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Global Leader Radio

Employee Engagement – Fact or Fantasy?

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photo Final Show

In this edition of Global Leader Radio!™, we discuss the facts and fantasies associated with organizational engagement. Whether at the micro or macro level, engagement continues to be a differentiator for top-performing organizations. Sean Hart, Gary Jones and Chad Wright joined as our in-studio guests to discuss this relevant topic moderated by Alvin C. Miles.

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

  1. … recognize opportunities and go for it!
  2. Maximize engagement to increase output & gain more benefit.
  3. You learn a lot about someone’s character by noticing how they treat wait staff!
  4. Assign meaning to the seemingly simple tasks you do every day.
  5. Always remember – you’re working for the reference!
  6. Invest in your team’s development; act as player or coach versus a boss or owner.
  7. Leadership is about creating better outcomes for the people involved.

Listen in as Sean, Gary & Chad discuss how your firm can benefit from increasing engagement professionally, and how you can benefit personally. Add their insights, tips and resources to your leadership toolkit. Leadership IS a conversation!

 

Sean Hart/ Founder & President, Georgia Development Partners (GDP)

Sean serves to position GDP as a contractor of choice by leading, motivating and growing a regional team of employees, subcontractors and consultants. He’s responsible for all of the company operations and sets company policy, financial benchmarks, cost and quality standards, and client satisfaction. Prior to founding GDP in 2004, Sean was a Project Manager with John Weiland Homes in Atlanta, and a Partner with Nelson and Sons Construction in Redmond, WA.

Sean has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from Seattle University and is First Aid as well as CPR certified. He is married with three children, and lives in Newnan, GA.

Contact Sean: (404) 228-6949, shart@gdpbuilds.com

 

Gary Jones/ Chief Human Resources Officer, Grizzard Communications Group

Gary has over 20 years of corporate level human resources experience in a diverse set of industries including marketing services, specialty retail, wholesale, and not-for-profit.

Gary is noted for expertise in Strategic Planning, Integrating HR as a Strategic Component of Business, Organizational Development and Restructuring, Performance Management and Evaluation, Team/Leadership Development, Coordinating HR Legal Affairs, Training/Development, Management of Employee Life Cycle and for the ability to quickly integrate into a respected, contributing member of the senior team. In 2010, he was awarded a 2010 SHAPE Award by SHRM Atlanta for Achievement of Professional Excellence in Human Resources.

He holds graduate degrees in Administration as well as Counseling and served as adjunct professor in Mercer University’s MBA program for nearly 10 years, teaching courses in human resources, organizational behavior and management.

Gary has served as a board member and advisor to several business and community groups including SHRM Atlanta, Career Spa, and Baptist Medical Center. His primary hobbies and interests revolve around guitars, classic rock, unsuccessful attempts to lower his golf handicap, and travel.

Contact Gary: (678) 935-7486, gary.jones@grizzard.com

 

Chad Wright/ VP, Georgia Development Partners (GDP)

Chad leads the business development and new market initiatives of GDP. He has 15 years of consulting, development and contracting experience throughout the southeast.

Chad began his career as an environmental engineering consultant and he and his team led in the development, marketing and operational staffing of a top 10 golf course as rated by Golf Digest. He joined GDP in 2010 and  he applies his knowledge and experience to ensure GDP continues to be a trustworthy, dependable company for their clients.

He has a degree in Biology and Business from the University of Richmond and a Masters in Water Resource Management from Duke University. He is married and lives in Atlanta.

Contact Chad: (404) 228-6949, cwright@gdpbuilds.com

 

Which Book Has Most Impacted Your Leadership Ability?

Sean:

Sean's book

 

Gary:

Gary's book

 

Chad:

Chad's Book

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leadership, Biotech & Driving Innovation for the Southeast!

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Stacy Shuker

Should Atlanta establish itself as the driver of innovation and connection for the Southeast? In this edition of Global Leader Radio!™, Dr. Stacy Shuker joined Alvin C. Miles to discuss the burgeoning life sciences industry and the leadership needed to expand the focus of biotech  from local to regional.

