Episodes

  • How Living Fully Transforms Lives
    May 12 2026

    In this inspiring episode, Jennifer Feuerstein-DiVita shares her journey of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. From stay-at-home mom to TV host and advocate for older adults, she highlights the importance of community, perseverance, and living fully at every stage of life.

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Feuerstein-DiVita
    02:02 The Importance of Community and Authentic Leadership
    04:47 Navigating Career Transitions and Personal Challenges
    10:07 Embracing Change and Finding Courage
    14:59 The Journey of Writing and Storytelling
    20:01 Advocacy and Empowerment for Older Adults
    24:12 AARP's Community Presence Across the U.S.
    25:05 Understanding AARP Membership and Misconceptions
    27:47 Building Supportive Networks for Women Leaders
    30:55 Lessons from Inforum: Women Supporting Women
    32:30 Navigating Life Changes and Finding Support
    36:05 Perseverance Through Life's Challenges
    39:41 The Ripple Effect of Inspiration and Growt

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Reinvention and Resilience in the Fashion World
    May 5 2026

    Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about redefining yourself with grit and authenticity! Linda Schlesinger shares her inspiring journey from fashion to building a global apparel brand, Skinny Tees, highlighting resilience, innovation, and community support. Discover practical lessons on reinvention, overcoming challenges like tariffs, and the importance of networking and giving back.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Linda Schlesinger and Skinny Teas

    03:12 The Impact of Edward Lowe Foundation on Entrepreneurship

    06:11 Linda's Journey: From Fashion to Skinny Teas

    09:01 The Birth of Skinny Teas: A New Beginning

    12:04 Growth and Challenges in the Early Days

    15:01 Success on QVC and Beyond

    17:58 Navigating Tariffs and Business Resilience

    21:01 Reflections on Challenges and Personal Growth

    24:12 Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience

    27:01 Opportunities for Women in Business

    29:55 The Power of Networking and Community

    35:58 Giving Back and Making a Difference

    41:56 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Proactively Navigating Cyber Risks
    Apr 28 2026

    In this episode, cybersecurity expert Patrick Hayes of Third Wave Innovations discusses the importance of cyber insurance, proactive security measures, and how organizations can better understand and mitigate cyber risks. Learn how MDR, employee education, and strategic planning can protect your business in an increasingly connected world.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Insurance

    04:52 Understanding Cyber Insurance

    09:47 The Importance of Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

    15:10 Navigating Cyber Risk and Insurance Relationships

    20:11 Proactive Cybersecurity Strategies

    25:06 The Evolving Threat Landscape

    29:56 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Building Successful Partner Ecosystems in Tech
    Apr 21 2026

    Join us as Maureen O'Connell, a seasoned leader in telecom and technology with Comcast Business, shares her journey, leadership insights, and the evolving landscape of partner ecosystems. Discover how connectivity, technology, and diversity are shaping the future of business and leadership. We'll talk about the evolution of partner ecosystems and go-to-market strategies, the importance of diversity and women in technology, and the impact of technology and connectivity on business transformation


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Technology in Business

    01:51 Maureen O'Connell's Journey in Telecom

    06:02 Key Leadership Characteristics and Team Dynamics

    09:55 Defining Success in Global Sales

    13:04 Evolution of Partner Relationships and Go-to-Market Strategies

    17:01 Building Strong Technology Partnerships

    19:48 The Role of Connectivity in Digital Transformation

    22:58 Navigating AI and Security Challenges

    25:56 The Future of Business Connectivity Solutions

    27:44 The Evolution of Women in Technology

    31:06 Empowering Women Through Mentorship

    36:20 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Taking Risks

    38:08 Continuous Learning and Adaptability in Tech

    44:09 Setting Goals and Accountability

    48:33 Advice for Graduating Women in Tech

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Building a Purpose-Driven Food Business
    Mar 31 2026

    This episode features Stacy Sloan, chef turned entrepreneur, sharing her journey from childhood food addiction to founding Three Little Birds Granola. Discover how her personal experiences shaped her mission to create allergen-free, nutritious food for schools and communities, and learn valuable insights on building a purpose-driven business, overcoming industry challenges, and leading with authenticity.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Journey Begins: From Chef to Entrepreneur

    10:13 The Impact of Food on Health and Community

    18:11 Addressing Food Insecurity and Nutrition

    24:29 Scaling the Business: Challenges and Growth

    25:25 Navigating Co-Manufacturing Challenges

    28:05 The Identity Shift of a Business Leader

    30:27 The Importance of Leadership in Business Growth

    32:05 Key Relationships and Coaching in Business Development

    36:09 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt

    40:15 Transforming Identity and Limiting Beliefs

    45:55 Future Aspirations for Three Little Birds Granola

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • The Data Readiness Roadmap
    Mar 10 2026

    In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, host Catherine Ripley and Roberta McCarter of Novus Data Journeys explore the critical importance of AI readiness, focusing on the people, data, and processes involved.

    They discuss the innovative Data Readiness as a Service product, the challenges organizations face in AI adoption, and how a people-centric approach can drive successful digital transformation.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to AI Readiness

    02:49 The Importance of People-Centric AI

    05:57 Challenges in AI Implementation

    08:59 Understanding Data and AI Readiness

    12:09 Legal Considerations in AI

    15:01 Human-Centered Design in AI

    17:51 AI Maturity Spectrum Quiz

    21:13 Partnerships for AI Readiness

    24:02 Deliverables of AI Readiness as a Service

    27:01 Final Thoughts on AI and Data Value

    #AIReadiness, #datagovernance, #organizationaltransformation, #AIStrategy, #dataliteracy, #AIsuccess, #datamanagement, #AIimplementation, #leadership, #technologyadoption

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Unlocking Lean Revenue Growth
    Mar 3 2026

    In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, we dive into how lean principles can revolutionize revenue operations, drive efficiency, and foster predictable growth. Jennifer Juergens, CEO of 1 Bold Step, shares practical frameworks, business stories, and mindset shifts essential for leaders aiming for high-impact results.

    Chapters
    00:00 - Welcome and episode overview
    00:46 - The importance of systems and the Gartner lifecycle
    01:49 - Jennifer’s career journey and founding of 1 Bold Step
    02:37 - Evolving from marketing to revenue growth agency
    04:20 - Applying lean thinking to marketing and sales processes
    09:00 - Visual management and flow efficiency in revenue operations
    11:17 - Lean principles as life and leadership philosophy
    13:37 - The Theory of Constraints and identifying bottlenecks
    15:02 - Customer-centric flow and waste elimination
    16:58 - Importance of prioritization and focus in daily work
    17:36 - Applying lean to revenue growth and marketing metrics
    20:37 - Visual management tools for revenue bottlenecks
    22:51 - Marketing as a revenue driver, not a cost center
    26:01 - Addressing growth blockers: bad leads, retention, and platforms
    28:15 - Evaluating technology investments pragmatically
    30:34 - How to identify meaningful data over noise
    34:11 - Building organizational discipline and strategic clarity
    37:30 - Leadership mindset shifts for future success
    41:04 - The power of discernment and focusing on impactful work
    44:40 - Final thoughts on efficiency, clarity, and health of the revenue engine

    #technology #marketing #lean #revenue #revenuegrowth

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Connection Is a Strategy
    Feb 24 2026

    In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley speaks with Milinda Ysasi, CEO of Grow and president of the Grand Rapids City Commission. They discuss Milinda's career journey, the importance of small businesses in the community, and the role of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in providing access to capital. The conversation highlights the significance of networking, vulnerability in leadership, and the need for collaboration among nonprofits. Milinda shares her insights on navigating public leadership, creating inclusive opportunities for entrepreneurs, and the impact of education and community on leadership. The episode concludes with advice for supporting a thriving local economy and the importance of continuous learning and connection.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Milinda Ysasi and Symplicity Conversations

    03:06 Milinda's Career Journey and the Importance of Small Businesses

    06:09 The Role of Grow in Supporting Entrepreneurs

    09:01 Challenges and Opportunities for CDFIs

    11:54 The Importance of Networking and Community Support

    14:52 Vulnerability and Leadership in Business

    18:12 Navigating Public Leadership and City Commission Responsibilities

    21:06 The Impact of Education and Community on Leadership

    24:04 Equity, Collaboration, and the Latino Network

    27:00 Creating Inclusive Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

    29:58 Advice for Supporting a Thriving Economy

    33:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins