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

Neela Singh is a highly experienced chief operating officer and business advisor with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She has a proven track record of success in driving operational excellence, maximizing efficiency and profitability, and leading teams to achieve business objectives. Neela is a strategic thinker with a strong business acumen and a deep understanding of financial management. She is also an effective communicator and skilled negotiator, able to build strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners. Neela holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and several certifications in Project Management, Scrum, Six Sigma & HR. She is committed to continuous learning and professional development, and stays up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Chris Baiocchi is the Founder & CEO of Resolute Philanthropy. Chris has worked in the nonprofit space for more than 22 years as a communicator, fundraiser, and leader. He’s led annual giving campaigns, planned special events, written grants, and helped fundraisers and nonprofit professionals find the joy, innovation, and passion in their work. Chris has worked for large and small shops, including St. Joseph Hospital, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, and Project Access. Chris has a CFRE and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. Chris is married and lives in Orange County, California. His son is a student at the University of Puget Sound. Chris is an active reader, an occasional cook, and loves bow ties, icebreakers, and heated arguments about the best sci-fi franchise. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Andrei Hall CFP®, CRPC®, President of Hall Wealth Management Group, has over 18 years’ experience in wealth management for retirees, high level executives, celebrities, and business owners. ‍ Hall Wealth Management’s success is based on Andrei’s firm belief in a holistic financial planning process. This starts with a comprehensive plan to develop planning, retirement, and estate strategies and determining which investments to be best utilized. During the year of the 2008 market crash, Hall Wealth Management had one of its most successful years in preserving clientele and acquiring new clients. Andrei will work to understand clients’ monetary challenges and the proactive steps that need to be taken under the economic forecast with the goal to make future retirement attainable or current retirement improved. As a former Vice President at Xerox for twenty-five years & former Senior Vice President at Printronix, Andrei also has a profound firsthand understanding in the affairs of executive level compensation along with business assets under management. Andrei executes expert strategies in providing plans in areas including but not limited to: Retirement Income Planning with a focus on distribution strategies, Estate Planning, Business Succession Planning and Investment Portfolio Design. Andrei Hall is proud to be a member of Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group. This group is comprised of financial professionals dedicated to the IRA industry. As a member of this group, Andrei has access to training modules, bi-annual workshops and regular webinars to further his knowledge and better serve his clients. In addition, it gives being a member gives Andrei access to Ed Slott and his group of technical specialists, who are also attorneys. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Meg Appelgate is the Co-Founder & CEO of Unsilenced. At the age of 15, Meg Appelgate was abducted by two strangers in the middle of the night from her California home and was told that “she was coming with them." 8 hours later she found herself at a lockdown treatment facility in Boise, Idaho. Then, 6 months, she found herself in an additional behavioral modification program in northern Montana where she spent the next 3 years. After graduating college, with a degree in psychology, completely oblivious to the abuse she had experienced, Meg spent the next 17 years dedicating her life serving on various non-profit boards to help them with board development and recruitment, and expanding their programs to further their impact. It wasn’t until she was well into her non-profit career that she woke up to the abuse and brainwashing that plagued her childhood and the effect it had on her entire adulthood. It was then that she became determined to pair her love of giving back and helping those in need, with her dedication to empowering other survivors of institutional abuse. Meg brings to Unsilenced an extensive background in non-profit management, board development, and fund development. She is currently the Vice President, Trustee, and Managing Director at the Gochnauer Foundation. In addition, she is actively involved with and serves on the Board of Directors at Laura’s House in Aliso Viejo, CA, and The Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA. When she doesn’t find herself fully immersed in new ideas for fundraising and development, Meg loves traveling to see new places with her husband and 4 children. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Tara Zoē is the creative visionary behind SoberBuddy. Tara’s experiences with deep shame events and trauma led her to pursue a personal transformation journey that ultimately led her to greater understanding about why and how shame affects our lives in powerful ways. Frustrated by the lack of resources and difficult processes for getting the help one needs while going through trauma, Tara felt technology could hold the solution. Wanting to attack shame related to drug and alcohol addiction head on, Tara partnered with her father and addiction expert, Paul Brethen, M.A. LMFT, to create an evidence-based program that was easy to access and understand both emotionally and physically. The SoberBuddy messaging and meetings offer a shame-free culture Tara is determined to spread, so people get the help they need sooner and without the fear of being pushed lower in society. With over 140K people using the SoberBuddy products, Tara now leads a team of top developers, clinicians, artists, and influencers who all come together to create the shame-free world of SoberBuddy. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Melissa Jacobi is Founder & President of The Jacobi Group. Melissa is a former collegiate tennis player from Chapman University and an Orange County native. She has more than seven years of partnership experience, and in her previous role, she served as the Sr. Manager of Multimedia Marketing and Partnerships for Newport Beach & Company. Her position worked jointly with the City of Newport Beach as she managed marketing and day-to-day operations for the Newport Beach Restaurant Association. She developed, implemented, and tracked integrated marketing campaigns for over 450 restaurants displayed on all Visit Newport Beach, Dine Newport Beach, and Newport Beach TV channels. In 2019, she was awarded 30 Under 30 by Destinations International and named one of 30 "Emerging Leaders" by the California Travel Association. Melissa started The Jacobi Group, a boutique marketing agency, in 2021, focusing on brand management, public relations, and content strategy for restaurateurs, athletes, and lifestyle brands. You will spot Melissa in Orange County filming at a new eatery, hosting in front of the camera, or grabbing a bite with her family - Jason, Jaxon, and Luca. Jason Jacobi is an LPL Registered Principal and Wealth Advisor. A former collegiate football player and Newport Beach native, Jason began his career in the financial services industry in 2013 at a Fortune 500 company where he developed a passion for the global financial markets. In 2022, Jason earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation; and with over 70 areas of expertise, he is excited to assist his clients with the complexities that come during the financial planning process. His hospitality background has groomed him into delivering a client-centric experience focused on delivering exceptional services tailored to each individual, athlete, family, or business. In his spare time, Jason loves to spend time with his wife, Melissa, and two kids. You can find them at the gym, down at the beach, on the water, traveling the world, or dining around town. