Business Leaders of America Podcast

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Denise Panza, a seasoned mortgage banking professional with over 28 years of experience. Discover firsthand insights into building trust with clients, mastering time management in a competitive market, and leveraging effective marketing strategies, including Denise’s expertise in growing a significant following on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Plus, learn about the crucial role confidence plays in client interactions and how continuous learning fuels professional growth in the mortgage banking industry. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation that offers valuable advice for both new and seasoned leaders.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• 28 years’ experience in the Mortgage Industry
• Licensed in 15 different states. (CT NY MA PA NJ FL RI NC TX OH TN VA GA ME MI)
• 2022 Real Estate Trendsetter Award from Success Magazine
• 2021 Top 100 Community Loan Officers from NAMMBA

Denise’s tips for Effective Marketing on Social Media:

o    Be consistent and post often.

o    Be relatable by not only posting work related content, but also personal content.

o    Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

How to connect with Denise:

Denise Panza | LinkedIn

Phone: (203) 942-6845

Email: dpanza@totalmortgage.com.

Show Notes:

[1:28] Brief intro on Denise and how she got to where she is today.

[3:17] How building and maintaining trust is crucial in a competitive market.

[4:46] Importance of time effectiveness especially when dealing with multiple tasks at once.

[6:10] Advantages and disadvantages of being licensed in multiple states.

[7:38] Continuous education.

[8:22] Effective Marketing and how it attracts potential clients. 

[9:22] Having confidence in yourself, how it impacts interactions with clients, and why it’s a key element in building successful relationships.

[10:48] Prioritizing self-development   

[13:28] Benefits to referring others in your industry instead of trying to take it all on yourself.

[14:44] How to engage with Denise, follow her content, and request information on your loan needs.

[15:43] Advice to staying resilient in the face of challenges.

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Get ready for an enlightening episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast as we sit down with Dr. Don Capener, the esteemed Dean of Brad D. Smith Schools of Business at Marshall University. With over two decades of experience in university administration and a background spanning academia, entrepreneurship, and strategic consulting, Dr. Capener brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our conversation.

Throughout our interview, we delve into Dr. Capener’s remarkable career journey, exploring his pioneering role in founding the iconic “Above the Rim” basketball apparel brand, his transformative leadership at various universities including Jacksonville and Utah Valley, and his current mission to drive innovation and excellence in business education at Marshall University.

From discussing the unique aspects of Marshall’s business school to Dr. Capener’s vision for the future of business education amidst a rapidly evolving landscape, this episode promises to offer valuable perspectives on leadership, academia, and the intersection of business and culture.

*Notable Awards and Recognitions* 

• Dean of Brad D. Smith Schools of Business at Marshall University
• Strategy Consultant for Chang Industrial
• Co-Founder of “Above the Rim” (Reebok)
• Former Associate Dean and Dean of Professional Studies at Utah Valley University
• Former Dean of Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University
• Former VP of Marketing for Netcentives
• Former VP-Account Director for Frankel (VISA)

How to connect with Don:

·          Don Capener | LinkedIn

Show Notes:

[1:19] Dr. Capener’s background and how he got to where he is today.

[6:30] Inspiration behind Above the Rim and the niche Dr. Capener and his brother Robert “Bobby” Capener saw in the market to create the first basketball apparel brand.

[16:44] Life after Above the Rim

[22:57] Dr. Capener touches on the major differences from working as a Dean at Jacksonville University and Utah Valley University to now being at Marshall University.

[31:39] How Dr. Capener’s previous positions shaped him as a leader.

[38:58] Cross cultural challenges working as a Strategy Consultant at Chang Industrial.

[43:52] Dr. Capener’s vision for the future of business education.

[48:50] How to engage with Dr. Capener and receive more information on Marshall University and Brad D. Smith Schools of Business/Lewis College of Business. 

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Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dean Peter Rodriguez, a distinguished leader in academia and the field of business and economics. With over 25 years of experience, Dean Rodriguez has left an indelible mark on higher education, serving as the Dean of the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University since 2016.

