees, why are they receiving 80-90% of the incentive dollars from state economic development programs? Greg LeRoy of Good Jobs First joins Ric on Critical Mass Radio Show to discuss the findings of his organizations latest research.

Are you interested in learning the strategies behind securing a better solid deal with businesses? Michael Mortenson of K&L Gates joined Critical Mass Radio Show to share some tips on how the concept of buying strategies can be used to secure a better deal for your business.

Have you heard of being a brand advocate? What is brand advocacy? Rob Fuggetta, author of Brand Advocates will join Critical Mass radio show to talk about how business leaders can identify with Brand Advocates through real-world stories and experiences. With brand advocacy, you, as a CEO can bring the power to your advantage.

Selling your business can be a mix of confusing options for business owners. ESOPs allow for amazing tax advantages for the seller and a great opportunity to build a “ownership culture” within the firm. Learn more about ESOPs by listening to Martin Staubus, Executive Director of the Beyster Institute at University of California San Diego business school, as he discusses with Ric some of the most common questions business owners have about ESOPs on the radio show Every year, 15,780 children in the U.S. between the ages of birth and 19 years are diagnosed with cancer. And every 3 minutes, someone in the world, a family hears the devastating words of their child being diagnosed with cancer. Cancer research and donations are a big part in helping the lives of those children and families. Bo Harman, Co-founder of Do it for the Kids, joined Critical Mass Radio Show to talk about battling the elements of the sea through Stand Up Paddling across from Catalina Island to Long Beach to raise money to help the children. Their journey symbolizes the resolve, strength, and perseverance of the millions of children who are battling cancer.

Every year, 15,780 children in the U.S. between the ages of birth and 19 years are diagnosed with cancer. And every 3 minutes, someone in the world, a family hears the devastating words of their child being diagnosed with cancer. Cancer research and donations are a big part in helping the lives of those children and families. Bo Harman, Co-founder of Do it for the Kids, joined Critical Mass Radio Show to talk about battling the elements of the sea through Stand Up Paddling across from Catalina Island to Long Beach to raise money to help the children. Their journey symbolizes the resolve, strength, and perseverance of the millions of children who are battling cancer.

Are you looking for someone specialized in bank, corporate, security matters? Mark Aldrich, chairman and founder of Aldrich & Bonnefin PLC joined Critical Mass radio show to talk about his experience within his field of bank regulatory issues and more. His passion for helping others extends to the Shea Center, a therapeutic riding center located in San Juan Capistrano. Have you heard of the 2015 Workforce Indicators Report? Wallace Walrod, Chief Economist of the Orange County Business Council joined us in the studio to talk about how the workforce indicators report shows all necessary information you need for industry employment levels, wage trends, and more.

Have you heard of the 2015 Workforce Indicators Report? Wallace Walrod, Chief Economist of the Orange County Business Council joined us in the studio to talk about how the workforce indicators report shows all necessary information you need for industry employment levels, wage trends, and more.

Critical Mass for Business presented its annual Executive Conference featuring Kevin Bailey, President of Vans Brands and Action Sports; and Michael Houlihan, Co-founder of The Barefoot Spirit and Barefoot Wine. Our special guests discussed the topic of "How to grow your Business in New Markets."

Are you interested in multicultural international business endeavours? Are you interested in learning to building a multicultural business relationship? Sharon Schweitzer, author of Access to Asia, joined Critical Mass Radio Show to share her insight on international business. Her book focuses on multicultural guides to building trust, inspiring respect and creating long lasting business relationships.

Jim Mayfield, Director of Department of Commerce US Exports joined Ric in the studio to discusses the resources and services that middle market companies can utilize to expand and develop revenue for their businesses.

Are you looking for daily lessons and keys to apply to your firm, business or self? Joe Pulizzi, author of Content Inc, joined us in the studio to about his journey of bringing business owners, developer and people into the world of content marketing. Jim Mayfield, Director of Department of Commerce US Exports joined Ric in the studio to discusses the resources and services that middle market companies can utilize to expand and develop revenue for their businesses.