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

  1. When it’s broken, leaders fix it!
  2. Never let them see you get angry.
  3. Get comfortable with the fact that sometimes you won’t be right!
  4. Mentoring doesn’t always have to be formal to be effective.
  5. Listen more and talk less!
  6. Alone time is important.
  7. Achieving success doesn’t have to be “cut-throat.”

Listen in as Stacy explains how the industry has progressed and what’s needed to help realize its potential. Add her insights, tips and resources to your leadership toolkit. Leadership IS a conversation!

Dr. Stacy Williams Shuker/ President, Down South Innovation

Dr. Shuker has been a part of Atlanta’s innovation community since 2006. She started as a scientific advisor in an intellectual property law firm and as a volunteer in Georgia’s innovation non-profit organizations.

In 2008 she moved to the Georgia Department of Economic Development as the Director of the Center of Innovation for Life Sciences. It was there that she pioneered the use of social media in economic development after her marketing budget was cut by $85,000 during the Great Recession. It was from this social media base that she created a virtual community of life science innovators from across the Southeast that she still uses today. Downsouthinnovation.org provides regular updates on news and events from across the Southeast to its 1000 registered members.

As Director of Partnership Development for Georgia Bio, she initiated an industry outreach program, which resulted in several multi-billion dollar companies visiting Georgia’s research universities. Her partnership development firm, Down South Innovation, now connects clients with academic and corporate decision makers of the life science community in the Southeast.

She has chaired and served on several committees of Georgia Bio, Southeast BIO, Southeast Medical Device Association, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and the MIT Enterprise Forum of Atlanta. She is also a strong supporter of StartupLounge.com – an Atlanta based organization that pairs emerging companies with qualified investors. Dr. Shuker devotes her professional volunteer efforts to making the Southeastern region a thriving ecosystem for innovation and commercialization.

Dr. Shuker completed her undergraduate chemistry degree at the University of Georgia and went on to get her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon.

 

Contact Stacy: (770) 725-7777, saw7777@gmail.com

 

Which Book Has Most Impacted Your Leadership Ability?

Stacy:

Shuker book

 

Is Your “Global Glass” Half-Empty or Half-Full?

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In this edition of Global Leader Radio!™, Alvin C. Miles facilitates a discussion about the correlation between a positive perspective and success in one’s life. Yelena Epova joined as our in-studio guest to discuss her unique story, her global perspective and the importance of taking an interest in people!

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

  1. Enjoy what you do!
  2. Being happy overall is more important than any other factor.
  3. The best way to be successful is to help develop others.
  4. Focus on being flexible.
  5. Clients don’t grow on trees – you have to develop them!
  6. To be a leader is a gift!
  7. Take time to recharge.

Listen in as Yelena walks us through her personal and professional story. Add her insights, tips and resources to your leadership toolkit. Leadership IS a conversation!

Yelena Epova/ Partner, Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP

Yelena is a partner in charge of HA&W’s Tax Group and the International Services Practice. She specializes in advising domestic and international companies on international tax issues and tax planning strategies regarding inbound and outbound operations. She also assists clients with domestic tax issues by providing tax planning and compliance services.

Yelena is an active member in many professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants where she served on the task force that reviewed Proposed Treasury Regulations on Transfer Pricing; the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants where she participated in the Leadership Development Program; and Baker Tilly International where she chaired the North American International Tax Committee for six consecutive years. Additionally, Ms. Epova is a founding board member of GlobalEXECWomen, vice chair of the Georgia Council for International Visitors’ Board and Chair of the 2013 Consular Ball. She is also Treasurer of the Georgia District Export Council. She is a graduate of the 2011 Leadership Atlanta program and received the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s 2011 Global Impact Award for Service Providers on behalf of HA&W.

Yelena has written for numerous publications. She is a regular contributing writer to Global Atlanta on international tax issues. She is also a frequent speaker at many international and domestic seminars including those pertaining to businesses entering the U.S. market.