Dean Rodriguez’s commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in his transformative leadership, where he has doubled MBA enrollment, spearheaded initiatives for diversity and inclusion, and championed academic excellence. Join us as we delve into his remarkable journey, discussing his strategic vision for business education, his insights on leadership and diversity, and his advice for aspiring business leaders.

Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation with Dean Peter Rodriguez, where we explore the future of business education and the evolving landscape of the business world.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Dean of the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University.
• Former Senior Associate Dean and Chief Diversity Officer for the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
• Serves on the board of directors for The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch, as well as three nonprofit organizations: Good Reason Houston, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, and Texas 2036.
• Recipient of numerous teaching awards from Princeton, Texas A&M, and the University of Virginia
• Introduced the first online graduate degree and launched the undergraduate business major at Rice.
• Doubled MBA enrollment and increased tenure-track faculty by over 35%

How to connect with Dean Peter Rodriguez:

·         Peter Rodriguez | LinkedIn

·         Peter Rodriguez (@profp_rod) • Instagram photos and videos

Show Notes:

[1:25] Dean Rodriguez extends on his background and how he got to where he is today.

[4:16] Approach to promoting diversity and inclusion as the Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Virgina.

[10:10] Transition from Senior Associate Dean of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia to the Dean of Jones School of Business at Rice University and how his leadership has evolved since transitioning.

[14:28] Key strategic initiatives that have been implemented to enhance the schools academic excellence and operational effectiveness.

[21:21] Vision for the future of Business Schools

[24:00] Utilization of AI

[33:31] How to engage with Dean Rodriguez and resources available to learn more about the Jones School of Business at Rice University.

[35:06] How business students aspiring to pursue careers in business and entrepreneurship can best prepare for the evolving landscape of the business world.

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Welcome to another compelling episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, we had the honor of sitting down with the accomplished Paul Gunn Jr., Founder & CEO, whose extensive background in the Defense & Space industry has made him a prominent figure in business.

During our conversation, we explored Paul’s diverse career, spanning Defense & Space, Logistics, and Procurement. He shared valuable insights into his leadership philosophy and the factors that have contributed to his remarkable success.

We delved into topics such as the role of empathy and transparency in business, the significance of mentorship, fostering a culture of innovation, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter logistics and procurement.

Stay tuned for an enriching discussion that provides a glimpse into the experiences and wisdom of Paul Gunn Jr. – a leader who continues to make a significant impact in the business world.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

·         Founder and CEO of KUOG Corporation

·         USA Today and Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author

·        Guided KUOG to achieving recognition on the INC. 500 list across multiple categories, while also garnering acknowledgment from distinguished publications such as USA Today and Forbes.

·         Contributor to Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine.

How to connect with Paul Gunn Jr:

·         Paul L. Gunn Jr | LinkedIn

·         Paull Gunn Jr (@paulgunnjr) • Instagram photos and videos

·         Amazon.com: Paul L. Gunn Jr.: books, biography, latest update

Show Notes:

[1:21] What lead Paul to where he is today.

[2:29] How KUOG Corporation came to fruition and the inspiration on starting it.

[5:19] How KUOG differentiates from other logistics and procurement businesses.

[7:16] Key factors that have resulted in KUOG’s rapid success. Being listed on the INC. 500 and recognized by USA Today and Forbes.

[10:08] How empathy and transparency has helped with Paul’s success and how he demonstrates it with his employees, clients, and stakeholders.

[13:53] Encouraging innovation within KUOG Corporation.

[17:31] Importance of mentorship and professional development on grooming the next generation of leaders.  

[21:02] Mentoring incoming employees at KUOG.

[25:50] How to engage with Paul and KUOG Corporation.

[26:37] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to get into the logistics and procurement industries.

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Introducing Marty Strong, a seasoned CEO, Chief Strategy Officer, retired SEAL officer, and best-selling author, renowned for his insightful leadership strategies. With a distinguished career spanning U.S. Navy SEAL Teams and corporate boardrooms, Marty has honed his expertise in crisis leadership, strategic vision, and creativity.

