Arizona Originals

This week we talk with Max Hansen, the CEO of Y Scouts, a purpose-based executive recruiting firm.  Max grew up in Glendale, Arizona and went to Northern Arizona University thinking football would be his future.  He discusses that change in plan and what ultimately led him to the field of recruiting.     Max covers a wide range of topics, including how to align purpose, values, leadership and culture within an organization and within your hiring process.  He discusses being disruptive in the marketplace, connecting people and purpose, having an attitude of abundance, and winning the Gumball 3000.   Also, be sure to check out Y Scouts co-founder Brian Mohr's own podcast - Built On Purpose - which takes a look at leaders in Arizona and beyond.   SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST   The Captain Class by Sam Walker   Human Elements   Arizona Chamber of Commerce contact@azoriginals.net

This week we talk with Justin Gray, the CEO and founder of LeadMD, co-founder of PaidSuite,  co-owner of Greyson Organics (an organic farm in rural Missouri), and co-founder of Six Bricks. Justin, who grew up in Fountain Hills and attended the University of Arizona, talks with us about his passion for entrepreneurship and modern-day marketing - topics he has written and spoken about extensively.  Justin has been published over 300 times in industry publications and holds his own column, Tribal Knowledge in Inc., as well as featured contributor statuses with Entrepreneur and others. We cover a wide range of topics including how he approaches writing (and why it is important for marketers to hone this skill), when should founders get out of the way, the importance of culture and values governing behavior, his views on unicorns and hiring, empathy, and the concept of 1+1=4. Also, check out Justin's podcast - Driven & Co. - which examines guests' "unconventional roads to leadership."  Great stuff! SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST Connect with Justin: Email, Twitter, LinkedIn Billions Ear Hustle S-Town Arizona Chamber of Commerce contact@azoriginals.net

Todd Belfer is the managing partner of the venture capital firm Canal Partners.  Todd shares his early entrepreneurial days when he bused fraternity and sorority students to Laughlin and later found himself founding software companies, restaurants (Ra Sushi Bar), and supplement and herbal tea companies.  Today, he and his partners focus on helping entrepreneurs and founders, in a defined stage of their growth, flourish. Todd touches on a number of topics of interest to founders, entrepreneurs, college students, and each one of us who have a passion for what we do.  In fact, he really dissects the subject of "passion" and gives some great insights we can all learn from on that and many other topics. SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST DeMello Spirituality Center New Way Academy Jiro Dreams of Sushi - Official Site Blink by Malcolm Gladwell Arizona Chamber of Commerce contact@azoriginals.net  

Ambassador Barbara Barrett joins us for this week's conversation.  She currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Aerospace Corporation and as the CEO of Triple Creek Ranch.  Ambassador Barrett has served as the US Ambassador to Finland, the Deputy Director of the Federal Aviation Administration, the President of the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and the CEO of the American Management Association, just to mention a few. Our conversation covers not only her story, but her passion for education, lifelong learning, problem solving, and leading through significant change and rebuilding of an organization.  Ambassador Barrett discusses her passion for supporting the military, advocating for space exploration and aerospace, and giving back to the community.  She also shares some poignant thoughts on legacy, influence and why she does not embrace the concept of a "bucket list" (and what she and her husband, Craig, use instead).  Undoubtedly, you will benefit personally and professionally from what she has to say. SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST Fighter Country Foundation The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose Arizona Chamber of Commerce contact@azoriginals.net

Heidi Jannenga is the president and co-founder of WebPT, a SaaS company providing support to physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.   WebPT has been on the INC 5000 list of fastest growing companies in the US for five years straight and is one of Arizona's fastest growing companies.   Our conversation takes us from Heidi’s days playing basketball to finding her passion in the profession of physical therapy. She then explains how seeing a huge problem led to the creation of WebPT. We talk about corporate culture, engaging your customers, the fear of failure, generational issues, and so much more. SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST WebPT WebPT careers hjannenga@webpt.com WebPT's values Conscious Capitalism Special Episode with Michael Lorsch - Vision v. Behavior Special Episode with Michael Lorsch - Overcoming Failure Headspace Arizona Chamber of Commerce Email us at contact@azoriginals.net Rising Strong - Brene Brown

This week Jeffrey Pruitt, founder and CEO of Tallwave, joins us for a fascinating conversation about his journey from accountancy to entrepreneurship and from "running through walls" to leading smarter. An Arizona native, Jeffrey explores taking ideas to market, finding capitol for those ideas, and building a strong organization based on values and strategy.  You will want to have your notebook ready for this conversation, especially as he talks practically about how Tallwave strives to be a friction-less workplace. SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST Jeffrey Pruitt on LinkedIn Tallwave Tallwave Capital YPO Camelback Mountain 12 Week Year by Brian Moran The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry Contact us at the podcast: contact@azoriginals.net  

This week, Colleen Jennings-Roggensack returns for the second installment of our conversation.  When she last joined us in Season One, we left her in Colorado, and today we hear the rest of the story. In addition to her journey, Colleen addresses topics each of us can learn from.  Those range from mentoring, to life-long learning, to taking risks, and finding balance in life.  You will also want to hear her story about one particular cast of the show "Evita" and the lessons we can learn about excellence and accountability. SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST ASU Gammage Stadium 365 Built to Last The Experience Economy Bernstein Meets Broadway Yes, Chef: A Memoir Setting the Table Noorderzon - Performing Arts Festival - Groningen Traverse Theatre Edinburgh Game of Thrones Being Mary Jane Arizona Chamber of Commerce Email us at contact@azoriginals.net

  Jason Pistillo is the president of the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona.  Our conversation takes us from Jason building his first computer game at the age of eight, to becoming a network engineer at 21, to his 23-year career at UAT.  He has been recognized as a leader in business and was most recently given the East Valley Institute Technology's "Sam and Olga Bender Award" for being a strong community partner over the past decade. We cover a wide range of topics ranging from building a "fast, fun, friendly and smart" culture, instituting rigorous hiring practices, maintaining motivation and focus, investing in the community, and empowering staff.  Jason also discusses why their culture of vulnerability among staff has made their team stronger, and so much more. SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST University of Advancing Technology Contact Jason via email Ballet Arizona YouTube video Valley Leadership YPO Leading Geeks by Paul Glen Alignment For Success by Katherine Halpin The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook by Peter Senge S*** My Dad Says by Justin Halpern Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry Contact us at the podcast: contact@azoriginals.net

Greg Head has spent most of his professional life in the world of software, including being part of the startup and growth stages of two major Arizona companies and as the chief marketing officer for Chandler-based Infusionsoft.  Today, Greg consults founders and CEOs, curates Gregslist (an active list of Arizona-based software companies...over 300 strong), and has more projects and initiatives on the way. In our conversation, Greg shares thoughts on not only marketing, but focus, intensity, scaling your business, Arizona's technology mindset, and what it means to transition your business from being ADD to OCD.  You will want to take notes! SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST Greg Head - LinkedIn Greg Head Consulting Gregslist Clate Mask podcast interview Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry Contact us at the podcast at contact@azoriginals.net

In this conversation, Brian Mueller, Chairman, President, and CEO of Grand Canyon University, shares his journey from teaching and coaching in Milwaukee's large family to leading higher education institutions. He emphasizes the significance of mentorship, planning, and community engagement. Brian discusses his decision-making process for running a publicly traded company, the balance between vision and community impact, and the importance of critical thinking in education. His insights on fostering strong student connections and cultivating a vibrant campus life are particularly inspiring.