Prior to moving to Atlanta, Ms. Epova received her Masters degree in Engineering from the Technological College of Leningrad. Upon her arrival in the United States, she continued her education in Accountancy at Georgia State University. Ms. Epova has received the Golden Key Award for the highest score on the CPA exam in Georgia and the Elijah Watt Sells Award for being in the top 100 scores on the CPA exam in the nation. She was recently selected by Atlanta-based GlobalEXECWomen as one of three finalists for the International Women of Influence Awards™ in the category of Service Providing Businesses. Ms. Epova was also selected by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the city’s “up and comers” for 2006. Each year, the paper selects and presents awards to 40 business professionals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to their communities and are leaders in their companies. Ms. Epova was most recently recognized by Atlanta Magazine as one of the fifty-five most influential foreign-born Atlantans.

 

Contact Yelena: (404) 898-7431, yelena.epova@hawcpa.com

 

Leadership Tips for Micro & Small Business Success!

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In this edition of Global Leader Radio!™, we discuss the skills & leadership acumen necessary for success as a micro or small business owner. Laura Ann Hart and Veronica Maldonado joined Alvin C. Miles as in-studio guests to discuss the resources available for business owners, the importance of education to success, and the personal  fulfillment of serving others!

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

  1. What small businesses need is a helping hand!
  2. When everyone takes care of their own backyard, the outcome is a great community.
  3. Surround yourself with people that aid in your development.
  4. Always seek more!
  5. We are designed to be of service to others.
  6. To be a leader is a gift!
  7. Don’t be afraid to do the right thing, even when it’s not popular.

Listen in as Laura Ann and Veronica describe how they’ve gotten to a successful point in their careers. Add their insights, tips and resources to your leadership toolkit. Leadership IS a conversation!

 

Laura Ann Hart/ President,  Quickie Coupons, LLC

Laura Ann Hart is a true “Georgia Girl!” Having been born and raised in the South, Laura has taken “southern hospitality and customer service” to a whole new level in her young and vibrant sales & marketing company Quickie Coupons!  “First Class is Free” has been her philosophy and building blocks that she hangs her pearls on every day! Over the past 8 years Laura has sold over 40 million dollars in goods and services and continues her “Pursuit of Excellence” Vision in everything that she does.

Laura Ann created a company in a downturn market that is helping businesses survive and thrive with the simple introduction of coupons into their marketing plan. Since the beginning of Quickie Coupons Laura Ann has increased overall sales by 55% in year two and another 35% in years three and four. Quickie Coupons has consistently maintained a 94% customer retention level – all without long term contracts. In February of 2011, Quickie Coupons became an official Franchisor, with a federally registered trademark and the ability to sell franchises throughout the country.  Laura is currently in the process of opening up Quickie Coupons Roswell in September of this year.  Quickie Coupons was a finalist for business of the year in 2010 and 2011.

Before starting Quickie Coupons, Laura spent five years as a Top Producer with RE/MAX Unlimited where she learned the true value of helping and serving others. Under the mentoring of Pam and Gerry Rogers, Laura was able to make the transition from stay at home mom to an award winning Top Producing Agent. During her real estate career Laura helped hundreds of clients buy and sell property.  Laura received the “Rookie of the Year” Award in 2005, earned the #1 Top Producing Individual Agent in 2006 & 2008, #3 Top Producing Individual Agent in 2007 and was also honored with the RE/MAX 100% Club Award four years in a row.  Laura also had the privilege of writing a monthly real estate column in the local paper sharing her experiences and best “tips & tricks” on how to navigate the real estate world.

In 2012, Laura was the President of the Kennesaw Business Association (the largest non-chamber business association in the state of Georgia), a board member for the Acworth Business Association and a character education teacher at Kennesaw Mountain High School.  In 2013 Laura graduated from the esteemed Leadership Cobb Program.  Currently Laura serves as a director/ past president for the Kennesaw Business Association and participates in several committees dedicated to improving our local community and helping businesses grow.

Giving back and taking care of their community is a must for Laura and her family. The Hart’s have actively participated and contributed to several charity and service organizations ranging from “Shop with a Hero Programs”, Carrabba’s Culinary Cook-off, Must Ministries, Calvary Children’s Home, Hayes Elementary Food Pantry, Kilometer Kids, Northstar Church Volunteers, NJROTC, Boy scouts, One Call Foundation, Susan G Komen Breast Cancer, Northstar Couples Group Leaders, ARC (Atlanta Recovery Center / Homeless Shelter) and MDA. Teaching their children to “give back” has been a priority for both Laura and her husband Eric. Laura and Eric recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary. They have three children, Joshua, Alexandria and Jeffrey and live in Acworth, Ga.