As the driving force behind Legacy Care, Marty orchestrates innovative healthcare solutions, leveraging his profound insights and diverse skill set. His journey from the battlefield to the boardroom underscores his exceptional leadership prowess, exemplified by his books, “Be Nimble” and “Be Visionary.”

In our enlightening conversation, Marty shares invaluable insights into how his SEAL experiences have shaped his leadership philosophy, his vision for Legacy Care, and the profound impact of his upcoming book, “Be Different.” As well as, Marty’s role on the board of BEST Robotics which further illuminates his commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in emerging technologies. Join us as we delve into Marty’s remarkable journey and glean wisdom from his unique perspective on leadership and success.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Retired Navy Seal Officer
• CEO at Legacy Care
• Serves on the Board of Directors for BEST Robotics
• Amazon best-selling author of three business books: “Be Nimble,” “Be Visionary,” and the upcoming release, “Be Different.”
• Motivational Speaker
• Business Consultant

 3 Principles of Creativity

• Intellectual Humility
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Intellectual Creativity

How to connect with Marty:

·         Marty Strong | LinkedIn

·         Marty Strong Author, Speaker, Top Business Consultant (martystrongbenimble.com)

·         Amazon.com: Marty Strong: books, biography, latest update

Show Notes:

[1:23] Brief background on Marty and how he got to where he is today.

[2:29] How being a Navy Seal shaped Marty’s leadership style.

[10:45] A day in the life of a CEO at Legacy Care and the key priorities being focused on to drive the companies success.

[14:51] Advancement in technology

[20:51] BEST Robotics

[30:59] Inspiration behind Marty’s Books, “Be Nimble”, “Be Visionary”, and “Be Different”.

[41:42] How to engage with Marty and pick up his books.

[42:55] Marty’s advice to future leaders that encapsulates his leadership philosophy and why you should embrace it.

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In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Maja Zelihic, the esteemed Dean of the Forbes School of Business and Technology at the University of Arizona Global Campus.

Throughout our insightful conversation, Dr. Zelihic shared her wealth of knowledge and experience in academia, research, and international education. As a Fulbright Specialist, Forbes contributor, TEDx Speaker, and accomplished author, her contributions to the field of business education and leadership are truly remarkable.

We delved into a wide range of topics, from Dr. Zelihic’s involvement with the Fulbright Specialist Program to her perspectives on the evolving landscape of business education. She provided valuable insights into her leadership philosophy, the innovative initiatives at the Forbes School of Business and Technology, and the importance of continuous learning in effective leadership.

Be sure to tune in for an engaging discussion filled with valuable insights and perspectives on leadership, education, and the future of business.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Dean at the Forbes School of Business and Technology, University of Arizona Global Campus
• Named to the Global 100 Inspirational Leaders List 2022 by Global Leaders Today
• Named one of the top 200 leaders to follow by PeopleHum in 2021
• Co-author of “The Power of Perception”
• Fulbright Specialist
• Forbes contributor
• TEDx Speaker
• NAFSA’s Global Dialogue Partner
• Board of Advisors member, International Fellowship Program in Arbitration and Scientific Assessment
• Industry Advisory Member at the Amity University Novel Communication Lab (AUNCL)
• Published in over 20+ peer-reviewed journals
• Conducted research ventures in Haiti, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Jordan, Zambia, the Balkan region, and others
• Four-time recipient of University Fellows research grants
• Contributor to the International Leadership Research Handbook

How to connect with Dr. Maja Zelihic:

•  Dr. Maja (Maya) Zelihic | LinkedIn
• Home – Dr. Maja Zelihic (drmajazelihic.com)
• The Power of Perception: Eliminating Boundaries to Create Successful Global Leaders: Hamilton, Diane, Zelihic, Maja: 9781642379709: Amazon.com: Books

Show Notes:

[1:38] Brief intro on Dr. Zelihic and how she got to where she is today.

[2:55] Fulbright Specialist Program

[6:22] How international experiences have shaped Dr. Zelihic’s perspective on education and her approach to leadership in academia.

[13:30] How the Forbes School of Business and Technology is differentiating from other universities offering business and technology programs.

[15:50] Staying ahead of the latest technological advancements.

[21:21] Dr. Zelihic’s book, “The Power of Perception”

[24:21] The roll that continuous learning plays in effective leadership 

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Introducing Kim Kelley, CEO and Co-Founder of pepelwerk, a groundbreaking HR tech platform reshaping talent acquisition and development. With a background in business administration and a passion for education, Kim leads a team dedicated to bridging the gap between businesses and talent through cutting-edge technology.

From her tenure as a Human Resource Executive and Consultant to her current role as CEO of pepelwerk, Kim’s journey reflects her unwavering dedication to driving innovation in talent management. As she navigated the complexities of HR consulting and executive leadership, Kim honed her vision for pepelwerk, leveraging technology to revolutionize how companies source, develop, and retain talent.

Join us as Kim delves into the transformative impact of pepelwerk, sharing firsthand experiences and lessons learned along the way. From navigating the challenges of scaling a tech startup to harnessing the power of AI in talent acquisition, Kim offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of HR technology and the future of work.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• CEO and Co-Founder of pepelwerk
• Board of Directors for the non-profit organization, Free to Learn
• Former HR Sr. Principal Consultant for Mercer and Alliant
• Over 25 years experience in executive leadership

How to connect with Kim Kelley:

• the1kimkelley | change management advisor
• Kim K. | LinkedIn
• pepelwerk – Workforce Building | Career Service Software | Education Matching
• Meet Sam-pepelwerk’s Trusted AI Guide (youtube.com)

Show Notes

[1:33] Brief background and how Kim got to where she is today.

[4:39] How Kim’s previous roles as a HR Executive and Consultant shaped her vision for developing pepelwerk.

[8:14] Key challenges while building and scaling pepelwerk.

[9:38] Insights on how pepelwerk empowers people to upskill, reskill and build their future careers

[14:13] The skills/competencies that Kim believes are the most in demand.

[17:52] How artificial intelligence plays a role in pepelwerk’s talent acquisition and development processes.

[21:28] How to engage and learn more about pepelwerk

[22:09] What key lessons and advice for future leaders of America.

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In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Chad Burmeister, the Founder and CEO of BDR.ai. Chad’s expertise and experience offer a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and sales.

During our conversation, we explored Chad’s innovative strategies, discussed the future of AI in sales, and gained valuable insights into the challenges and successes of growing BDR.ai from zero to $1M ARR in under 12 months.

Chad also shared his thoughts on the key attributes and strategies for sales success, as well as his approach to balancing automation and personalization in sales outreach.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into our discussion, uncovering more insights into AI-driven sales success and exploring the transformative potential of technology in today’s sales landscape.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder and Board Member of BDR.ai
• Voted Top 25 Inside Sales Professional 10 years in a row by the AA-ISP
• Grew a private company from $0 – $1.5M in 2 years
• Podcast Host of “The AI for Sales Podcast”
• Author of, “AI For Sales” and “Mastering B2B Lead Generation: With LinkedIn and AI”
• Forbes Next 1000 Honeree
• The Sales Experts Channel Best Producer Award
• Top 100 Sales Coaches You Should Know
• RingExcellence Award (2017)
• Top 50 Sales Development Leaders You Should Know (2016)
• 2013 AA-ISP Top 25 Most Influential Inside Sales Professionals
• President’s Club 2012 (ON24)
• 2011 AA-ISP Top 25 Most Influential Inside Sales Professionals
• 2010 AA-ISP Top 25 Most Influential Inside Sales Professionals

How to connect with Chad Burmeister:

• Chad Burmeister | LinkedIn
• AI for Sales Pipeline & Lead Generation USA | Artificial Intelligence | BDR.ai
• Artificial Intelligence for Sales Podcast USA — BDR.ai
• Books by Chad — Chad Burmeister

Show Notes

[1:31] Brief background and how Chad got to where he is today.

[2:53] Features and functionalities of BDR.ai and how it leverages AI to optimize sales outreach.

[10:55] Key challenges in growing BDR.ai.

[14:37] Attributes/strategies that Chad believes contribute to sales success.

[18:30] The role AI has in the future and how Chad believes it will continue to evolve.

[21:59] How Chad approaches the balance of automation and personalization in sales outreach.

[25:36] Where to learn more about BDR.ai as well as Chad’s AI for Sales Podcast.

[26:45] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs or sales professionals looking to make an impact in their industries.

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In our recent episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting the remarkable Oakland McCulloch, a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army turned internationally acclaimed keynote speaker and author. With a distinguished career spanning over 40 years, including combat roles and civilian positions, Oakland brings unparalleled insights into leadership that resonate across industries and generations.

Throughout our conversation, Oakland shared invaluable wisdom on servant leadership, the essence of effective leadership, and the transformative power of mentorship. We also delved into his involvement with the Mend the Heart Foundation, underlining Oakland’s commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the confines of the corporate world.

Stay tuned for the episode release to glean insights from Oakland’s wealth of experience and wisdom!

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Former Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army
• Over 40 years of leadership experience in the U.S. Army and subsequent civilian positions
• Author of the 2021 release, “Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be”
• Board of advisors member for Mend the Heart Foundation
• Internationally recognized keynote speaker covering topics such as leadership, success, history, and college preparation

How to connect with Oakland McCulloch:

• Oakland McCulloch | LinkedIn
• Home | Your Leadership Legacy | LTC Oak McCulloch | United States
• Facebook
• Amazon.com: Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be (Audible Audio Edition): Oakland McCulloch, LTC Oakland McCulloch, LTC Oakland McCulloch: Audible Books & Originals

Show Notes

[1:31] Brief background and how Oak got to where he is today.

[3:35] How sports played a part in Oak’s leadership journey.

[6:30] Servant Leadership

[10:24] Transitioning from the military back to the civilian world.

[12:50] Valuable lessons Oak’s learned that can be applied across various industries.

[20:24] Misconceptions of leadership.

[24:05] The role mentorship plays in future leaders.

[28:00] Mend the Heart Foundation

[30:05] How to connect with Oak and where to find his book, “Your Leadership Legacy”

[31:29] Advice for emerging leaders looking to leave a positive leadership legacy.

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In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Bennett Maxwell, the dynamic founder and chairman behind Dirty Dough. Join us as Bennett delves into his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities.

During our interview, Bennett shared his remarkable story of building Dirty Dough into one of the nation’s fastest-growing restaurant franchises, overcoming obstacles such as the #CookieWars lawsuits with unwavering determination and strategic prowess.

We delved into the core principles that have propelled Dirty Dough’s success, from its innovative centralized production methods to its commitment to simplicity and efficiency. Bennett also opened up about his personal mission to prioritize mental wellness, as reflected in his podcast, Deeper than Dough, where he provides invaluable insights and actionable advice for personal growth.

Join us as we revisit Bennett’s inspiring journey and gain further insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder and Chairman of Dirty Dough
• Built Dirty Dough into one of the fastest-growing restaurants in the country, with over 60 open locations nationally and 450 signed and slated for development.
• Co-Founder of Switch to Solar. (Sold in 2021)
• Host of  the Deeper than Dough Podcast
• Owner of Maxwell Real Estate

How to connect with Bennett Maxwell:

·         Bennett Maxwell | LinkedIn

·         Bennett Maxwell

·         Dirty Dough Cookies – Stuffed & Warm Cookies Daily

Show Notes

[1:17] Brief background and how Bennett got to where he is today.

[4:07] Key factors that contributed to Dirty Dough’s rapid growth.

[6:08] How Dirty Dough differentiates from his competitors.

[6:57] Getting through the challenges of the Cookie Wars Lawsuit and lessons learned from these obstacles.

[8:59] Navigating challenges to continue to scale Dirty Dough to new heights.

[11:28] Sharing personal moments while maintaining a professional image on social media.

[13:53] Leaving a Legacy

 [16:23] Day-to-day lifestyle, both personally and professionally.

[17:54] Ideal franchisee for Dirty Dough

[20:32] How to engage with Bennett, Dirty Dough, as well as Bennett’s podcast “Deeper Than Dough”

[23:05] Advice for entrepreneurs looking to build their brand in todays competitive market.

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