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.

Time to talk city-building! Gina Yager sits down with Mayor Michelle Romero, the Henderson native who spent 25 years transforming her hometown from behind the scenes before voters elected her to lead Nevada’s second-largest city. From managing the development of the Water Street District – bringing new housing, retail, jobs, and entertainment to downtown Henderson – to spearheading the Redevelopment Agency’s work on billion-dollar projects like Cadence, Union Village, and Henderson Hospital, Michelle’s fingerprints are all over the city’s modern success story. Discover what it’s like to transition from public administrator to elected leader of one of America’s safest and best places to live, and how she steered local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re passionate about economic development, civic engagement, or simply curious about what makes a city truly great, Michelle’s 29-year journey combined with her unwavering commitment to leading with kindness, will inspire you to think differently about community impact. For more information, visit www.cityofhenderson.com or connect with the City of Henderson on social media.

Ready to discover what it takes to build a university from the ground up? Gina Yager sits down with Dr. Renee Coffman, the visionary pharmacist and educator who co-founded what is now Roseman University of Health Sciences, transforming healthcare education in Nevada and beyond. From her roots as a small-town Ohio pharmacist to earning her doctorate at Purdue University and pioneering problem-based learning at Western University, Dr. Coffman’s journey is a testament to innovation in education. Get the inside story on establishing Nevada’s first pharmacy college, the challenges of building an accredited health sciences university, and how Roseman has become a cornerstone of healthcare workforce development in Southern Nevada. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, or simply curious about entrepreneurship in the nonprofit sector, Dr. Coffman’s insights on leadership, persistence, and her commitment to improving community health will inspire you to think bigger about the impact one person can make. For more information, visit www.roseman.edu or connect with Roseman University on social media.

Get energized with Las Vegas’ most beloved voice! Gina Yager sits down with Chet Buchanan, the multimedia powerhouse behind 98.5 KLUC’s top-rated “Chet Buchanan Show” and the official voice of the Las Vegas Aces and NASCAR at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. From his humble beginnings discovering his passion for broadcasting to becoming a two-time Emmy Award winner who’s lent his voice to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, USA Basketball, and nearly two decades as UNLV’s Basketball and Football Gameday Host, Chet’s journey is pure inspiration. But what truly sets Chet apart isn’t just his talent behind the mic – it’s his massive heart for giving back. His legendary Toy Drive has generated nearly $60 million in value over 26 years, and he serves on the boards of HELP of Southern Nevada, Project 150, and Variety - The Children’s Charity. Chet shares professional advice for anyone looking to build a multimedia career or pivot into entertainment, reveals what gets him energized to tackle each day, and opens up about upcoming projects he’s most excited about. Whether you’re an aspiring broadcaster, a business professional looking to make an impact in your community, or simply a fan of Las Vegas’ vibrant entertainment scene, Chet’s insights on connecting with audiences, doing business in Las Vegas, and finding your true calling will hit home. For more information, follow @ChetBuchanan on all social media platforms and listen to the Chet Buchanan Show weekday mornings on 98.5 KLUC.

Decode what’s next as Gina Yager sits down with Michael Tchong, the serial entrepreneur and futurist who’s made a career out of spotting the massive waves of change before they reshape our world. Recognized by The Daily Telegraph as “America’s most influential trendspotter,” Michael lives by his powerful motto: “I help you catch the next wave before it catches you.” From his early days working on accounts like Commodore and Atari to his breakthrough work with Apple that cemented his reputation as a “technosexual,” Michael’s journey spans five startups and over 500 speaking engagements worldwide. Get the inside story on how a painful startup failure led him to pioneer trend forecasting, moving beyond flawed market predictions to ground-breaking insights that help leaders navigate constant disruption. Discover the driving forces behind his latest venture, Ubertrends Academy—an online learning platform designed to teach the pattern-matching skills that separate true innovators from followers. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or changemaker looking to lead instead of react, Michael’s decades of experience advising global brands and his unique ability to translate societal shifts into actionable strategy will reshape how you see the future coming. For more information, visit ubertrends.com or connect with Michael on social media.

Time to invest in the future! Gina Yager sits down with Wendy Hodges-Kent, the passionate advocate who’s shaping the next generation of financially literate leaders through Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada. With over 30 years of experience, from addressing hunger at national levels in Texas to her current mission of economic education, Wendy’s journey is a masterclass in community empowerment. From fifth-grade Shark Tank-style business pitches that award UNLV scholarships to community days where your own kids can experience these life-changing programs, Wendy reveals how Junior Achievement is building the economic foundation our youth need to thrive. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or business leader looking to give back, this episode will inspire you to see the unlimited possibilities when we invest in young minds. For more information, visit www.jasnv.org or connect with Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada on social media.