Laura received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Shorter College in 1997 and her Associates of Arts Degree in Fashion Merchandising from Bauder College in 1990.  Laura holds and maintains a Georgia Real Estate Sales Person License and is certified in several areas of scuba diving.

Contact  Laura: (678) 918-6961, laura@quickiecouponbook.com

 

Veronica Maldonado/ Program Director, Ga. Mentor Protégé Connection

 

Ms. Maldonado is a dynamic and versatile Latina community business leader whose voice, passion and purpose are focused on building up the human spirit, creating synergy amongst communities, and fighting for the “inalienable right” for all to progress and excel in any environment.

She is an expert in fostering strategic alliances, creating win-win negotiations and implementing effective marketing strategies that increase any brand value throughout the pipeline. She is ready to meet and exceed any challenge set before her, a quality most recently demonstrated as director of the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection, which is a mentor protégé program—the first of its kind in the nation.

The product of hard work, determination and perseverance as well as an entrepreneurial family tree that spans generations in the U.S & Latin America, Ms. Maldonado is uniquely qualified to lead the MPC program and thereby to help provide a path to sustainability, progression, and economic growth for small business owners in Georgia.

Contact Veronica: (404) 589-4929, veronicam@georgiamentorprotegeconnection.org

 

Which Book Has Most Impacted Your Leadership Ability?

Laura:

Laura Hart's book

Veronica:

VMaldonado's book

Marketing, Leadership & “Living the Dream!”

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If marketing yourself and your business is the missing ingredient to “living the dream,” why doesn’t everybody do it? In this edition of Global Leader Radio!™, Alvin C. Miles interviews Louis Dillard as he describes how to identify & overcome the common marketing pitfalls in both our personal and professional lives.

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

 

  1. Marketing is important, personally & professionally!
  2. The internet should be considered a form of real estate.
  3. Invest in what works, throw out the rest.
  4. Track your leads!
  5. Fear is the entrepreneur’s worst enemy!
  6. A professional salesman helps others make a purchasing decision.
  7. I don’t need to change the world if I can help just one person!

Listen in as Louis describes the essential elements of an intentional marketing plan. Add his insights to your leadership toolkit to help take your influence from “Zero to Infinity!” Leadership IS a conversation!

Louis Dillard / President & CEO, Zero to Infinity

Zero to Infinity (ZTI) is an Internet Marketing firm that helps to promote businesses by using the internet. ZTI’s core focus is to develop & implements online marketing campaigns for businesses. Our goal is to create campaigns that are effective and deliver a positive ROI for our clients.

Broadly, clients call ZTI when they are interested in learning how their business can get more leads, convert more leads to customers, and get more business from existing customers by harnessing the power of the internet. Specifically, ZTI helps clients by:

• Positioning business websites higher in search engines such as Google, so that their customers can find them,
• Create & manage text message marketing for businesses to remind customers of appointments, send weekly promotions, etc.,
• Redesign business websites to engage visitors to convert from visitor to prospect & prospect to customer,
• Design & manage online advertising with agencies such as Google Adwords & Facebook,
• Create & manage business social media marketing with mainstays like Facebook & Twitter.

ZTI’s CEO, Louis Dillard, has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon graduating, he entered the field of sales, which he has been a part of ever since. He has over 12 years experience in sales and marketing.

Louis is active in the community and he participates in the “Principal for a Day” program with the Cobb County school system.  He is also an Ambassador for the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce.

Contact Louis: (678) 805-8169, ldillard@zticonsulting.com

 

Which Book Has Most Impacted Your Leadership Ability?

Louis:

Frontier Assets, Leadership & The Entrepreneurial Mindset!

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In this edition of Global Leader Radio!™, we discuss strategies to leverage your leadership assets & sharpen your entrepreneurial mind. Dr. Mark Bell and Kevin Johnson joined host Alvin C. Miles to discuss the elements of success for identifying your passions, the art of funding your ideas, and understanding the habits of “elite” entrepreneurs!

 

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

 

  1. Work in the area of your passion now – get paid for it later!
  2. Business life is a calling.
  3. When you choose to volunteer, be sure you are being best utilized.
  4. Be flexible in balancing life & career.
  5. The greatest benefit of formal education is personal development.
  6. If you want a big outcome, why utilize a small approach?
  7. The more I read, the more I make!

Listen in as Mark and Kevin describe strategies and resources to nurture and leverage your entrepreneurial desires. Add their insights, tips and resources to your leadership toolkit. Leadership IS a conversation!


Mark Bell/ Chief Strategy Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Brand Bank

Mark R. Bell, D.Phil., M.St., was formerly Chief Operating Officer for the sister company of Brand Bank – Brand Properties, a real estate and development firm. In these capacities he has led a number of transactions including the purchase of US Premium Finance, a national premium finance company, the establishment of the Villages of Gwinnett Stadium (noted as the “Deal of the Decade” by Atlanta Business Chronicle), and the build out of a consumer finance partnership with The Home Depot. He also underwrote and bid over $1.2 billion of distressed loans, largely held by the FDIC, which resulted in the successful purchase of nearly $250MM of loans and the later establishment of a note buying fund (NoteSouth). Dr. Bell led the $200MM recapitalization of the Brand Bank by a group of investors including the Carlyle Group, the Stephens Group, and the Cousins family office. Subsequent to the recapitalization, he helped lead the Bank to nearly 30% annual loan growth. Dr. Bell is also currently a Research Fellow and Adjunct Professor of Finance at Emory University’s Center for Alternative Investments, where he teaches on a range of “frontier” investments.

Prior, he was the director of strategy and a private equity investor at D. E. Shaw & Co., which by the time of his departure had become the world’s largest hedge fund. Dr. Bell was directly involved the fund’s rapid expansion into illiquid investing—he played an integral role in establishing a “side pocket” in the fund which became an engine for investing in alternative energy assets, international real estate, and traditional private equity and venture capital deals. He also helped to launch the firm’s efforts in reinsurance. He became an integral part of the private equity team and he went on to lead transaction work in wind energy, clean coal, and biofuels. Dr. Bell also worked at McKinsey & Co. where he was involved in the then rapidly deregulating energy industry.

Dr. Bell was the valedictorian of his Stanford Class, graduating with a 4.0 and honors, and received a Marshall Scholarship to study at Oxford University where he received his doctorate and masters degree and was both a Jowett Senior Scholar and the Vice Chancellor’s scholar. In Oxford he also served as a college lecturer at Balliol and Christ Church Colleges. He is also the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship. He is the author of one scholarly monograph, six peer-reviewed articles, and several book chapters. He is on the boards of the Bodleian Library in Oxford, England, the alumni association of Trinity School, Woodruff Arts Center and MAP International.

Dr. Bell is a member of the board of Councilors at the Carter Center and is a member of the U.S. Marshall Scholars Selection committee.

Contact Mark: (678) 985-6632, mbell@brandgroupholdings.com

 

Kevin Johnson/ Executive Director, Johnson Media Inc.

Kevin D. Johnson, 33, is president of Johnson Media Inc. As a serial entrepreneur, he has over 13 years of experience leading his multimillion-dollar marketing and communications company that serves many of the most notable Fortune 100 businesses. As an innovative leader, he has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS, Oprah Radio, and in Forbes, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Moreover, he has appeared on CNN frequently.

Kevin is also the best-selling author of The Entrepreneur Mind: 100 Essential Beliefs, Characteristics, and Habits of Elite Entrepreneurs.

He lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and son.

Contact Kevin: (404) 328-8841, kevin@johnsonmedia.com

 

Which Book Has Most Impacted Your Leadership Ability?

Mark:


 

Kevin:


Does Community Involvement Make Business Sense?

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In this edition of Global Leader Radio!™, we discuss how leadership acumen contributes to the  fabric of our communities. Emmy-award winning host of  “Nuestra Georgia,” Mariela Romero joins host Alvin C. Miles to talk about the connections between community involvement, leadership and making business sense!

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

  1. Look for powerful influences within your family!
  2. The jobs of the future will require education.
  3. Use your resources.
  4. The best leaders have found their passion!
  5. Take everything as a learning process!
  6. Success comes quickly when you team, teach & delegate.
  7. Everyone has influence!