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Mark Beran is innately curious. He is one that has never stopped asking the question why? Consequently, Mark has driven teams to come up with innovative solutions that have resulted in significant intellectual property in the healthcare and medical device market. Mark is an Orange County native and started his career at a startup called Respiratory Support Products that was successfully sold to Smiths Medical (now ICU Medical). At Smiths, Mark was Global VP of Sales & Marketing for Level 1 a company that marketed unique products for patient temperature management in the critical care setting and operating room. From Smiths, Mark took a full P&L role as VP & General Manager of Cincinnati Sub-Zero. He successfully led a team that pivoted the business to the emerging market of therapeutic hypothermia for patients post cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injury. This move took the company to immediate profitability with a significant IP roadmap to drive profitable growth. Mark was SVP of Sales & Marketing for Posey company where he developed a strategy that led to doubling revenue for Posey and a future exit to a private equity sponsor. From Posey, Mark was VP & General Manager of Gaymar industries and head up the Pressure Management business (high end therapeutic surfaces and devices to reduce pressure injury risk). This private equity owned business was successfully sold to Stryker. From Gaymar, Mark took a role as Chief Commercial Officer for TIDI products where He led a team that executed on both an organic and inorganic growth strategy that led to two successful transactions with successful outcomes for the private equity sponsors and management team. From TIDI, Mark moved to Chief Marketing Officer for Encompass Group a manufacturer of healthcare textiles for the acute care and senior living markets. He led a team to develop novel technology in the patient warming (OR) and specialty support surface space. Both products had significant intellectual property and competitive advantage over the market leaders. Mark is now fractional Chief Commercial Officer for a PPE nurse’s shoe start-up called Gales (www.weargales.com) and is advising a start-up in the vascular access space called MightyWell (www.mightywell.com). Mark is advising MightyWell on the sale of their business. Mark was born and raised in Southern California and grew up in Orange County. He went to Servite High School in Anaheim and graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Marketing. Mark gained his MBA from Babson College in Massachusetts. He lives in Santa Ana with his son Joseph and father Tony (a serial entrepreneur). -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Mike Brown is the founder and principal of BlueLine Consulting Services which provides advisory and consulting services to financial institutions. He is also the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Block3 Ventures, a FinTech and Web3 investment and advisory company. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

David Sohn is a business and technology executive who specializes in the creation and harmonization of processes that empower team members to maximize efficiency. Prior to co-founding Helpt he oversaw the global technical support and product content teams for a networking and computer peripheral manufacturing organization that was recently acquired by a Fortune 500 company. David's 15+ year career in business and technology is enhanced by his insatiable desire for improvement that has resulted in a variety of degrees and certifications. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Kim Kelley Thompson is a business and personal development coach whose specialty is helping people get out of their heads and into action so they can achieve their goals and realize their potential. She brings 32 years of experience as a business owner, sales trainer and coach to develop effective leadership, efficiency and success in individuals and teams. Kim blends inspiration with practicality as both are necessary to create lasting transformation. She believes that when we become aware of the patterns and habits that are dictating our lives, we can raise our standards and elevate our behavior. We are then able to take the focused, committed action that leads to desired results. As a multiple business owner, award winning documentary producer, and mom, Kim understands the value of vision, leadership, communication, systems and processes. Having raised four children by herself, while managing a multimillion-dollar event company and starting her own business, Kim has become adept at simplifying the complex and breaking through the mental obstacles that stifle success. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Jon Darbyshire is the Co-Founder & CEO of SmartSuite. In 2021, Jon and his team launched SmartSuite, the work management platform that manages any process, from any industry, on one platform. Now, SmartSuite unites essential elements used to get work done, regardless of company size or type. In the year 2000, Jon founded Archer Technologies, an enterprise governance, risk and, compliance software, giving business users—not developers—the ability to adapt software to their unique business requirements. Jon and the Archer team built a flexible, award winning platform and solution suite that became the mainstay of governance, risk and compliance teams for some of the world’s most powerful organizations, including 1 in 3 of the Fortune 100. Archer Technologies was purchased by EMC Corporation in 2010. Throughout his career, Jon has been dedicated to automating everyday, essential business tasks to create smarter, more efficient organizations, no matter what the industry. Prior to Archer Technologies, Jon held leadership positions at both EY and Price Waterhouse, honing his skills in understanding the need to automate and simplify work for the enterprise. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Coach Greg LeFever has over twenty-five years’ experience in the fitness industry. His experience includes Founder / CEO of IMpowered Women's Fitness, Orange County's premier women-only fitness and wellness organization, Founder / CEO of Workplace Wellness Solutions, specializing in onsite employee benefit wellness programs of various fitness, yoga, leadership education, nutrition consultation, and mindfulness. He is also the Founder / President of Empowered Youth Life Style, a nonprofit company focusing on life skills and leadership skills for teens. Mr. LeFever holds an MBA from Concordia University Irvine, BA with Finance emphasis from Cal State Fullerton, and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) certification from National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

In 2019, Nicole Sanchez launched a non-profit called The Bella Foundation, named after her 7-year-old daughter Isabella, that helps raise awareness and resources for domestic violence victims. As a young child, Nicole experienced domestic violence firsthand, and believes that one of the most valuable lessons we can teach our own children is to lead by example by helping others. Nicole's mission is to help women affected by domestic violence get back on their feet, and back in the workforce by providing professional clothing, financial assistance for childcare, and even job placement so they can provide for their children and start a new chapter filled with hope and a future. The driving force behind Nicole's passion for this cause is her daughter Isabella, hence “The Bella.” In Nicole's words: "I am proud to stand as a role model for my daughter to break the vicious cycle of domestic violence." -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

