In this episode of Leadership Talks, Dr. Kate Vawter delves into the melodious journey of International Reggae Recording Artist and Legend, Norma Fraser. Many know her as the original voice behind the international reggae sensation, “FIRST CUT IS THE DEEPEST,” but there's so much more to her story than meets the ear. From making her first record at the tender age of 16, Norma's journey in music has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Tune in to this episode as Norma Fraser talks about:
 * The driving forces and influences behind her musical journey
 * The evolution of her music and what inspires her tunes
 * The unique challenges she has faced in the music industry, especially as a woman
 * Her deep-rooted connection to her birthplace, Jamaica, and how it has shaped her
 * The mentors and icons she's met along the way, and the influence they've had on her career
Norma Fraser's journey in music began in the heart of Jamaica, in St. Andrews, where she was born and later attended Merle Grove High School. While her younger self was enamored by the beats and melodies that surrounded her, she never truly envisioned herself as a part of that musical tapestry. It wasn't ambition or dreams that revealed her gift but a simple, spontaneous moment. She recalls, "One day, amidst the steam and echo of the shower, I thought, ‘Let’s see if I can sing.’ When I opened my mouth, it was as if the universe answered back, ‘Wow man! I can sing! I truly can sing!’" From those humble revelations in Jamaica, Norma eventually transitioned to a new chapter of her life in the Midwest, finding a home in Kansas.
Learn more about Norma Fraser:
 * Visit Norma’s website: http://www.normafraser.net
 * Listen to and download Norma’s music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/norma-fraser/4398981
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About the Leadership Talks Podcast:
In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success.
Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428
Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061
Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter
Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/

In this episode of Leadership Talks, Dr. Kate Vawter sits down with Alex McEntire, the dynamic Owner and Chief Donut Officer of Chin Up Donuts. Launching her delectable venture in North Scottsdale in November 2020, Alex delves into her academic journey in Tempe where she honed her skills in design, business, and communications. Uncover how Alex's blend of creativity and academic background in design, business, and communications led to the creation of a beloved donut destination.

Tune in to this episode as Alex McEntire delves into:

 * The Birth of Chin Up Donuts: Alex's life prior to her donut venture, exploring her traditional career, and what prompted her to embrace the role of a passionate business owner.

 * The "Aha" Moment: A dive into that crucial turning point in Alex's life: was there a singular, transformative experience that channeled her energy and passion into the donut world?

 * From Seattle's Mists to Arizona's Sun: Understand how Alex maneuvered the logistical and emotional challenges of shifting her business base from the cool climes of Seattle to the vibrant landscapes of Arizona.

 * Growth of Chin Up Donuts: From Solo Shop to Expanding Enterprise, the narrative behind Chin Up Donuts' growth trajectory — how it started with a single shop and the journey to opening a second, touching upon both the hurdles and the high points.

 * The Business Blueprint: Challenges, Inspirations, and Guidance — a comprehensive look at the challenges Alex faced while launching and managing a small business, the driving force behind Chin Up Donuts, her pearls of wisdom for budding entrepreneurs, and the intrinsic rewards of entrepreneurship.

Engage with us in this riveting discussion as we unravel Alex McEntire's inspiring story, her business acumen, and the love-infused world of Chin Up Donuts.

To know more about Alex McEntire and her sweet venture:

 * Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mcentire-190a2920/

 * Follow Chin Up Donuts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chin-up-donuts/

 * Follow Chin Up Donuts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinupdonuts/

 * For a delightful treat or more on her story, visit Chin Up Donut’s website: https://www.chinupdonuts.com/

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About the Leadership Talks Podcast:

In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success. 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061 

Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter 

Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/ 

In this episode of the Leadership Talks Podcast, Dr. Kate Vawter speaks with Stephanie Sims, Founder of Finance-Ability®. Stephanie Sims is a capital strategist, startup advisor, and author of Funding Your Business Without Selling Your Soul.
As the founder of Finance-Ability®, Stephanie demystifies business finances so that founders can tell economic stories that make dollars…and sense.
After nearly a decade in investment banking working with Goldman, Lehman, and CSFB on over $5B (BV) of transactions, Stephanie successfully rode the high-tech start-up roller coaster in Europe - complete with angels, venture capitalists, and the coveted exit to a publicly traded company.
Stephanie educates and mentors early-stage entrepreneurs at various accelerators, serves as a judge at startup competitions and is a frequent speaker about venture capital, angel investment, and alternative sources of financing.
Tune in to this episode as Stephanie Sims talks about:
 * Helping businesses and start-ups conquer their fear of numbers and finance
 * The difference between Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists
 * Business scaling and expansion and common growing pains related to growth
 * Financial statements and which one is the most important
 * How to ask the right questions to the financial professionals in your business
 * Opportunities for those who want to break into venture capitalism
Learn more about Stephanie Sims:
 * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniejsims/
 * Website: http://www.stephaniesims.com
 * Twitter: https://twitter.com/Finance_ability
******************************
About the Leadership Talks Podcast:
In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success.
Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428
Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061
Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter
Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/