Are you looking for the best service provider for commercial real estate and willing to give 30 minutes of your time? George Prince, President and CEO of Prince Commercial Real Estate Services, INC., was in our studio talking about the various empowering services his firm offers

Brian Meshkin, President and CEO of Proove BioSciences joined Critical Mass Radio Show to how his firm is changing the future of medicine. Proove BioSciences focuses on provided patients with personalized prescription medicine through various patient protected tests and medication products. Are you looking for the best service provider for commercial real estate and willing to give 30 minutes of your time? George Prince, President and CEO of Prince Commercial Real Estate Services, INC., was in our studio talking about the various empowering services his firm offers.

Have fun at the casino and help save a pet! Joe Fleishon; President, CFO of Animal Advocate Donation Inc., and former Critical Mass Radio Show guest Fabie Combs, the MC for Casino for Canines and Felines joins Ric in the studio to talk about the unique Donate to Save a Pet event.

What is diversity? What makes a company truly diverse? What aspects are included in a diverse company culture? Critical Mass Radio Show presents our Speaker Series live from California State University Fullerton talking about the concept of diversity in business. Our panel of guests included John Bradley Jackson, Director, Cal State Fullerton Center of Entrepreneurship & CSUF Startup Incubator; Dalip Jaggi, Founder of Devise Interactive; Summer Sepulveda, Community Liaison Coordinator, WBEC-West; and Christian Valencia, CEO/Co-founder of HIIT Bottle. Tune in as our panelists dive deep into the correlation between small businesses and diversity in the workplace.

Managing financial aspects of your firm may get hard to handle. But no worries, NCH Tax & Wealth Advisors is here to help you! Andrew Carroll, General Manager at NCH Tax & Wealth Advisors joined Ric in the studio to talk about what types of services his firm offers for business owners and professionals.

Are you looking for an agency that can keep up and emphasize your creativeness, energy, and unique look? Andre Filipe, founder of EverythingLA is here at your service! EverythingLA works with clients such as MCM Grand, IMAX, Intel, WB, and more to help showcase all their unique sides and specialities with their own twist! Managing financial aspects of your firm may get hard to handle. But no worries, NCH Tax & Wealth Advisors is here to help you! Andrew Carroll, General Manager at NCH Tax & Wealth Advisors joined Ric in the studio to talk about what types of services his firm offers for business owners and professionals.

Looking for the latest trends in digital marketing? John Elston, Founder and CEO of Yo Dog Marketing joined Critical Mass Radio Show to talk about the latest in effective marketing and how his firm is helping clients navigate this growing digital society. Have fun at the casino and help save a pet! Joe Fleishon; President, CFO of Animal Advocate Donation Inc., and former Critical Mass Radio Show guest Fabie Combs, the MC for Casino for Canines and Felines joins Ric in the studio to talk about the unique Donate to Save a Pet event.

President and CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, Tallia Hart joined Critical Mass Radio show with guest host Paul Roberts to discuss the Irvine Chamber of Commerce's innovative programs and membership expansions as it is quickly becoming unique and distinct from other Chambers.

"To improve the care, quality of life and survival rate of children with malignant disease." Hall of Fame Baseball Great, Rod Carew and the Executive Director of Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Jeri Wilson, joined Ric in the studio for the Critical Mass Non-Profit Radio Show to discuss their partnership in working to help fund research and the lives of children and families battling cancer. Rod talks more about the annual golf classic to help bring awareness to the community about pediatric cancer.

Is communication and teamwork a treasured aspect in your company? Are you looking to create a unique one-of-a-kind culture within your company? Critical Mass Radio show guest Dr. Sherry Nooravi of Strategy Meets Performance joined Ric to discuss ways to create teamwork and communication skills within your business, starting with your CEO and senior team. With the help of her team, you'll be seeing more engaged employees with higher satisfaction and teamwork than you could ever imagine!

Keeping up the latest technology and digital trends can be an obstacle for many senior citizens. CEO and co-founder of grandPad, Scott Lien joined Ric in the studio to talk about how the grandPad is creating a solution to that generation and technology gap between the older generation and their family and friends.

Carol Fox from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America returns to Critical Mass Radio Show to talk about the foundation's upcoming events and the latest in what the foundation is doing to bring more awareness to the Crohn's and Colitis cause. Keeping up the latest technology and digital trends can be an obstacle for many senior citizens. CEO and co-founder of grandPad, Scott Lien joined Ric in the studio to talk about how the grandPad is creating a solution to that generation and technology gap between the older generation and their family and friends.

Critical Mass Radio Show hosted the second ESOP roundtable panel featuring guests Hilary J. Schnieder, CEO of ESOP Corporate Resources and Marc G. Nelson, President of ESOP Corporate Resources. Our guest panelist discuss with Ric the benefits of Employee Stock Ownership Plans and how CEO's and executives of middle market companies can implement these programs and resources into their businesses.

Our second featured guest on Critical Mass Radio Show, Maxine Shapiro, joined Azia in the studio. As a corporate trainer, coach and keynote speaker using one the most exhilarating forces in business today, improv, Maxine Shapiro describes her process that has transformed rote customer service into an Awesome, Outrageous, Legendary Customer Experience for small to large size businesses and the why-and-how leaders can create an innovative and collaborative culture with motivated employees.

Today's show guest hosted by Azia Celestino featured our first guest Sherry Benjamins, CEO of S. Benjamins & Company, Inc. Sherry joined Critical Mass Radio Show to share her experiences and expertise in how CEO's and executives of middle market companies can strategically find and hire exceptional job candidates for their business. Our second featured guest on Critical Mass Radio Show, Maxine Shapiro, joined Azia in the studio. As a corporate trainer, coach and keynote speaker using one the most exhilarating forces in business today, improv, Maxine Shapiro describes her process that has transformed rote customer service into an Awesome, Outrageous, Legendary Customer Experience for small to large size businesses and the why-and-how leaders can create an innovative and collaborative culture with motivated employees.

How to Find Funding for Entrepreneurial Ventures Critical Mass Radio Speaker Series with Brandman University Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015 from 5:30pm-7:30pm Meet the Panel hosted by Richard Franzi Michael Sawitz, FastStart.studio Founder Michael Sawitz is a serial entrepreneur; keynote speaker; adjunct professor at Cal State Fullerton; and founder of FastStart.studio, a mixed use business incubator in Irvine. He has held founder of C-level positions for over forty years in the apparel industry, equipment distribution, and retail arenas. Michael's work has been published nationally, and he’s appeared on several print and radio talk shows. His charity work includes: President of the National Alliance of Ship Centers, Board of Directors for the Tech Coast Venture Network, The Center of Entrepreneurship for Cal State Fullerton, Professional Mentors Advisors & Coaches, and Charter Member of TiE, the World’s Largest Entrepreneurial Education Organization. Monica Shukla, Brandman University Associate Dean for Curriculum, Assurance of Learning & Tutorial Faculty Affairs Monica Shukla is a full time faculty member in Brandman’s School of Business and Professional Studies. Previously, she worked with Chapman University’s Student Affairs Department and University Advancement as the Alumni Networks & Outreach Manager. In addition to her experience in higher education, Monica has also worked in the fields of human resources, special events management, and business operations with companies including Capital Group Companies; M S International, Inc.; and the Disneyland Resort. She has been published in the Journal of Business Case Studies and received a Best Paper Award Certificate at the Association for Global Business Conference. On top of everything, Monica is also a Brandman U alum, on the founding Board of Directors for the Brandman University Alumni Association. Dr. Shan Steinmark, Chapman University Director of Chapman University's Leatherby Center; Angel Investor Dr. Shan Steinmark is an Angel investor, board advisor, the Director of Chapman University’s Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship & Business Ethics; and Clinical Assistant Professor for the Argyros (Ar-jew-us) School of Business & Economics. With experience as a clinician, researcher, serial entrepreneur & Tech Coast Angel, he has a rich and diverse history dating back 40 years. This panelist co-founded several companies including Strategic Transitions Research; Team One-Ten-One Hundred LLC; and Eye on Business Institute. Chapman University appointed Dr. Steinmark as the director for the Leatherby Center in 2015. Before that, he served as a lead mentor with the center of Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics for two years. In addition to leading Leatherby, he works closely with Gene Alexander, the director of Chapman’s LaunchLab Incubator. Launch Labs house approximately 30 student entrepreneur teams who develop start-up businesses. Dr. Steinmark continues his role as host of a regular cable television segment called Eye on Business Innovation, dedicated to educating the Southern California community, often including leaders and entrepreneurs from Chapman. Bill Waldo, Tech Coast Angels Investor, Membership Chairman, Board Representative, & Co-screening Director Bill Waldo has been asked to serve on several national industry advisory boards and spent several years as president of MarketTech, a national industry share group. In 2006, he completed the sale of his company, Supreme Foodservice Sales, and went on to become more involved in his local community. That year, he also became an investor, membership chairman, board representative, and co-screening director for Tech Coast Angels. In addition, Bill is an investor and membership chairman for Keiretsu Forum. This panelist currently serves as a consultant for the SBA (Small Business Administration) and offers his expertise to start-up ventures through the TriTech Small Business Development Center in Irvine. Bill owns Vantages, a consulting firm specializing in emerging growth companies. Through Vantages, he enjoys a rewarding and worthwhile relationship with small companies that show promise.

Are you an entrepreneur looking to connect with other entrepreneurs and small business owners? Are you a CEO or executive looking to connect with small businesses? Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media, joined Ric in the studio to talk about how GrowBiz Media is helping small businesses and entrepreneurs learn the right tools and practice the right skills to become successful and grow their business.

Do you know about the benefits of banking with Pacific Mercantile Bank? Steven Buster, CEO of Pacific Mercantile Bank (PMC) joined Ric in the studio to talk about his experience in business banking and what PMC offers its clients in terms of personal, business and online banking.

CEO of Rhythm Interactive, Craig Cooke joined Critical Mass Radio Show to discuss how his firm is helping clients of middle market companies to better understand their business goals as well as the needs of their customers. Do you know about the benefits of banking with Pacific Mercantile Bank? Steven Buster, CEO of Pacific Mercantile Bank (PMC) joined Ric in the studio to talk about his experience in business banking and what PMC offers its clients in terms of personal, business and online banking.

Did you know that a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification can offer multiple benefits? Critical Mass Radio Show hosted a roundtable discussion featuring our guests, Rachel Owens, a representative for Tri-Circle Financial Strategies; Michele Richardson, CEO of ACR Builders, Inc.; and John Bachofer, President of the Institute of Supply Management Orange County. Our guests dive into topics of WBEs, if your business is eligible, and how to leverage this tool for success.

Are you looking to save on your company expenses? Chris Chalmers, certified representative at Affinity24 joined Critical Mass Radio Show to talk about multiple solutions his firm offers businesses and non-profits when it comes to getting what you need and saving what you can.

Have you ever practiced the art of Tai Chi? Troyce Thome, owner of Thai Chi for Health, will discuss how her organization helps people to restore physical and mental health by implementing this form of Chinese martial art. Are you looking to save on your company expenses? Chris Chalmers, certified representative at Affinity24 joined Critical Mass Radio Show to talk about multiple solutions his firm offers businesses and non-profits when it comes to getting what you need and saving what you can.

In 2010, 7 children died as a result of child abuse in Orange County and over 38,000 more cases of child abuse were reported. Eldon Baber, Executive Director from the The Raise Foundation will discuss the mission of Orange County's Official Child Abuse Prevention Council and how the organization is strengthening families.

Are you looking for tax and financial reporting solutions for your business? Dan Whittaker, Managing Partner at Whittaker and Company, joined Critical Mass Radio show to talk more about how his firm is working middle market management team on the strategies and drivers that move key performance areas in your business. In 2010, 7 children died as a result of child abuse in Orange County and over 38,000 more cases of child abuse were reported. Eldon Baber, Executive Director from the The Raise Foundation will discuss the mission of Orange County's Official Child Abuse Prevention Council and how the organization is strengthening families.

Dr. Jack Singer, author of his latest book "The Financial Advisors Ultimate Stress Mastery Guide" returns to Critical Mass Radio Show to highlight some of the major stressors effecting physical and mental stress to executives and CEO's running middle market companies.