J. J. Wenrich has been an investment professional for over 20 years, beginning after graduating from the University of Kansas in 2000. He's a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, founder of the firms Wenrich Wealth and Tax Pros + Investing, and author of the book Teaching Kids to Buy Stocks: Stories and Lessons for Grown-Ups. J. J. met his wife Jodie—also a financial professional at the time—shortly after graduation and are raising four children together. J. J. developed his fascination with the financial markets as a child, watching business reports on PBS, one of the few stations available in his small-town Kansas home. Fortunately, he had creative teachers along the way who included personal finance education and stock-picking games in their curriculum. The combination of two decades of professional experience AND two decades of parenting were the inspiration for him to become an advocate for simplified financial education. He regularly hosts free personal finance classes for teenagers and young adults in his community, and worldwide via Zoom. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Carl Orsbourn is a global retail executive and board member whose experience spans across blue-chip companies (BP-owned ampm), disruptive start-up ventures (Kitchen United & Juicer Pricing), and restaurants (Alfa Co). His knowledge of operational excellence, business development, and change management together with his ability to traverse industries and disciplines is admired by his diverse extensive network. Carl has been recognized as a Power Player by Nations Restaurant News and Business Insider for his thought leadership in supporting restaurants to adapt to the challenges and opportunities offered through digitization, technology, and automation. As Head of Retail at ampm, Carl was responsible for repositioning the branded food & beverage offering while achieving record growth through $1.3 billion in retail sales and growing the network to over 1000+ franchise locations. At Kitchen United, Carl established the operating model and led operations & customer success by working closely with restaurant partners, such as ChickFil’A and SweetGreen. As COO and co-founder for Juicer Pricing, Carl is building the operating model for dynamic pricing solutions for restaurants, shaping the path for improved profitability through automated intelligence. As a non-executive board member for Alfa Co., Carl advises this leading restaurant group in Saudi Arabia towards a greater digital footprint and further off-premise success. Carl is a sought-after speaker at events across the world. He hosts 'The Monday Minute’ podcast and appears as a guest at many others. He is a frequent contributor to Forbes, Nations Restaurant News, and RestaurantOwner.com. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Chase Barr is the President and CEO of ATTAC Group Inc. Chase’s resume includes 17 years of specialized leadership, development, training, and implementation of programs for development of troops, staff, and clients up to the C-Suite. Chase has led many top-level Executive Searches for Fortune 100-1000 firms throughout California and the US, within Finance & Accounting, Information Technology & Engineering, Human Resources, Administration and Operations. Chase partners with his clients to understand the need behind the need to ensure a true transparent understanding of the voice of the customer. Chase is also a Value-Added Associate (VAA) and Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst with TTI Success Insights and has a strong coaching background with leaders and staff alike. Chase served as a Canvassing Recruiter in the USMC; which led him to recruiting after the Corps. He has led over 350 combat operations as a Squad Leader and Team Leader, ensuring the training, development, and mentorship of all personnel and bringing every Marine home who served under his leadership in combat. Recently ATTAC has been growing through being a strategic partner for large State, County and City government recruiting contracts. Chase built and trained a diverse cross functional team of industry experts and local talent to assist in filling 1200+ positions to date, through the Covid Pandemic. One of his biggest strengths is building strong teams that communicate, understand the mission, and work cohesively in one accord. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Newly-published author Barbara Fulmer (Ditch Your Career Plan, 2022) has taken her years of corporate experience and consolidated the knowledge and insight she's gained to deliver practical, actionable advice that will help you take the next step on your career path. Barbara founded her career consulting and coaching business, Performance At Work in 2009, out of a deep passion for inspiring people to perform at the optimum level of their abilities. Barbara is an energetic mentor with a collaborative style and the ability to motivate others to achieve their highest ambitions.​ Barbara's unique experience has come from the last 25 years working with thousands of employees and leaders as head of performance development for industry titans such as Toshiba and Jenny Craig/Nestle a division of United Healthcare. As a business development professional, her clients included Disney, PayPal, Qualcomm, LinkedIn, Salesforce, Herbalife, Illumina, Wells Fargo, Samsung, Ross Stores and more. Barbara has entertained and inspired audiences as a successful keynote speaker, stand-up comedian, and now in her new book, Ditch Your Career Plan. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Mark Tacconelli's unwavering commitment to innovation and results, combined with a dedication to customers’ needs, led him to successfully innovate new products with several company’s product portfolios while transforming many into product category leaders. A prominent thought leader, Mark’s extensive experience in information technology affords him a unique insight into the technological changes ushering in the fourth industrial revolution. Mark is the Senior Director of Engineering and Product Management where he leads the strategy, engineering development, and product management activities for OpenText’s Salesforce and Oracle products and related technologies. Mark is acting Board Member and financial advisor at Magique Beauty, a premium online beauty essentials manufacturer. Additionally, Mark serves as President at Kellogg Terrance Condominium Association, nonprofit association serving 220 residential homeowners. Prior to OpenText and Magique, Mark served as Vice President and CTO for Soluziona USA, a technology services and implementation company, and as a member of the executive management team. Mark was also Vice President of Applications Development and Product Management at Scantron Corporation. Additionally, he was a member of the executive management team. Mark held various positions at FileNet (an IBM Company) as a technical leader and Sales Engineer. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo and a Master of Business Administration with concentration in Information Technology from University of California, Irvine. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Rami Lazarescu is the founder and CEO of HappinessAssurance.com and Ampro Vacations Inc., which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Rami is the winner of one of the nation’s highest awards - The Excellence Award for export bestowed by the President of the United States! A few years ago, Rami was nominated for the White House Trade Advisory Committee. Rami was interviewed on national radio about his unique vacations plan and it was broadcasted to 141 radio stations. After due diligence investigation, the prestigious Forbes published an article about Rami titled: “Vacations: Making the Impossible, Possible!” Other articles about Rami have been published by Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, Reuters, The Boston Globe, The Dallas Morning News, Yacht Vacations Magazine, Woman’s Today, and many others. Rami is married and has three kids. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Asbasia Mikhail, immigrated to the States with her parents as toddler in the early 1970s and grew up in Southern California. Having excelled in the sciences and having a passion to help others, she chose a career in medicine. She has been practicing Emergency Medicine for the last 25 years but about 5 years ago, she chose to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. While still working full-time as an emergency physician and directing two nearby urgent cares in the area, Asbasia also runs her own Online Personal Styling business known as The Stīl Trust (pronounced style) which is an all-female-run business. She created this online platform for busy, style minded women who wanted to look and feel their best but just didn't have the time or maybe lacked the know-how to elevate their style. Asbasia's goal is to get women to look and feel their best while taking the struggle out of figuring out what to wear and providing confidence in every outfit! -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Nema Daghbandan is the CEO of Lightning Docs and a Partner with Geraci LLP. His practice encompasses all facets of real estate transactions, primarily representing lenders, brokers, and loan servicers. His practice revolves around the preparation of documents and providing compliance advice to mortgage professionals related to nationwide commercial, residential, construction, and multi-family loan transactions. He also provides advice on documentation related to loan transactions, including servicing agreements, spread agreements, secondary market documents, leases, lien releases, procurement agreements, intercreditor agreements, and subordination agreements. Mr. Daghbandan also possesses a deep expertise in loss mitigation and advises mortgage professionals in the management of defaulted loans and the remedies available to creditors. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Dr. Carrie Perry earned her Ph.D. in Media Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. Her academic background and employment experience includes all aspects of Mass Mediated Communications including print, digital, and film. She has been a teacher, stockbroker, professor, and entrepreneur. With the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdown, Carrie’s focus turned toward home, specifically, the kitchen. Thoughts of “now is a good time to do something different” she started cooking, canning, and baking. Lots of baking. With encouragement of friends and family, Sweet Talk Desserts was born. With baking experience that spans about 40 years, her desserts include, pies, cakes, jellies, and caramel apples. Her promise is that she sells “love in every bite.” -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Frank Arellano is the CEO and founder of Revolv3, a fintech SaaS platform out of Laguna Beach, CA. Frustrated by the lack of subscription management payment systems that could minimize false declines and maximize first pass payment approvals, he built his own. Frank started his career with startups, then lead as an executive at Ingram Micro and Experian for over 20 years. Now backed by Rosecliff Ventures, he intends to reshape the recurring payment market. On the weekends you might find him jamming with one of his bands at a local wine festival, or a concert. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Andy Lin is the Chief Executive Officer at Provoke Solutions, a management and technology services firm focused on helping organizations getting their "big idea" out into the marketplace quickly and effectively. Andy has also served as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and GM of Southwest at prior companies. Having spent nearly 30 years in the consulting services industry, starting off his career at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) as a software engineer, he has worked with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 10 enterprises. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Kevin Wilson is the President & CEO of KM Management Solutions Inc. Kevin is a versatile business growth catalyst with a deep-rooted passion for creative/analytical problem solving and 20+ years of experience delivering superior organizational development, cost savings, and revenue maximizing solutions across multiple industries. Kevin is equally skilled in new product development, leadership and team building, hardware/software design, risk mitigation, and project management. An outstanding communicator, Kevin also has keen attention to detail and a natural ability to forge collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Kevin has demonstrated success in identifying modifications and/or enhancement to existing technologies to create disruptive technology and establishing clear product differentiation. He was recruited into Hughes Aircraft to help transition existing military-based technologies into commercial products resulting in several telecommunication products most notably Direct TV from military satellite communications. He developed patented technology to differentiate a telecommunication product from similar commodity products allowing new product category and increased market share. New IP integrated software algorithms loosely based on particle density theory to predict optimum path for packet routing resulting in 30 percent increase in network capacity. Kevin developed patented technology to capture majority market share of billion-dollar automated frame market. (Existing product offerings too large and expensive to meet Telco ROI requirements. Market capture requires a product that both reduces the number and size of switch points.) Kevin developed patented technology to reduce number of switch points using physical lattice structure to optimize CLOS matrix together with predictive software algorithms and developed new switch technology using laminate process to create high density switch module. Kevin attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He later went to West Coast University, where he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA). -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Sam Naghshineh is the Founder of Leaniar, a software services and solutions company focused on process automation for global Fortune 1000 companies. Leaniar leverages Human Emulation Software otherwise known as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning to remove the inefficiencies resulting from manual, repetitive and high-volume tasks. Sam has over 25 years of consulting and sales and experience working for companies such as Ernst and Young, SAP, IMS Health (IQVIA) and most recently UiPath. Sam graduated with a BA in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona. He has also been a guest speaker at multiple MBA programs, including Cal State Fullerton, discussing the importance of Automation Skills in today’s workplace. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Deb Shrider is an award-winning writer who has written for a wide range of clients for more than twenty-four years. In 1998, she founded ‘Put It In Writing', providing writing and marketing services for various businesses and industries but with the specialized niche of real estate. Deb's client roster reads like a Who’s Who in real estate, including former Presidents of the California Association of Realtors®(C.A.R.) and the National Association of Realtors®(NAR) and top producing real estate agents nationally and globally. She is a sought-after writer commended for her ability to communicate the ordinary extraordinarily. Deb’s work has been extensively published in print and digital publications. She has written thousands of bios and social media profiles. Deb has worked for five trade associations - both non-profit and not-for- profit, handling a wide range of writing and marketing projects. She also created and facilitated a leadership academy to train real estate professionals for leadership positions. She currently serves as an advisor to the Vietnamese National Association of Real Estate Professionals (VNARP). In 2020, she launched The Write Stuff Lab for Real Estate Pros, a webinar series helping agents tackle branding and writing projects such as bios, testimonials, property descriptions, and more. On a personal note, Deb is originally from London, England, and became a U.S. Citizen in 1998; she still retains her British accent. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Rebecca Hall, APR is a thought leader and celebrated entrepreneur in the public relations, branding and marketing industries. A visionary, Rebecca founded Idea Hall in 2003 as a fusion agency bringing together branding, marketing and PR – a model that is gaining industry favor today. Throughout the years Rebecca has attracted world-class talent to Idea Hall, ensuring the spirit of entrepreneurialism fuels the agency and that its craft is continually advancing forward, innovating and redefining boundaries of possibility. Rebecca is a recognized marketing communications industry thought leader published in Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, Native Society, Forbes and Orange County Business Journal. She also is a recognized influencer in the commercial real estate sector, named a 2019 GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum Woman of Influence, Marketing/Communications Professional and a 2017 Real Estate Forum CRE Best Boss. She is also a member of the Forbes Agency Council and for the past four years, Rebecca has maintained her position on Orange County Business Journal’s “OC 500” – a list of the 500 most influential people in the county. Under her leadership, Idea Hall has been named to the Entrepreneur 360 list three years’ running (2017-2019), was named one of Medium’s “8 Coolest ‘Hidden Gem’ Companies to Work for in Southern California” and by the Orange County Business Journal as a “Civic 50” company three years running, an honor that recognizes Orange County’s top civic-minded organizations. The agency’s work has been recognized with myriad national awards including PRSA Bronze Anvil, Ragan’s PR Daily and the American Advertising Federation. Rebecca earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Communications from Chapman University and currently is a Vice Chair on the Chapman University Board of Governors. Rebecca is an active member of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), where she received the organization’s “Distinguished Service Award” and her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). and she sits on the distinguished board of the Orange County Business Council. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Susan Wright Kenny is the Founder and Chief Do GOODer of Do GOODer Partners, a consulting firm that empowers companies to engage their teams and customers in doing GOOD in the communities where they live and work. Prior to founding Do GOODer Partners, Susan worked for close to 20 years a professional fundraiser supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). While working with MDA, Susan was responsible for the coordination and funding for healthcare clinics, support groups, and summer camps throughout Southern California. As MDA’s National Director of Retail Partnerships and Community Engagement, she worked with Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions, Lowe’s, Kroger, and other retailers to execute their annual customer engagement events resulting in millions of dollars raised for muscle disease research. While working with RMHC, Susan was instrumental in the National Roofing Contractors Association’s first ever national charitable partnership with RMHC. Prior to leaving RMHC, she was the lead fundraiser for the $12 million capital campaign to double the size of the Orange County House. Susan has volunteered her time to plan and fund the Association of Fundraising Professionals education seminar, OneOC’s Spirit of Volunteerism Awards, and the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce Women of Influence events. In addition, she has been a Board member to Advisors in Philanthropy and currently sits on the Advisory Board for the Extraordinary Lives Foundation. She is a founding member of the 100 Women Who Care Orange County Chapter and volunteers her time for numerous nonprofit organizations. Susan is a graduate of the University of Arizona and has a Human Resource Management Certificate from the University of California, Irvine. She is the proud parent of two incredible teenagers and dreams that one day every person and every company in the world will find their passion partner to do GOOD and create meaningful change. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Marlene Sheehan Dandler is the Founder of Seashore Academy. Marlene graduated from the Lakeside School in Seattle, WA in 1994 and Dartmouth College in 1998. During her time at Dartmouth, she studied at the Freie Universität Berlin, Germany as well as at the Beijing Normal University in Beijing, China. While at Dartmouth, Marlene worked as a German language instructor for Professor John Rassias, the creator of the Rassias Method, a unique, intensive language immersion technique used by the Peace Corps to learn a foreign language in 10 days’ time. This revolutionary method of rapid, effective language acquisition impressed Marlene greatly and became the foundation of Seashore Academy’s language immersion philosophy. When her own three children were ready to start school, Marlene visited over 2 dozen public, charter and private schools searching for an academically intensive, nurturing school in which her children would be immersed in a foreign language. Marlene and her husband decided to immerse their three children in Mandarin Chinese to best prepare them for future business and work opportunities. As there were no Mandarin immersion programs in Orange County at the time, Marlene spearheaded a successful effort to launch a public Mandarin immersion district school in Orange, CA, which operates to this day. While building the program, she homeschooled her children with a private Mandarin tutor. Today, all of the children at the Seashore Mandarin program, including Marlene’s own three children, speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese in traditional characters. They work in an academically accelerated environment and enjoy plenty of free time to read and play. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Mara James is Founder & CEO of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation. Originally from New York, Mara James relocated to California with her husband and her three children in 2007. They established Dr. James’s OBGYN practice, and for seven years, Mara managed the busy office. Then, in 2014, Mara unexpectedly experienced a manic episode and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through her battle with mental health, many wellness professionals helped Mara heal and transform her life. Mara’s experience—in addition to the experience of some of her close family members—has kindled in her a passion for forwarding the cause of children’s mental health. She established the Extraordinary Lives Foundation and created Piggie Bear & the HUGS for Life Healing Center to promote mental health awareness and provide both children and their parents with the resources they need to pursue holistic wellness in any and all avenues available. Mara lives with her family in Orange County, 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Ben Olbon is the Founder & CEO of Outcome Elite Coaching, and helps student-athletes overcome fear, anxiety, and self-doubt in order to help them maximize their potential in sports and life. Ben has 20 years of leadership and development experience from his time as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps, to his time in the financial and pharmaceutical industries. He has an extensive history in sales and marketing, strategic planning, tactical decision-making, and critical thinking. Ben has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal, been recognized as a top sales performer and trainer, an award-winning sales team leader, and a championship-winning pop-warner football coach. Between those career highlights are a multitude of failures and missteps. The highest of highs have been separated by equally devastating lows. With the correct mindset and internal fortitude, failures can be our greatest opportunities to learn. Ben’s transparent and emotional leadership style provides a safe and meaningful environment for true and sustainable outcomes to flourish. Making a positive impact in the lives of others is the reason why Ben has started Outcome Elite. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Garrett Day is the owner and operator of The Wellness Approach and Fitness and Wellness Inc, a holistic Sports Therapy practice in San Clemente that incorporates several methods of structural integration tools, separating him from other rehabilitation programs and wellness treatment centers. A wellness consultant of 20 years, Garrett's individual program designs have captured quick rapid results of healing qualities that helps to balance back ones emotional, physical and spiritual state of consciousness. Before devoting his work full-time to The Wellness Approach, Garrett served as an owner and operator of The Mind Body Wellness Club in Dana Point. While devoting his time into individual contractors in the fitness and wellness industry finding an easier way to build one's business without the financial stress of an individual start-up. In Garrett's words: "Caretaking and working with people is a true passion of mine. Each individual patient requires a unique wellness approach that will assist with their whole-body balance.” -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Ramin Sedehi is passionate about closing the gaps between science, education, society, and policymakers to understand better the depth and breadth of the challenges facing humanity. To impact the health of communities, improve educational markers, and, most importantly, uphold democratic values and build inclusive societies, we must disrupt the status quo. Ramin’s career is highlighted by his three decades as an executive, intrapreneur, bridge-builder, strategist, and award-winning faculty. He has served as a transformative leader at several world-class organizations (UCSF Health, UCSF Stanford Healthcare, University of Pennsylvania, American University of Beirut, and Weill Cornell Medicine.) Ramin is the founder of Impact Human Learning, which focuses on strategies and actions to deepen learning in the 21st century. He currently serves as the Chief Strategy Advisor at EmC Leaders, focused on organizational and leadership training, development, and transformation. He is the co-author of Emotional Connection, The EmC Strategy, How Leaders Can Unlock the Human Potential, Build Resilient Teams, and Nurture Thriving Cultures. Ramin advises and mentors leaders committed to unlocking the power of human-centered organizations and capable of nurturing emotion-centered connections, courage-based leadership, and systems thinking to solve intractable problems and thrive in the service of humanity. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and has completed graduate studies in Public Administration/Health & Science Policy from California State University, Hayward. Ramin is also a graduate of executive education at Stanford University business school. In Ramin's words, "The need for reform, relevance, and gaining the public's trust has never been greater. Let's commit ourselves to building stronger bridges, embracing inclusion and diversity, and nurturing thriving 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Rocky Foroutan is the Founder and Visionary behind LenderHomePage.com. He founded the company from his small home office in 2003 by building turnkey websites for mortgage brokers and loan officers. Sixteen years later, the company has grown to serve over 2,000 clients with an innovative, multi-channel digital platform that helps customers enhance borrower experience while gaining efficiencies and saving cost. Prior to LenderHomePage, Rocky spent nineteen years as a software developer, sales and marketing management in Fortune 5000 companies. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Sheryl Utal is the Founder & CEO of Japa Health. Sheryl had a ten-year corporate career with senior roles in private equity, real estate development and management consulting, before she burned out and had to make a change. Sheryl has been the owner of two successful lifestyle businesses both with profitable exits. Although she had successful exits the journey wasn't easy or linear and included turnaround experience. She has over 13 years of experience in wellness including 40,000 customers and 5M in revenue. Healing herself from autoimmune disease and trauma, Sheryl is passionate about natural healing, disease prevention and human optimization, a passion which began over 15 years ago after conventional treatment for an autoimmune disease diagnosis failed. She took her health into her own hands and was determined to be the most vibrant and joyous version of herself possible. In 2013, Sheryl founded Red Diamond Yoga, a large yoga studio in LA and built a strong reputation for inspiring people through yoga, breath-work, energy healing, fitness and mindfulness. After five and half years and close to 40,000 students, she sold Red Diamond in 2018 to build Japa Health. Sheryl believes everyone has the capacity to heal and holds a strong vision for a world of empowered, healthy people. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Dina Miller is the Founder & CEO of Electi Management Inc. A highly motivated, self-directed and results-driven CEO of a business management company, Dina attended MIT and subsequently earned my B.S. in Business from Johns Hopkins University. She later completed her MBA at the University of Delaware. For over twenty years, Dina has built a “hands-on” track record of leadership, team-building and cross-functional collaboration. Thinking and planning globally while executing locally, Dina has a high-performing staff to support operational initiatives and client needs. She is passionate about what she does and embodies an energy and urgency as a culture creator and catalyst for change with an exemplary reputation for forging working relationships based on trust and respect. Dina loves to build strong, long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with individuals, businesses and organizations. Dina created Electi Management at the end of 2020, as the pandemic raged and she saw an opportunity to leverage her years of experience in business management, accounting, and operations to help other small businesses achieve new efficiencies in their accounting practices and workflows. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

A 20-year award-winning Broadcast Journalist with an emphasis on Public Relations, Kelly Bennett has been a reporter, anchor, senior assignment manager, TV host, and Radio Host, then transitioned into public affairs managing community/public relations for two major cable companies. She worked with many programmers within the industry, CNN, Court TV, Bravo, Lifetime, Oxygen Networks, and more, to bring successful programs that received commendations and proclamations from government officials. In 2009, Kelly founded Bennett Unlimited PR giving her clients local, national, and international notoriety and connecting them to Influencers, networking groups, celebrities, VIPs, private clubs, executive round-tables, entrepreneur gatherings, and charity functions to further their career and goals. Her clients have been on the Kelly Clarkson show, Good Morning America, CBS, LA Times, Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, Inside Edition, HuffPost Live, Dr. Oz, CNN, Getty Images, Huffington Post, New York Magazine, KTLA, Good Day LA, MSNBC, OC Register, Orange Coast Magazine, Rivera Magazine and many more. In 2019, Kelly received the Ambassador for Peace Award from the Universal Peace Federation, and in 2011, Kelly was awarded the California Governor and First Lady’s Service Award for her volunteerism and community work. In 2005, she received a Commendation from Orange County Sheriff’s Department, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and US Postal Office for her work that helped bring the AMBER Alert to Orange County, and in 2004 she was given a Commendation from the County of Orange for her role in profiling the “Adoption Needs in Orange County” program. She won Business Woman of Distinction, American Business Woman’s Association in 2001. Kelly is the Society Editor for Orange County Newspapers, delivered to homes in the Newport Beach, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, and San Clemente zip codes and online. Her column covers non-profit galas, events, and lifestyles of the social scene. She also hosts a monthly talk show on KCAA commercial radio 102.3 FM, 1050 AM, and 106.5 FM, an NBC affiliate that reaches 5 million people in the Southern CA area, and podcasts to over 201 countries. Kelly Bennett is a member of TPEC (Television Publicity Executives Committee); HRTS (Hollywood Radio & Television Society), eWomen Network, Advisory Council Member for Special Olympics of Orange County, and an Honorary Member for Orange County Family Justice Center, and Past-President of the Orange County Community Relations Council. -- -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

A reformed 'Corporate Rat' turned Entrepreneur in 2017, Traci Shirachi is the CEO & President of The Mark USA Inc. (“The Mark” or “the Company”). The Mark is a data analytics applied research and evaluation company comprised of about 15 employees that work with organizations nationally and internationally to define and articulate community and social impact focused on helping the underserved thrive. The Mark uses rigorous data collection and research methods to evaluate and measure results for organizations and companies to achieve sustainable growth. Many of the organizations or companies that work with The Mark focus on demonstrating their social impact. These include universities and colleges to corporations and small businesses. Traci formerly worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and has an MBA from Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University and a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Davis. She is actively involved and on the Board of Orange County Advisors in Philanthropy, and a Board member of WISE Place. She was honored in 2019, 2020, and 2021 as the Orange County Business Journal’s Women in Business and also honored in 2020 and 2021 for Women in Entrepreneurship. An entrepreneur who is passionate about social change and philanthropy in everyday living, Traci is married and a working mom of two little girls. She lives in Orange County, but relocated over 13 years ago from New York City and before that lived all over the country including Nashville, Tennessee. Traci was originally born and raised in the Bay Area and long time resident of the area. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Peggy Knauft is the Founder of Primary Pacific Properties. Peggy's incomparable customer service provides the optimal real estate experience for buyers and sellers and has helped her rank in the top 1% of all agents in Orange County, California. Peggy’s clients value her genuine care and ability to deliver outstanding results, underscored by her honesty, helpfulness, and desire not to take herself — or life — too seriously. She distinguishes herself from other agents by using her marketing background and staging talents to effectively and persuasively market homes that attract the right buyer and secure the best offer. Along with Peggy’s corresponding Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation, she is also a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist. Peggy graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.S. in political science. Before her real estate career, she was a vice president of global marketing, honing her marketing expertise and accumulating more than 20 years of experience in negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts. But Peggy’s passion for properties encouraged her to hang up her corporate hat for one that felt custom-made. Her first lesson was realizing there’s no textbook on how to succeed in this business, but she quickly figured it out by flexing her creative muscles. In just a few short years, Peggy turned 99% of her clients into referrals, gaining such a broad base that she serves just about every type of buyer and seller. Peggy’s involvement in her own family’s real estate business holdings for more than 25 years has further enhanced her ability to navigate market conditions and negotiate effectively on behalf of her clients. Peggy grew up in Pasadena and has been an Orange County resident since the 1990s. She currently lives in Laguna Niguel with her husband and two daughters. Her passion for real estate aside, Peggy enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering at her daughters’ schools and for the community. She also loves traveling and sampling new restaurants. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Dita Shemke is a highly-proficient financial executive with a wealth of experience in private and public companies, public accounting, angel investing and founding start-ups. Her biggest strength lies in her ability to think strategically and put the right people together to bring an idea to fruition. Dita is a passionate advocate for women. Her support for women to be more self-sufficient is both a personal and a business priority. She purposely developed her 20-year-old wealth advisory practice to primarily work with women in transition and assist owners of private companies to grow and eventually exit their business. Dita is the Orange County Chair for 50/50 Women on Boards, a global campaign to increase the number of women on boards of companies in the Russell 3000. She is a founding member and part of the leadership of the Southern California Chapter of Private Directors Association (PDA), a national organization that promotes excellence on private company boards. She spearheaded the formation of the Collaboration of Professional Women (CPW) in Orange County, an affinity group for female members of Provisors and the Center for Women’s Leadership at Vanguard University. In addition to starting and founding organizations, Dita is highly skilled in governance, having served on various boards of directors and advisory boards of nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, and university foundations. Dita received an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University with a focus on Strategic Planning. In her quest to find a larger platform for financial independence for women, she completed a Certificate in Microfinance from the Boulder Institute of Microfinance in Turin, Italy. Dita is passionate about learning, travel, food, and wine. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Dr. Shahrzad Nooravi is a business psychologist, Master Certified Coach (MCC) and Founder and CEO of Strategy Meets Performance, a business consulting firm that partners with leaders of mid-sized to Fortune 500 organizations to help them create engaging, innovative, and productive cultures. Dr. Nooravi has been named “Trailblazer of the Year,” “Citizen of the Year,” and “A Voice to Listen to” for driving positive change in her community. Dr. Nooravi's new leadership book, "A Powerful Culture Starts with You" was rated as the #1 New Release in Workplace Culture and Best Seller in Business Coaching. In a time in our history where employees have realized that they have many options for how and where they work, workplace culture is more important than ever. In her book, Dr. Nooravi shares the mindset it requires to be an engaging leader that employees are loyal to and do not want to leave. She will also share real-life client examples from her three-model approach for driving a strong, engaged and joyful workplace. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Stewart Gandolf, MBA, is the Chief Executive Officer of Healthcare Success, one of the nation’s leading healthcare and digital marketing agencies. Over the past 20 years, Stewart has marketed and consulted for over 1,000 healthcare clients, ranging from practices and hospitals to multi-billion dollar corporations. A frequent speaker, Stewart has shared his expertise at over 200 venues nationwide. As an author and expert resource, Stewart has also written for many leading industry publications, including the 21,000 subscriber Healthcare Success Insight blog. Stewart also co-authored, “Cash-Pay Healthcare: Start, Grow & Perfect Your Cash-Pay Healthcare Business.” Stewart began his career with leading advertising agencies, including J. Walter Thompson, where he marketed Fortune 500 clients such as Wells Fargo and Bally’s Total Fitness. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Yuko Tsuchida, CPA, MBA, is a Certified Public Accountant with over 10 years of tax consulting experience advising multinational corporations on value-added tax strategies. Her career started with KPMG's Japanese tax practice where she provided audit, tax, and advisory services to Japanese companies operating in the United States. After KPMG, she co-founded Think, LLP, a strategic tax advisory firm specializing in income tax planning, R&D credits, investment, employee and training tax credits, and incentive services. Throughout her career, she has helped clients claim over $100 million in incentives and credits. Ms. Tsuchida founded Hito, LLC in October 2017 after seeing how many companies fail to achieve their projected growth because they lack the time and resources to implement tax planning strategies that aligned with their long-term business objectives. Hito is the Japanese term for ‘people’ and Ms. Tsuchida believes people drive business growth. Hito provides value-added tax consulting services focused on tax incentives and credits. Hito accelerates the growth of businesses and promotes change through tax benefits. This helps businesses unlock savings by minimizing taxes and freeing up capital for reinvestment into the business and its employees. Ms. Tsuchida enjoys volunteering her time to guide nonprofit organizations, specifically those with missions that support childhood development. She has spent several months consulting with orphanages and early childhood development centers in Cambodia and South Africa. providing financial expertise on long-term financial sustainability, her dream is to build a not-for-profit organization in Sub-Saharan Africa or Southeast Asia to provide education to underprivileged children. Ms. Tsuchida holds a Bachelor of Accounting from Northeastern State University (Oklahoma) and a Master of Business Administration from IE Business School (Madrid, Spain). -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

During an extraordinary four-decades in international business, William (Bill) Edwards, CEO & Global Advisor, Edwards Global Services, Inc. (EGS), has played a leadership role in the successful global growth of more than 40 small, INC 5000 and Fortune 100 companies. He is widely recognized as an International Problem Solver, strategist, advisor and specialist on global cultures. His career covers international operating executive, and entrepreneurial experience in the energy, technology, licensing, management consulting and retail sectors. He has been a technical specialist, district manager, master licensee, brand senior executive and brand country president. Mr. Edwards has also started several international businesses. Bill has lived in China, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, and Turkey and directed projects in over 50 countries. Mr. Edwards’ company has twice received the U.S. Presidential award for export excellence. He has published the respected GlobalVue™ country ranking analysis quarterly for 20 years and publishes a biweekly global business update newsletter that can viewed at: www.geowizard.biz Mr. Edwards is the Vice Chair of the District Export Council of Southern California and the Vice Chair / Incoming Chair of the World Affairs Council of Orange County. He is also a member of the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) Leadership Council. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

John Mendola is the Founder of the University Curriculum for Independent Learning, Founder & Chief Financial Officer of the Irvine International Academic Academy, Founder of Johnny Rock Music Group, and Managing Director of IRM Consulting Group, Inc. Additionally, John serves as a Professor of Business & Education at Westcliff University in Irvine, and has experience teaching at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Irvine Valley College, and other institutions. A well-rounded and highly successful business professional, John offers real-world, hands-on experience in all facets of business planning, e-commerce and traditional marketing, sales, staff training and growth, branding, and contract negotiations. Highly experienced in global business and travel, John has developed the insightful and powerful “3Rs” business philosophy of Rapport, Respect and Relationships. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Mark A. Herschberg is the author of The Career Toolkit, Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You. Educated at MIT, Mark has spent his career launching and fixing new ventures at startups, Fortune 500s, and academia. He’s developed new software languages, online marketplaces, new authentication systems, and tracked criminals and terrorists on the dark web. Mark helped create the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, MIT’s “Career Success Accelerator”, where he’s taught for twenty years. Mark also serves on the boards of non-profits Techie Youth and Plant a Million Corals. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Ashley Harris serves as Chief Financial Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast leading all finance and accounting operations to ensure the fiscal strength of the Club. As CFO, Ashley oversees financial reporting, cash management, forecasting, GAAP compliance and audit readiness. Ashley is committed to maximizing the Club’s budget to ensure the continued growth and success of the Club’s mission to serve 9,500+ youth in Orange County. Prior to joining Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, Ashley worked in corporate finance at Johnson & Johnson and Hyundai Capital America where she honed her skills in the areas of cash forecasting, financial reporting, capital asset management, budget management, auditing and SEC compliance. Ashley prides herself on efficiency and implementation of strategies to streamline accounting processes and build financial metrics to complement business strategy, whether in the not-for-profit or for-profit world. Ashley has a strong passion for millennial financial success and wealth-building for people of all backgrounds. A significant amount of her participation in professional industry associations and community organizations correlates with financial education. In 2016, Ashley authored her first book, “It’s Not You, It’s Your Money” to provide a roadmap for young adults to have a positive and proactive relationship with money. Ashley was also featured on Charles Schwab’s segment “Money Matters: Make it Count” where she discussed the importance of financial literacy and the impact that learning about money as a teenager had on her interest in personal finance and her career path. Ashley is a member of Forbes Finance Council, Howard Alumni Association, National Association for Black Accountants, and Toastmaster Los Angeles. She also volunteers with Salvation Army Angel Tree Project. Since becoming a member of Forbes Finance Council in 2021, Ashley has been featured in several articles including, “16 Practical Steps To Help Your Business Weather An Economic Recession,” “11 Smart Ways A Young Adult Can Start Building A Good Credit Score,” and “Four Big Company Financial Practices To Use In Your Personal Finances.” Ashley hails from Trenton, New Jersey. As a youth, Ashley was a member of her local Boys & Girls Club. Ashley won the Club’s Youth of The Year Award during her senior year of high school. She remains active with Boys & Girls Club of Trenton/Mercer County as she knows the importance of the programs and mentorship that the Club offers. Ashley holds both a B.A. and M.B.A in Accounting from Howard University in Washington, DC. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Dr. Kathryn Hamel is the Chief Executive Officer at the Hecht Trauma Institute. Before she transitioned into non-profit leadership, she worked in higher education and served her community for nearly 25-years as a law-enforcement professional for two mid-sized municipal police departments. Dr. Hamel is a certified trauma and resilience professional and educator and author of Body Mind & Badge: Strategies for Navigating Trauma & Resilience in Law Enforcement. She has worked as a police lieutenant, police sergeant, special victim’s detective, public information officer, and task force officer. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she holds a Doctoral Degree in Public Safety Leadership from Capella University, a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach. She also serves on the Board of Directors for KinderVision, a non-profit co-founded by her late mother, Ashby Sebastian, dedicated to addressing the exploitation of children. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Ashley Vallett is a recruiting professional with almost a decade of experience in the staffing industry and the owner of her own firm, Technacity Group, which she started in 2019. After working for a variety of different staffing firms over the years, Ashley felt the companies she was working for were not serving the needs of her candidates and client communities, so she went out on her own and has never looked back. Now, almost 3 years later, she has built and scaled her company to a successful firm that is disrupting the industry. One of Ashley’s goals has always been to help women and underrepresented groups advance their careers in IT and Engineering. She serves on the board of Women In Technology International (WITI) as the Corporate Partnerships and Alliances chair and is an Ambassador for Women in Games. It is her tenacious spirit that makes Ashley a powerful advocate for her candidates and clients alike and she looks forward to continuing to grow Technacity as a leader in the tech recruiting space. -- 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 Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning #collectiveintelligence #southerncalifornia #criticalmassbusinesstalkshow