The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Dr. Brian Allen, Dean of the School of Business at Excelsior University, to discuss leadership, innovation, and the evolving future of business education.

Drawing from a career that spans multiple industries including service in the U.S. Air Force, The Future of Business Education and Entrepreneurial Leadership. Dr. Allen shares how his diverse experiences shaped his leadership...

In this episode, author Sheri Jacobs discusses why boundaries may be one of the most misunderstood drivers of innovation and creativity in business today.

Drawing from insights in her book, The Unexpected Power of Boundaries: Rethinking the Rules, Risks and Real Drivers of Innovation, Sheri explains how the right constraints can actually unlock better ideas, smarter risk-taking, and stronger organizational growth.

The conversat...

What separates businesses that grow from those that stall out?

In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Kevin “Bam” Smith, CEO of KBS Solutions, to discuss the realities of leadership, business growth, and why strategy alone is not enough to build a successful company.

Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Bam shares how he transitioned from running businesses to coaching executives and leadership teams through operatio...

In this episode, we sit down with William Flaiz, founder of Clean Smart Labs, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of marketing technology. William shares insights into building smarter data cleaning tools, why clean data is essential for AI success, and how businesses can better leverage automation to improve marketing performance.

He also discusses the importance of mastering the fundamentals in...

In this episode, we sit down with Roger Vance, CEO of Safe Ship Moving Services, to unpack how the moving industry really works and why it’s ripe for disruption. As the leader of a fast-growing moving brokerage, Roger shares how Safe Ship connects customers with a nationwide network of licensed and insured carriers, making long-distance moves more efficient, flexible, and accessible.

We dive into the often-misunderstood role of bro...

In this insightful episode, Paul Ryazanov, CEO of MageCloud, shares his journey from database engineer to tech entrepreneur, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He breaks down how AI is reshaping modern business, what it really takes to scale effectively, and why data management and cybersecurity are more critical than ever in today’s digital landscape.

Whether you’re a founder, tech leader, or simply curious about the futu...

Why does the sales process often feel uncomfortable? In this episode, we sit down with Ray Higdon, founder of Higdon Group, to unpack a more authentic, ethical approach to selling that actually works.

Ray shares his journey into entrepreneurship and the moment he realized that traditional “hard sell” tactics didn’t align with his values or deliver sustainable results. From there, he built a business focused on helping people close ...

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, trust has become the most valuable currency in healthcare. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Danielle Kelvas, MD of DKMD Consulting, to unpack how healthcare marketing is being reshaped by AI, misinformation, and increased regulatory scrutiny.

We explore the major marketing shifts from 2025 to 2026, including how artificial intelligence is transforming patient engagement and what these ch...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Anderson, General Counsel and HR Lead at Rayburn Electric Cooperative, to explore the company’s remarkable growth and the culture that drives it. Chris shares his journey to leadership, the role Rayburn plays in North Texas, and the factors behind its rapid expansion from 20 to over 100 employees.

Talking Points:

• Chris’s career path and what led him to Rayburn Electric Cooperative
• Overvi...

In this engaging episode, Siham Lahmine shares her inspiring journey from educator to founder of Morocco’s first woman-owned luxury culinary & heritage tours. Driven by a passion for authentic experiences, she has created travel opportunities that go far beyond traditional sightseeing, connecting visitors with local communities, artisans, and the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine.

Siham discusses the growing demand for meaningfu...

Karen Leos, VP of Global Sales at Tellabs, joins the conversation to discuss why enterprise connectivity has become essential to business growth, innovation, and operational efficiency.

In this interview, Karen explains why connectivity should be viewed as the digital nervous system of modern organizations, supporting everything from day-to-day operations to smart buildings, cybersecurity, and AI-driven transformation.

She also bre...

What does it take to lead and grow a global aviation company in one of the world’s most demanding industries?

In this episode, we sit down with Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics Group, to explore his unconventional path from facility management to the forefront of the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry.

Zilvinas shares how a fresh perspective, strategic thinking, and a relentless focus on growth helped h...

What if hiring could be faster, smarter, and still provide that human touch?

In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Alex Odwell, founder of Referment, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the recruiting process and why traditional hiring models may no longer meet the needs of modern businesses.

Alex shares the original vision behind Referment and what led the company to pivot toward an AI-powered hiring model d...

What does it really take to build authentic connections in today’s crowded digital world?

In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Zara Carbonell-Near, co-founder and managing director of social media at STOCK Marketing, to talk about entrepreneurship, brand storytelling, and the courage it takes to build something meaningful.

With a background that spans pageantry, publishing, sports leadership, startups, and marketing, Zara s...

What will it take to make electric vehicles more affordable, scalable, and sustainable?

In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Dr. John Cooley, founder and CEO of Nanoramic, to discuss the future of battery innovation and the critical role it will play in accelerating EV adoption and energy storage.

Dr. Cooley shares the founding vision behind Nanoramic, the early challenges of turning breakthrough science into real-world app...

How can leaders embrace AI without losing the human element at work?

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Lenhardt, Founder & CEO of Lenhardt Partners, to explore how people strategy is evolving in one of the fastest-changing workplace environments we’ve ever seen. With a unique background spanning opera, psychology, and HR, Anna brings a fresh and deeply insightful perspective to leadership, employee behavior, and the future...

As more homeowners explore solar energy, many are discovering that the biggest challenges don’t start with installation, they start with the contract.

In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Josie Garcia, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Client Services at Solar Equity Solutions, to discuss the evolving home solar industry and what consumers need to know before signing on the dotted line.

Josie shares how her move...

Is the self-storage industry rising up to become a lucrative commercial investment option?

In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with AJ Osborne, founder of Cedar Creek Capital, to break down the realities of the self-storage industry and how the business is evolving in today’s economy.

AJ shares insights from his extensive background in investing and entrepreneurship, explaining how experienced operators are redefining success, ...

What happens when a startup strategist brings business discipline into real estate?

In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Tyler Vaughan, business growth advisor, founder, and a top Realtor in Flagstaff, AZ, to discuss how applying startup principles and business fundamentals can transform a real estate practice.

Drawing from his experience scaling companies, Tyler shares how he’s built a thriving real estate business in Nort...