In this episode of Leadership Talks, Dr. Kate Vawter speaks with Melissa Harlan, Owner & Founder of Drink Me! Tea Room.

Tune in to this episode as Melissa talks about: 

*  working at Disney early in her career, and the hospitality training she still uses today 

*  her corporate journey, and the experiences that led to her entrepreneurial pursuit

*  living and working in her community

*  her modern twist on traditional British afternoon tea

*  eco-friendly practices, and how she embraces sustainability

In the Summer of 2020, with inspiration from her favorite book, Alice in Wonderland, Melissa opened a Gluten-Free, Plant-Based, Afternoon Tea Room where guests enjoy allergen-friendly chef confections, organic teas, and local spirits to celebrate and escape their own corporate craziness. As someone who lives with food allergies, it was extremely important to Melissa to ensure that there was a place that anyone could visit and to be able to enjoy all the treats of an afternoon tea without the worry. 

Over her career, Melissa worked for some of the top companies known for their customer experience, including Disney, Southwest Airlines and Verizon. She knows how important attention to detail is in creating an outstanding and unforgettable experience. Now retired from spreadsheets and head counts, Melissa puts all her detail-focused talent into ensuring guests have an amazingly immersive time with premium tea, wonderful treats and hand-crafted cocktails in collaboration with local Tempe distilleries, Wild Hare & Arizona Distilling Co.

Drink Me! Tea Room is a unique experience providing Tempe, Arizona a charming and magical tea escape.

Learn more about Melissa Harlan: 

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-harlan-69809a6/ 

Visit Her Website: https://drinkmetearoom.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinkmetearoom/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkmetearoom/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkmetearoom 

About the Leadership Talks Podcast

In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success. 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061 

Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter 

Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/

In this episode of Leadership Talks, Dr. Kate Vawter speaks with Jen Utsch, Business Owner, Artisan, Firefighter, Author and Founder of the nonprofit Heartizens.org. 

Tune in to this episode as Jen talks about: 

*  how she became interested in working with fire

*  navigating her transition from being a firefighter to molding steel with fire

*  her system for honing creativity, and leaning in to the creative process

*  using the messaging from her dreams as a teaching time

*  her nonprofit and passion project, Heartizens.org

Inspired by her own need to express herself and connect deeply with people, Jen originated her metal art business nearly 20 years ago. At the time she was firefighting in Tucson, AZ and it was thru this profession that she found her passion for fire, its remarkable beauty and power. 

She began a personal journey by torching meaningful symbols and language gathered from a variety of cultures, creating a meaningful product line. After years of careful refinement, her product line with her company, Jendala, is now seasoned.

Jendala's mission is to encourage a sustainable way of living for ourselves and our environment, to bridge diversity, expand our perceptions, and invoke emotions for self discovery and wellbeing. Products and services support Jendala's mission.

Jen’s nonprofit and passion project, Heartizens, provides a supportive space for kids to create connection with self and others through the arts, nature, and awareness.

Learn more about Jen Utsch: 

Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendala/ 

Jendala Website: https://jendala.com/ 

Heartizens Website: https://www.heartizens.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jendala  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendala/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jendalasol 

About the Leadership Talks Podcast

In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success. 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061 

Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter 

Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/

In this episode of Leadership Talks, Dr. Kate Vawter speaks with Sue Rigler, Owner of Hundred Mile Brewing Co. in Tempe, Arizona, and ASU Alum. 

Tune in to this episode as Sue talks about: 

* How she researched other breweries to create her own space 

* The most surprising thing about her journey of becoming a business owner 

* Advice she would pass on to a new entrepreneur 

* How she recruits and retains employees 

* How she keeps her cup of energy full 

* Advice for women who are ready to make the leap to where they want to be

Hundred Mile Brewing Co. brings Sue Rigler full circle to her college days at Arizona State University, where she earned a degree in Microbiology. Ironically, HMBC is on the very same parcel of land as the iconic and popular 80’s college bar, The Devil House, and where Sue frequented quite often back in the day! Who knew Sue would move back to Tempe after 35 years in California to make her dream of opening a brewery come true on this very same location? Serendipitous.

