In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, join us for an engaging discussion with Angela James, a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning international borders and industries. Angela shares her unique experiences working in the criminal justice system, managing teams, and navigating personal challenges. We dive into topics like leadership, self-care, and the importance of genuine friendships. Angela and Catherine explore the complexities of relationships, the journey of self-discovery, and the evolving role of women in business and society. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that emphasizes resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of personal and professional success. Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of women shaping business and culture worldwide!

Chapters
(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations
(00:59) The Power of Connections
(06:56) Career Journeys and Pivotal Moments
(13:50) Navigating Government Contracting
(19:53) Challenges and Opportunities in Government Work
(26:01) Trends Shaping the Future of Technology
(30:12) Leadership, Mentorship, and Encouraging Women in Tech
(36:03) The Future of Government and Technology

What happens when a Boeing IT veteran becomes a full-time artist?

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley and Doug Seites sit down with Ted Loomis to explore his unique journey from aerospace to art. Ted shares how creativity, technology, and curiosity intersect to drive innovation and growth.

They discuss:

• How 17 years at Boeing IT shaped his creative process
• The connections between technology and art
• Why reinvention is vital for leaders and entrepreneurs
• The role of curiosity in career and personal growth

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations
(00:52) Guest Intro: Ted Loomis, From Aerospace to Art
(03:15) Lessons From 17 Years at Boeing IT
(06:22) How Technology and Creativity Merge in Art
(10:19) Reinventing Yourself Through Creativity
(14:45) The Role of Curiosity in Growth
(18:52) Leadership Lessons from Reinvention
(22:36) Closing Thoughts: Innovation at the Intersection of Business and Art

👉 Subscribe and learn more at thesymplepodcast.com

Join us on this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we talk about technology and innovation in the trucking industry. In this episode, Catherine is joined by Mark Shafer, IT Director at M&K Truck, and Brittany Hayden, Inside Technical Account Manager at Symplicity, to explore their long-standing partnership and the transformative journey of M&K's technology systems.

Discover how M&K Truck has expanded from just four locations 35, thanks to forward-thinking technology strategies. Learn about the importance of building a solid infrastructure, the challenges of upgrading core communications, and how customer service is central to ensuring seamless operations during rapid growth.

Mark and Brittany share their experiences tackling technology deployment challenges, the benefits of moving to SD-WAN and RingCentral, and the significant savings from innovative mobility management. They also discuss the next steps in optimizing data and analytics for enhanced customer interactions.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how M&K keeps their IT team and end users aligned amid constant change and growth. Tune in and be inspired by the innovative solutions driving M&K Truck forward!

Subscribe to Symplicity Conversations for more stories on technology, leadership, and innovation in business

Chapters:
(00:00) Building Relationships Beyond Commissions

(03:02) The Evolution of M & K Truck's Technology

(05:58) Navigating Challenges in IT Management

(08:55) The Importance of Customer-Centric IT Solutions

(11:47) Transforming Communication Infrastructure

(14:55) Leveraging Data for Business Growth

(17:59) The Role of IT in Business Operations

(20:49) Future Innovations in Technology

(23:42) Maintaining Productive Vendor Relationships

(26:58) The Impact of Technology on Revenue

(29:49) Personal Insights and Fun Facts

Join us on Symplicity Conversations as we dive into the excitement of Grand Rapids Tech Week with Jen Wangler, Vice President of Technology at The Right Place.

Discover how West Michigan is emerging as a technology and innovation powerhouse in the Midwest and hear about the exciting events planned, including a keynote by Steve Wozniak, and multiple events with the Symplicity team.

We’ll explore the significance of innovation, community collaboration, and the empowering role of women in tech.

Tune in for inspiring stories and insights on how Grand Rapids is shaping its tech future. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation!

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations with Catherine Behrenbrinker
(01:34) Guest Intro: Jen Wangler, VP of Technology at The Right Place
(03:11) How Tech Week Grand Rapids Got Started
(05:27) From 7 Events to 80+: Tech Week’s Rapid Growth
(08:42) Steve Wozniak Keynote and Major 2025 Highlights
(11:36) AI, Data, and Analytics: Disruption Across Industries
(14:18) Coffee Circles and Women in Tech Initiatives
(17:50) How Tech Week Creates Connections That Spark Careers
(21:04) Why Grand Rapids is Becoming Tech Hub 3.0
(24:33) Universities Driving Talent: GVSU, MSU, and More
(27:21) Success Stories: VC Showcase and Startup Momentum
(30:42) Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation in Tech
(34:19) Grand Rapids’ Advantage: Collaboration Over Competition
(37:10) Tech Ecosystem Growth: Healthcare, Defense, and Food Innovation
(41:27) Attracting Talent and Retaining Knowledge Workers in GR
(45:00) The Future of Tech Week: From Midwest to National Stage
(47:39) Closing Thoughts and How to Get Involved

Subscribe and follow for more episodes on tech and community leadership.

Join us for this fun and enlightening episode of Symplicity Conversations as we explore the dynamic world of business and leadership, as well as how to not take yourself too seriously, with Erin Stewart, Senior Director of Sales at Symplicity. Discover Erin's unique journey, her leadership philosophy, and how she navigates the challenges of sales success.

Learn about the importance of community and collaboration, Symplicity's innovative approach to problem-solving, and the role of technology in enhancing customer experiences.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into building meaningful connections and driving growth in today's business landscape. Don't miss it!

Chapters:
(00:00) The Cost of Wrong Solutions
(01:00) Introduction to Symplicity Conversations
(01:26) Erin Stewart's Journey to Symplicity
(02:24) Transitioning from Vendor to Agent
(03:50) The Value of Problem Solving
(05:42) The Importance of Office Culture
(07:31) Building Relationships Through Community Engagement
(08:56) Navigating Challenges in a New Organization
(10:22) Leadership Philosophy and Team Dynamics
(12:11) Supporting Team Growth and Accountability
(14:24) Staying Motivated in Sales
(16:36) The Role of CX and Automation
(18:58) Holistic Technology Solutions
(20:20) The Importance of Data and Analytics
(22:43) Enhancing Human Connection with Technology
(24:08) Navigating Customer Choices
(26:29) Educating Customers for Better Decisions
(28:23) Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunities
(30:31) Empowering Women in Business
(31:51) Personal Well-being and Self-Care

Join us on Symplicity Conversations as host Catherine Ripley sits down with Sebastian Corriere, founder of VesuvITas and a leading expert in the contact center industry.

In this episode, they explore the evolving landscape of contact centers, discussing the challenges businesses face when modernizing and how to provide a human touch in a digital-first world.

Discover insights on leveraging AI, optimizing customer experiences, and the importance of a technology roadmap.

Whether you're an entrepreneur or a business leader, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help transform your operations. Don't miss out—subscribe now and simplify complexity with us!

Chapters:
(00:00) Breaking Down Silos in Organizations
(05:09) Challenges in Modernizing Contact Centers
(12:04) Evolving Contact Center Technologies
(16:52) Creating Seamless Customer Experiences
(21:11) Integrating Systems for Better Insights
(34:11) Key Performance Indicators for Success
(37:34) Cultural Impact on Customer Experience
(39:08) The Future of Contact Centers

Join us in this engaging episode of Symplicity Conversations as host Catherine Ripley sits down with Heather Kurzenski, CX Program Director at Intelisys.

Discover Heather's inspiring journey from technical recruiting to leading in the dynamic world of customer experience and automation. We dive into the pivotal role of empathy in CX, discuss how AI is reshaping the landscape, and explore practical ways to turn customer interactions into meaningful experiences.

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of business, this conversation offers valuable insights into how customer experience can drive business success. Don't miss it!

Subscribe now for more inspiring stories and actionable insights.

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Symplicity Conversations
(01:50) The Journey into Customer Experience
(07:14) Understanding the Role of Customer Experience Program Director
(10:41) The Impact of Customer Experience on Business Outcomes
(15:17) Bringing Empathy into Technology
(18:03) Trends in Customer Experience
(21:29) The Future of Customer Experience
(23:03) Starting with Data for Better Customer Experience
(26:19) Balancing Internal and External Customer Experience
(29:47) Generational Shifts in Technology Adoption
(32:52) Optimizing Communication Tools for Business Efficiency
(34:51) The Importance of Customer Experience in Business
(38:51) Embracing Technology for Enhanced Customer Experience
(42:22) Leadership Lessons for Women in Technology

Join host Catherine Ripley in this engaging episode of Symplicity Conversations as she dives into the dynamic world of business partnerships with Katherine White and Eddie Acosta from Intelisys. Discover how Intelisys is transforming the landscape for partners, the power of leadership synergy, and the exciting innovations on the horizon. Tune in for insights on fostering strong business relationships, navigating the evolving tech landscape, and leveraging community to drive success. Subscribe now and join the conversation to simplify complexity and make a meaningful impact!

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations
(01:28) Celebrating Achievements and Milestones
(04:24) Journeys to Intellisys: Personal Stories
(09:03) Intellisys' Mission and Support for Partners
(12:43) The Role of Partner Success
(17:19) Evolving Sales Processes and Partner Relationships
(18:59) Navigating Change in a Public Company
(22:40) Understanding Partner Needs and Expectations
(24:38) Mentorship and Career Growth
(28:43) Trends in the Partner Landscape
(30:49) The Importance of Collaboration
(34:00) Celebrating Wins and Building Relationships
(38:48) Resources and Strategic Intent
(47:12) Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Future