Listen in as Mariela describes the interdependence of community involvement and success in business. Add these insights to your leadership toolkit to help increase YOUR influence. Leadership IS a conversation!

Mariela Romero / Community Affairs Director, Univision Atlanta

Mariela Romero was born in Caracas, but grew up between four different countries, her native Venezuela, France, Mexico and Argentina. She graduated in communications and journalism from Argentinean Universities “Católica Santa María de los Buenos Aires and Universidad de Belgrano.”

Mariela has a television career spanning more than a decade and over several countries. In Venezuela, she produced the talk show “Tú y Yo Con” for network station Televen. She then went on to serve as Language Specialist for Georgia Public Broadcasting’s multi-award winning Spanish-language educational series, “Salsa. Afterwards, she moved on to produce, coordinate, and anchor on CNN en Español Radio. Later, she worked as a Spanish language narrator of documentaries and news feeds for “Connect with Kids” network. During this time she also served as voice over talent for clients such as PBS “Great Museums”, Amtrak, The Georgia Lottery, Teach for America, Chick-Fil-A, Terex, CitiFinancial and many others. For two years she was involved in the Public Relations field working with the American Diabetes Association, Microsoft, Discovery Channel and Walmart for the public relations company, News Generation.

Mariela joined Univision in 2010 as Community Affairs Director. She resides in Atlanta with her husband and children.

Contact Mariela: (404) 926-3893, mjromero@univision.net

 

Which Book Has Most Impacted Your Leadership Ability?

 

Mariela:

Mobilizing Your Leadership to “Spark” a Non-Profit Movement!

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In this edition of Global Leader Radio!™, we discuss how anyone can spark societal change by mobilizing their leadership skills. Pat Pittard and Sharon Simpson Joseph shared their passion and experiences in this interview with host Alvin C. Miles. They discussed how you can identify your leadership strengths & apply them to the benefit of society.

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

 

  1. A strong leader leads leaders!
  2. Leading is not always about being in front.
  3. When interviewing, be knowledgeable of what you’re applying to.
  4. Know what you do well and do more of it.
  5. Have faith in the process!
  6. Pride comes in the success of your subordinates.
  7. Stay in the fight!

Listen in as Pat and Sharon describe how to spark change, give back and make a difference in the world. Add these insights to your leadership toolkit to help increase YOUR influence. Leadership IS a conversation!


Pat Pittard/ Founder, Chairman, Patrick Pittard Advisors

Patrick S. “Pat” Pittard is Founder and Chairman of Patrick Pittard Advisors; a human capital advisory firm focusing on C-level leadership services including executive search, talent assessment, talent audits, and human capital consulting. Pat is the retired CEO and Chairman of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., and the former Founder Chairman and CEO of ACT Bridge, Inc. Pat has appeared on multiple business broadcast media, such as CNN, MSNBC and Power Lunch and he is often quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, and BusinessWeek, as well as many international publications.

Pat received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia.

Contact Pat: (404) 226-3893, psp@ppittard.net

 

Sharon Simpson Joseph/ Executive Director, youthSpark

youthSpark is the groundbreaking nonprofit (founded in 2000 and formerly known as the Juvenile Justice Fund) dedicated to juvenile justice and social service reform. Through its unique partnership with the largest juvenile court in the Southeast, youthSpark, directly based at the Fulton County Juvenile Court, works to transform the lives of children who have been sexually exploited, abused or neglected.

Ms. Joseph is the Executive Director of youthSpark, Inc., a nonprofit organization with the mission to Ignite Justice. Inspire Change. She leads a cadre of collaborators who are committed to growing the new youthSpark movement –to help create a world where the inherent “spark” present in all children is given the opportunity shine.

A 1989 graduate of Stanford Law School, she served as Associate Editor of the Stanford Law Review, where, after volunteering with prison programs, she wrote her Note: “The Struggle of Incarcerated Mothers.” Sharon co-chaired Women of Stanford Law, founding SLS Women’s Week. Culminating her law school experience at la Comision Para Los Asuntos de la Mujer (Commission of Women’s Affairs) in Puerto Rico, she worked as an extern to educate the public on the new and challenged sexual harassment law. A member of the California State Bar, evening the scales of justice for all is a mission Sharon has practiced on her journey as an advocate, attorney, and inspirational speaker. Her career has uniquely spanned the legal, political, and educational fields.