Sue, originally from Davenport, Iowa, was destined for the beer industry long before her legal drinking age as evidenced by her beer can collection and wearing Budweiser t-shirts at the age of 10. Her unique combination of science and business acumen lead her to go back to school and complete the Certification Brewing Program at U.C. San Diego in 2016. Sue sits on the Board of Directors of Pink Boots Society (PBS), an international  501(c)3 with a membership of over 2,800 members.  PBS promotes women’s roles in the fermentable beverage industry. She leads their biggest annual fundraising event, the Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day® since 2016, helping raise money to fund scholarships for its members. Sue is also a member of the Arizona Brewer’s Guild, San Diego Brewer’s Guild, CA Craft Brewers Association (CCBA), and the Brewers Association.

When she is not enjoying a clean fresh craft beer, she’s earning the right to those carbs by training for either a triathlon or road race of some sort. Sue  is an accomplished Ironman®, has successfully out-swam the sharks in the “Escape from Alcatraz” triathlon twice and competed in multiple other athletic events. The brewery partially gets its name from the hundreds of miles she’s logged in during her 43 year running career.  She’s a proud mom of 4 grown kids all who, mistakenly, think they are going to get free beer!

Learn more about Sue Rigler: 

Connect with Sue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suerigler/  

Website: https://www.hundredmilebrewing.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HundredMileBrewCo  

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hundredmilebrewco/ 

About the Leadership Talks Podcast

In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success. 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061 

Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter 

Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/

In this episode of Leadership Talks, Dr. Kate Vawter speaks with Brenda Valdez, Owner of Dish is Da Bomb, Comida a Toda Madre! An Arizona Proud Latina woman owned small business whose mission is to promote and encourage individual and community healing, one dish at a time.

Tune in to this episode as Brenda talks about: 

*  Self-awareness and the role it plays in leadership development

*  How the pandemic has led people to explore new opportunities and paths

*  Passing on a sense of connection and comfort through food 

*  Motherhood being the foundation for everything

*  Overcoming adversity and learning from those lessons

Brenda Valdez is a passionate and resilient woman who has overcome numerous challenges to pursue her true calling. After facing health issues in her thirties, Brenda had to leave her successful corporate career in the biotech and energy industries. Determined to find her purpose and ensure financial stability, Brenda turned to her lifelong passion for cooking. Growing up in a large family, cooking had always been a way for Brenda to find solace and express herself. She found comfort in her kitchen, considering it her sanctuary.

To share her love of cooking, and bringing people together through food, Brenda launched Dish is Da Bomb, Comida a Toda Madre!, serving Mexican inspired dishes for the soul, made from scratch, using simple ingredients and love to create an explosion of flavor! Serving Mesa, AZ and surrounding areas. 

Learn more about Brenda Valdez:

Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-mercado-valdez/ 

Website: http://www.dishisdabomb.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082905007516 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dishisdabomb/ 

About the Leadership Talks Podcast

In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success. 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061 

Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter 

Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/ 

In this episode of Leadership Talks, Dr. Kate Vawter speaks with Lisa Bayne, the Owner and Manager of Bumble Bee Air Conditioning in Tempe, Arizona. 

Tune in to this episode as Lisa talks about: 

* Her journey from being a flight attendant to owning multiple successful businesses, including her current HVAC business

* Risk taking and reinvention as a crucial part of her entrepreneurial journey 

* The benefits and challenges of running a slow and steady growth company like Bumble Bee AC

*  Bumble Bee AC's unique seasonal business model

* Relationships, communication, and a focus on doing what's best for the community and employees as being keys to her success

Bumble Bee Air Conditioning is a licensed, bonded and insured family-owned air conditioning business. Since their beginning in 1999, they are very proud of the fact that the majority of our business is from referrals.  

The company has many experienced full-time technicians and a wonderful group of support personnel. Having a reserve of experienced personnel allows Bumble Bee Air Conditioning to respond quickly to your requests without sacrificing quality.

Learn more about Lisa Bayne:

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-bayne-b75a3854/ 

Website: https://www.bumblebeeairconditioning.com/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bumblebeeac/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumblebeeairconditioning/ 

About the Leadership Talks Podcast

In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success. 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061

Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter 

Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/