The Catalyst

In this episode of The Catalyst, host Stuart Takehara interviews Jenna Markley, the principal of BRR Architecture's Long Beach office. Jenna shares her journey from San Francisco to Long Beach, discussing the strategic decision to open a new office in a city rich with architectural talent and community spirit.

She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in architecture, the unique culture of Long Beach, and her vision for creatin...

In this episode of The Catalyst, Stuart Takehara discusses the importance of maximizing your membership in the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. He emphasizes the value of networking, building relationships, and actively participating in events to grow your business. Stuart shares personal anecdotes and insights on how consistent engagement can lead to significant opportunities, especially with the upcoming LA 28 Games. He encourages...

In this episode of The Catalyst, host Stuart Takahara discusses the critical topics of talent recruitment, retention, and employee lifestyle with guests Kirsten Stromberg and Walter Saper from Venture.

They explore the concept of building a magnetic employer brand, the importance of company culture, and the steps organizations can take to attract and retain top talent.

The conversation also delves into the significance of effective...

Declutter Your Business Message: The Art of Less Is More

Imagine trying to serve 10 different cuisines at once... chaotic, right? That's your business messaging when you're trying to be everything to everyone.

This episode is your crash course in decluttering your brand, making your message clear, focused, and irresistible to the right audience.In this episode:

• Why aiming to be all things to all people is your brand's b...

Most small business owners are still stuck in the old SEO days, but AI has hit the scene and flipped the game upside down.

Kris Gregson from Local Lenz AI reveals how AI now acts as your new best friend (or worst nightmare) in local search. Think Google’s answer box on steroids, no more relying solely on keywords or backlinks.

If your website isn’t optimized for AI’s new intelligence, you might as well be invisible.You'll discover...

Most nonprofits think a big budget is what makes a compelling video. Mike Bauch and Philip Redd reveal why storytelling — not spending — is your secret weapon to turn viewers into supporters.

Ready to see how a 3-minute video can change lives and boost your cause?

This episode dives into the magic behind creating videos that resonate, whether for a gala or social media.

Mike shares his insider tips on using just an iPhone to craft p...

Most small businesses are throwing away big branding advantages by thinking it’s just a logo or a catchphrase.

Turns out, your brand is more like a secret sauce; consistent, memorable, and insanely powerful. If you know how to serve it right.

Matt Bardocz from the figure agency drops truth bombs on how even a tiny coffee cart or local restaurant can create a brand experience that customers trust, repeat, and rave about, without spe...

This Lunch and Learn session focused on the theme of marketing for small businesses in 2026, covering various aspects such as public relations, organic social media, video marketing, local SEO, and the importance of storytelling. The panelists shared insights on common marketing mistakes, how to measure success, and the significance of customer engagement through reviews. They emphasized the need for businesses to understand their ...

Summary

In this episode of the Catalyst podcast, host Stuart Takehara welcomes Matt Bardocz, a seasoned creative director and entrepreneur, to discuss the essential yet challenging questions that business owners must confront. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundational reasons behind starting a business, the evolution of passion, and the necessity of a brand refresh as businesses grow and change. M...

This conversation covers significant changes in California employment laws, including minimum wage updates, new regulations on wage theft, and the implications of AI on the workforce.

Audrianne Adams Lee discusses various laws affecting employers and employees, emphasizing the importance of compliance and awareness of rights.

The discussion also touches on the need for proper record-keeping and the evolving landscape of workplace pro...