Time to strike the right chord! Gina Yager sits down with Pete Radd, the versatile musician who’s been turning melodies into memorable marketing magic for over 30 years. From his early days, knowing at age 4 that piano would be his life’s calling to creating the unforgettable Lerner and Rowe jingle that’s stuck in everyone’s head across 20 states, Pete’s journey is a perfect harmony of passion and business savvy. Get the inside story on how Pete splits his time between crafting catchy commercial jingles for major brands nationwide and performing on the stunning Steinway piano in the Bellagio lobby. Discover his secrets for collaborating with clients in the competitive advertising world and his touring days with legendary acts like The Four Tops and The Temptations. Whether you’re a creative professional looking to turn your talent into a thriving business or simply curious about the intersection of music and marketing, Pete’s insights on client service, adapting to change, and finding your niche in Las Vegas’ dynamic business landscape will hit all the right notes. For more information, visit www.raddtunes.com or connect with Pete on social media.

Ready to dig deep into entrepreneurship? Gina Yager connects with Will Bower, the Las Vegas native and disabled veteran who’s turned his passion for mining into a thriving community-centered business. From his Army National Guard service (2000-2009) to channeling his IT expertise into owning an actual amethyst mine, Will’s journey proves that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to pure gold. Get the real story behind 2 Rock Guys – more than just miners with a YouTube channel, they’re modern-day treasure hunters sharing authentic adventures while creating stunning jewelry, art, and mineral collections. From his ‘90s Las Vegas upbringing split between city life and Wisconsin summers, to building a unique enterprise that combines mining, content creation, and community engagement, Will’s insights on turning your passions into profit while staying true to your values will inspire anyone looking to carve their own unconventional path to success. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/@2RockGuys or connect with 2 Rock Guys on social media.

Time to connect and elevate! Gina Yager sits down with Brandy Newman, the dynamic force behind We Elevate Marketing and the visionary founder of the Las Vegas Host Committee. From her powerhouse days as Market President of Clear Channel Radio to pioneering digital marketing strategies at Lotus Communications, Brandy’s 20+ year journey through media and marketing is a masterclass in strategic transformation. Discover how this community champion is uniting Las Vegas business leaders with one bold mission: transforming our city into the global capital of sports and entertainment. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, dive into digital marketing, or get involved in community impact, Brandy’s insights on building meaningful connections and leveraging the power of sports to drive economic growth will inspire your next big move. For more information, visit https://weelevatemarketing.com/ and https://yourlvhost.com/.

Ready to dive deep into Southern Nevada’s healthcare landscape? Gina Yager sits down with Sam Kaufman, the visionary leader who’s been shaping The Valley Health System since 1991 and spearheaded the launch of the state-of-the-art Henderson Hospital in 2016. From his early days at the National Institutes of Health to earning the prestigious Eagle Award—Universal Health Services’ highest CEO honor—Sam’s journey through every level of hospital operations is nothing short of remarkable. Get exclusive insights into modern hospital management, strategic planning, and value-based healthcare in our rapidly evolving community. Sam opens up about his commitment to advancing medical education through his board service with Touro University and the Governor’s Taskforce on Graduate Medical Education, plus what drives him to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare delivery. For more information, visit www.hendersonhospital.com or connect with them on social media.

Time to talk innovation and investment! Gina connects with Len Jessup, the two-time university president turned venture capitalist who’s building Las Vegas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem from the ground up. From transforming UNLV into a Carnegie R1 research institution to now raising capital and investing in promising local startups, Len’s journey from academia to venture capital is driven by his passion for creating opportunities. Discover what it takes to spot the next big thing in Las Vegas’ growing startup scene, get the inside scoop on his upcoming book on entrepreneurial leadership with Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine, and learn how this Amazon bestselling author of Self Less: Lessons Learned from A Life Devoted to Servant Leadership, in Five Acts, is fostering economic growth that will drive our city’s future. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or curious about the intersection of education and innovation, Len’s insights will reshape how you think about building something meaningful. For more information, visit Desert Forge Ventures’ at www.desertforgeventures.com or connect with Len on social media.