Her undergraduate studies were completed at Boston University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism. She was a National Achievement Scholar.

A writer and poet, Sharon summarizes much of her early journey in her debut book: And How My Spirit Soars: Learning to Pack for an Extraordinary Journey © 2002, based upon her life-long journals and inspired philosophy on life. A successful life and writing coach, Sharon used her love of journaling and “pursuit of dreams” techniques to teach journaling workshops on life issues such as Embracing Change, Balancing Acts and Charting Our Journeys. Sharon is a former marathoner and lover of song. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Dr. Robert Joseph, sons Robert Luke and Joshua who attend Atlanta International School and cocker spaniel, Henry.

Contact Sharon: (404) 613-4609, sjoseph@youth-spark.org

 

Which Book Has Most Impacted Your Leadership Ability?

 

Pat:

 

 

Sharon:


How to Make a Difference by Taking Risks & Selling with Noble Purpose!

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We discuss how executives can make a difference personally & professionally by combining business acumen with interpersonal skills in this edition of Global Leader Radio!™ Becky Blalock and Lisa McLeod joined host Alvin C. Miles to share their passion and experiences as they discussed the value of education, focusing on noble purpose & being more accepting of risks.

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

 

  1. People who “sell” with a sense of noble purpose drive more revenue.
  2. As human beings we are programmed to be negative.
  3. If you want to be a strong leader, it has to begin within!
  4. Don’t ignore the importance of mentoring and coaching.
  5. “Dogs don’t chase parked cars!”
  6. How will the customer be different by doing business with us?
  7. Pay as much attention to your next boss, as your next position.

Listen in as Becky and Lisa describe the value proposition of an Executive MBA Program. Add these insights to your leadership toolkit to help increase YOUR influence. Leadership IS a conversation!


Becky Blalock/ Managing Partner, Advisory Capital

Becky Blalock is the Managing Partner at Advisory Capital, a strategic consulting firm that provides business management and leadership development expertise for various companies involved in the energy, information technology, and medical industries.

As the former Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Southern Company, she spent almost a decade directing IT strategy and operations across nine subsidiaries of Southern Company, leading more than 1,100 employees in information technology delivery to one of America’s most respected companies.

In addition to her work in information technology, Blalock spent over two decades serving Southern Company in various other leadership positions including accounting, finance, marketing, corporate communications, external affairs, and customer service.

A sought-after speaker, Blalock has long been recognized as a thought leader in the IT and Utility industries.Energy Biz magazine named her CIO of the year in 2009, Computer World magazine named her a Premier IT Leader, and she is listed among the Who’s Who in Science and Engineering.

Blalock serves on the boards of Electric Power Research Institute, The Georgia Regents University, CSI Laboratories, First Century Energy, Ideastring and Mercer University’s Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics.She also Chairs the Advisory Board of Emory Healthcare. A graduate of Leadership Atlanta and Leadership Georgia, she was named a Fellow of the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation in 2001.

Blalock has received a host of honors including the 2011 Legacy Award from Women in Technology and the Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia CIO Leadership Association. An advocate for women and children, Blalock has been recognized as a Power Woman by Atlanta Woman Magazine and received the Shining Star Award from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation.

Blalock successfully completed the program for Management Development at Harvard University. She holds a master’s degree with honors in finance from Mercer University and an undergraduate degree in business administration from State University of West Georgia.
Contact Becky: (404) 510-0438, blalock.becky@gmail.com

 

Lisa McLeod/ Owner, McLeod & More, Inc.

Lisa Earle McLeod is the best selling author of Selling with Noble Purpose. She is a sales leadership consultant. Organizations like Apple, Kimberly-Clark and Pfizer hire her to help them create passionate, purpose-driven sales organizations.

Lisa began her career with Procter & Gamble, where she established herself as a sales leader and highly-skilled sales coach. After leaving P & G she went on to become the Vice President of Business Development and National Accounts at Vital Learning (formerly McGraw-Hill Training Systems).

