Get Your Chat on with GYC Vegas

Time to talk mental health and innovation! Gina Yager sits down with D Sharma, the tech entrepreneur-turned-wellness advocate who’s democratizing access to mental health support through Wellness Coach. From his roots in technology to a life-changing experience in Thailand that shifted his entire perspective, D’s journey is a powerful testament to reinvention and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Get the real story behind building a platform that makes personalized wellness coaching accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford traditional therapy. D opens up about the mission driving Wellness Coach, his philosophy on resilience and reinvention after personal transformation, and the exciting innovations on the horizon for mental health technology. For more information, visit Wellness Coach online or connect with D Sharma on social media.

Time to talk justice, community, and what it really means to serve! Gina Yager sits down with Gary Thompson, a Henderson native, seasoned attorney, and candidate for Henderson Municipal Court Judge, Department 1. A Basic High School graduate who has called Henderson home since 1967, Gary built his legal career over 30+ years in Nevada courtrooms – representing clients in criminal defense, personal injury, and civil matters – before stepping forward to run for the bench. From his family’s deep roots in service, a grandfather who was present at Pearl Harbor and a father who served as a Henderson police officer for nearly 30 years, to his own work presiding over the Veterans Treatment Court and shaping the next generation of leaders through Henderson’s High School Leadership program, Gary’s commitment to this community runs generations deep. Discover what inspired a seasoned attorney to make the leap from advocate to judge, what Henderson residents should expect from their Municipal Court, and why Gary believes fairness, consistency, and dignity aren’t just judicial values – they’re community values. Whether you’re a Henderson resident, a civic-minded voter, or someone who simply wants to understand how local justice shapes everyday life, Gary’s story will leave you with a new appreciation for what it means to truly serve the city you love. For more information, visit www.electgarythompson.com or connect with Gary’s campaign on social media @electgarythompson.

On this episode of Get Your Chat on, we sit down with Heather Brown, President of StartUp Vegas and elected member of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, representing District 6 in Southern Nevada. A proud Las Vegas native, Western High School and UNLV alumna, and first-generation college graduate, Heather co-founded StartUp Vegas, a nonprofit driving Southern Nevada’s startup culture, workforce development, and economic diversification. Heather shares her journey from working in public policy in Washington, D.C., and Brussels to returning home to Nevada to strengthen our region’s tech and innovation economy. We discuss her dual role championing both entrepreneurship and higher education, her time as Senior Vice President of Entrepreneurial Development at the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, and how her upbringing in a military household shaped her values of service and accountability. From ensuring Nevada's higher education institutions remain affordable and accessible to building our startup ecosystem and driving economic diversification, Heather reveals what motivates her each day and how she's pushing boundaries to transform Nevada's higher education system. Recognized among Las Vegas’ 40 Under 40 in 2023 and a graduate of Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2024, Heather Brown is a champion for education, entrepreneurship, and community building throughout Southern Nevada. For more information, visit https://startup.vegas/ or connect with Heather Brown on social media.

Time to talk global operations! Gina Yager sits down with Mihir Wagh, the Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain Manufacturing & Logistics at Aristocrat Gaming – an industry-leading global gaming content and technology company. From his decade-plus background in Michigan solving operational challenges for automotive and premier technology brands to overseeing Aristocrat’s integration centers across Tulsa, Las Vegas, Barcelona, and beyond, Mihir’s career is a masterclass in building high-performing teams that thrive in an ever-changing global landscape. Beyond the boardroom, Mihir brings that same leadership energy to his community. Currently serving on the Board of Directors for both the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and Goodie 2 Shoes, he’s proof that the best leaders don’t stop at the office door. Whether you’re in operations, supply chain, or simply inspired by leaders who show up fully at work and in the community, Mihir’s insights on building resilient teams, delivering results, and giving back will leave you motivated to level up in every area of your life. For more information, visit www.aristocrat.com or connect with Mihir on social media.

In this episode we sit down with DeAndre Esteen, a true champion of community engagement and corporate citizenship in Henderson, Nevada. As the VP and Contact Center Site Coordinator at Barclays Bank US, DeAndre oversees the Citizenship and community agenda for the bank’s largest Operations site in the US Consumer Bank, connecting colleagues with meaningful volunteer opportunities and building strategic partnerships with local nonprofits and schools. Recognized as one of Las Vegas Weekly’s “40 Under Forty” in 2021 and named a “JA Hero” by Junior Achievement of Las Vegas, DeAndre exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. When he’s not building bridges between business and community, you’ll find him spending time with his family or coaching youth flag football for the Henderson Flag Football League. Join us as DeAndre shares insights on leveraging corporate resources for community good, the importance of authentic partnerships, and how chambers of commerce can drive meaningful social impact. For more information, visit www.hendersonchamber.com or connect with DeAndre Esteen on social media.

Ready to bridge the gap between classroom and boardroom? Gina Yager connects with Dr. Michelle Region-Sebest, the business professor who traded her corner office for the classroom after spending over a decade in major leadership positions at Quiksilver. From corporate executive to Ph.D. scholar and Nevada State University educator, Michelle’s unconventional journey proves that the most impactful careers often take unexpected turns. Discover what it’s really like to transition from the fast-paced corporate world to academia, and how Michelle brings authentic business experience into her teaching that goes far beyond textbooks. Get insights into her research on workplace inclusivity, diversity, and the business success skills that today’s students desperately need to thrive in our global marketplace. Learn why she believes these topics aren’t just buzzwords – they’re critical competencies for the next generation of business leaders. For more information, visit www.nsu.edu or connect with Nevada State University on social media.

Time to talk local government leadership! Gina Yager connects with Commissioner Michael Naft, the dedicated public servant who’s been modernizing Clark County government and championing traffic safety for all road users since his appointment in 2019. From his six years as District Director to Congresswoman Dina Titus to his current work chairing the Big Bend Water District and County Audit Committee, Michael’s commitment to effective governance runs deep. Discover what drives a Las Vegas Academy and UNLV graduate to dedicate his career to public service, how he’s working to improve emergency response times and pedestrian safety across our rapidly growing community, and his vision for modernizing county departments to better serve residents. Whether you’re a civically engaged resident, aspiring public servant, or business leader looking to understand how local government really works, Commissioner Naft’s practical approach to problem-solving and his focus on constituent services will give you a new appreciation for the impact of county-level leadership. For more information, visit www.clarkcountynv.gov or connect with Commissioner Naft on social media.