She established her own firm in 1993. She’s spent over 10,000 hours coaching sales people and leaders and has conducted over 500 workshops and keynotes.

Lisa and her husband Bob live in Atlanta. They are the parents of two fabulous teenage daughters.

Contact Lisa: (770) 985-0760, lisa@mcleodandmore.com

 

Which Book Has Most Impacted Your Leadership Ability?

 

Becky:

 

Lisa:


What Can YOU Learn from an Executive MBA Program?

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We discuss how executives can gain a personal & professional advantage by learning to combine business acumen with interpersonal skills in this edition of Global Leader Radio!™ Mark Kill and Keric Shanahan joined host Alvin C. Miles to discuss the practical value of an Executive MBA education.

Here are seven takeaways from our discussion:

 

  1. Forgo technology for a personal touch.
  2. Be conscious of timeliness & cultural differences in interactions with others.
  3. Feedback is a gift!
  4. Give back and stay connected.
  5. Nurture your network!
  6. Notify your support system before classes begin.
  7. Document personal growth throughout the program & use this to your advantage.

Listen in as Mark and Keric describe the value proposition of an Executive MBA Program. Add these insights to your leadership toolkit to help increase YOUR influence. Leadership IS a conversation!


Mark Kill/ Chief Operating Officer, Cooper Carry

Under Mark Kill’s leadership, Cooper Carry continues to enhance its ability to deliver creative project solutions with exceptional professional service. Prior to joining Cooper Carry, Mark was a Partner at THW Design where he specialized in commercial, hospitality, senior-living, and transportation projects. Notable senior living projects under his direction include Lenbrook’s Expansion and Renovation in Atlanta, Georgia and Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville, Georgia. His area of expertise is in Team-oriented project programming, documentation, coordination, delivery and management. While with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Chicago, he worked on temporary assignment on the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Prior to SOM, Mark worked at The H.K. Ferguson Company in Cleveland, Ohio. His international experience includes various project assignments in Western Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Mark received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University in 1977. He also earned a Master of Business Administration in 2009 from Kennesaw State University’s Executive MBA Program. Mark earned his Certified Aging Services Professional (CASP) credentials in conjunction with Leading Age. The coursework consisted of three core modules centered on senior living community administration, management and aging residents and physical and financial environmental management. The CASP certification requires biennial continuing education. Mark is also a Construction Specifications Institute Construction Documents Technologist Certificate holder and a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects where he served on the Board of Directors and was the State Coordinator for the Intern Development Program for seven years. Mark also serves as a Team Coach for Coles’ Executive MBA Program and is the Vice-Chair Elect for Lenbrook’s Board of Directors.

Prior to Cooper Carry, Mark joined THW Design in 1991 as a Managing Architect for Delta Air Lines’ Terminal Expansion in Cincinnati and named an Associate in 1996 and a Partner in 1999. Before joining THW, he worked as a Project Architect for COOPER CARRY, Atlanta (1986-1991), as Technical Coordinator, Architectural Staff and Intern Architect for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Chicago (1978-1986) and as an Intern Architect at The H.K. Ferguson Company, Cleveland Ohio (1977-1978). Mark’s focuses were predominantly large-scale office, hotel and mixed-use developments.

Mark is married with three children and he enjoys outdoor activities with his family including gardening, camping, hiking and jogging. He also finds collegiate team sports and music exciting.

Contact Mark: (404) 237-2000, markkill@coopercarry.com

 

Keric Shanahan/ Director of Global PMO, Experis

In his current role, Keric’s organization provides professional services in IT, Engineering, Accounting, and Finance to a variety of international and domestic clients.

Keric’s career path spans from being an entrepreneur to working 18 years for a Fortune 10 company. He considers his core competence to be “a bridge builder” and he has a strong customer experience background that blends well with his business acumen. His career experiences and academic background allows him to be successful in bridging the gap between client needs and the needs of the business.

Keric received his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University where he majored in Economics and French. In 2003, he completed his graduate studies at Kennesaw State University’s Executive MBA Program.

 

Contact Keric: (678) 230-3762, keric.shanahan@experis.com

 

Which Book Has Most Impacted Your Leadership Ability?

Mark:

 

Keric: