The Voices of Business: SCV

In this episode of 'The Voices of Business,' hosts Corey and Joshua recap the inaugural season, sharing memorable stories from local entrepreneurs and business owners in Santa Clarita Valley.  Looking ahead, they tease exciting developments for Season Two.   Episode Highlights:  00:00 Introduction and Host Banter 01:22 Season One Recap and Highlights 01:50 Upcoming Episodes and Guests 04:39 The Importance of Local Business Stories 05:49 Personal Reflections and Business Insights 10:54 Holiday Plans and Season Two Preview 12:36 Conclusion and Call to Action   Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Voices of Business podcast, share it with a fellow business owner, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners! Social Media Links: The Voices of Business: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-business/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevoicesofbusiness/ SCV Chamber: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santaclaritachamber - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scvchamber/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scvchamber/ Corey Nathan: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreysnathan/ Joshua Maddux: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuakmaddux/

Introduction: In this episode of The Voices of Business podcast, hosted by Joshua Maddux (with Corey Nathan absent), the guest is Paul Butler, co-founder and joint owner of NewLeaf Training and Development. The discussion spans Paul's professional journey from his roots in England to his career in finance, and eventually, his entrepreneurial leap into leadership development and training. Paul shares insights on starting a business in a foreign country, managing growth, and cultivating a company culture based on strong processes. What You Will Learn: Paul's career journey from internal auditing to regional finance director at major hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott. Insights into starting a business from scratch, especially in a foreign country. The importance of building strong processes and procedures in business to ensure scalability and efficiency. Why it’s essential to stay in your "swim lane" as a business owner, focusing on what you do best. Reflections on leadership, personal development, and the freedom that comes with owning a well-structured business. Episode Highlights: 1. [00:00:00] - Introduction: Joshua Maddux opens the episode, introducing Paul Butler and highlighting his company, NewLeaf Training and Development. 2. [00:02:00] - Paul's Early Life and Education: Paul talks about growing up in England and his journey through business and finance studies at the University of Birmingham. 3. [00:05:00] - Career in the Hotel Industry: Paul's experience working with Hilton and Marriott in various roles, including his move to the United States post-9/11. 4. [00:11:00] - Founding NewLeaf: Paul shares the challenges and rewards of starting his own training and development company in the U.S., including visa challenges and early client successes. 5. [00:15:00] - The Importance of Processes: Paul emphasizes why businesses should develop clear processes and procedures, which allow for growth and scalability. 6. [00:21:00] - Hiring and Staying in Your Lane: Paul discusses lessons learned from hiring mistakes and why sticking to what your business does best is key to long-term success. 7. [00:35:00] - Working with Large Organizations: Paul explains why NewLeaf primarily serves medium to large organizations and the challenges of working with smaller businesses. 8. [00:45:00] - Return to the SCV Chamber: Joshua and Paul discuss their shared experiences of leaving and then rejoining the SCV Chamber of Commerce, noting the positive changes under current leadership. Featured Quotes: "If you're doing it right as the business grows, you should actually be doing less." — Paul Butler "The importance of processes is that they allow your clients to receive a replicable service every time." — Paul Butler "There's greater security in owning your own business than in being an employee." — Paul Butler "If you can't take a vacation for a week or a month, you don't have a business, you have a job." — Joshua Maddux Resources Mentioned: - NewLeaf Training and Development: https://www.newleaftd.com Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Voices of Business podcast, share it with a fellow business owner, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners! Social Media Links: The Voices of Business: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-business/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevoicesofbusiness/ SCV Chamber: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santaclaritachamber - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scvchamber/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scvchamber/ Corey Nathan: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreysnathan/ Joshua Maddux: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuakmaddux/

Introduction: In this episode of The Voices of Business, hosts Corey Nathan and Joshua Maddux welcome John Vance, a certified financial planner and CEO of Vance Wealth. John shares his journey from a young finance enthusiast to a seasoned entrepreneur, discussing the challenges, successes, and insights he's gained over his 21 years of building and leading his firm. The conversation dives into financial planning, market trends, and the essential qualities of a successful business leader. What You Will Learn: - John Vance's journey from starting in finance to founding Vance Wealth. - Insights into long-term financial planning and investment strategies. - The importance of mentorship and training for young professionals. - How to manage and scale a business effectively. - The role of innovation in financial planning and the impact of new technologies like AI.    Episode Highlights: 1. [00:01:00] – John Vance shares his early inspirations and how he decided to pursue a career in financial planning. 2. [00:06:00] – John talks about his first job and the critical lessons learned during the dot-com bubble. 3. [00:08:00] – The decision to start Vance Wealth and the life events that motivated John to become an entrepreneur. 4. [00:16:00] – The importance of delegation and hiring the right people for business growth. 5. [00:27:00] – John discusses innovative strategies in financial planning, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in financial education. 6. [00:33:00] – Insights into how Vance Wealth uses AI and data to enhance financial planning and client advisory services. 7. [00:38:00] – Advice for young entrepreneurs and leaders on developing long-term success strategies. 8. [00:45:00] – John reflects on mistakes made in hiring and managing a team and the lessons learned from those experiences. Featured Quotes: - "When you find good people, I’ve been a big believer in just collecting good people." – John Vance - "If you don’t have a plan, then when there are variations of outcomes… it’s hard to make decisions, but when there is a plan, you have a place you can come back to." – John Vance - "The power of compounding is remarkable, and sticking to the fundamentals often yields the best results." – John Vance - "If you're not making mistakes, you're not taking some risks." – John Vance Resources Mentioned: - Vance Wealth Website - Connect with John Vance on LinkedIn Call to Action: If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing valuable conversations to your ears! Social Media Links: The Voices Of Business: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram SCV Chamber: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Corey Nathan: LinkedIn Instagram Joshua Maddux: LinkedIn

Scaling Business Success: Insights from Joshua Maddux of 95Visual Introduction: In this episode of *The Voices of Business*, host Corey Nathan sits down with Joshua Maddux, the founder of 95Visual, a leading provider of custom web and marketing solutions. Joshua shares his journey from homeschooling in Santa Clarita to becoming a successful entrepreneur, discussing how he built his business, 95Visual, and his passion for helping other businesses scale through strategic marketing and technology solutions. What You Will Learn: The significance of always being in a learning mindset as a business owner. How Joshua transitioned from early entrepreneurial ventures to founding 95Visual. The challenges and opportunities presented by AI in modern marketing. Strategies for identifying and reaching target audiences effectively in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The importance of setting clear expectations and defining terms in client relationships. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] - Joshua discusses his background, including being homeschooled in Santa Clarita and his early entrepreneurial ventures. [00:04:00] - The origin story of 95Visual and how Joshua navigated the challenges of scaling his business. [00:11:00] - Joshua shares insights on the importance of finding and hiring people who are better at specific tasks than you are. [00:22:00] - A deep dive into the role of AI in marketing and how 95Visual is leveraging AI to provide more effective solutions for clients. [00:29:00] - The importance of testing new marketing avenues regularly to stay ahead of industry changes. [00:40:00] - Joshua emphasizes the value of continuous learning and adaptation in business. [00:43:00] - The significance of clearly defining project scopes and managing client expectations to avoid costly misunderstandings. Featured Quotes: Joshua Maddux: "Always be learning, always be willing to accept that something's going to change. In our industry, things are changing so fast that we need to have training sessions every Friday just to keep up." Corey Nathan: "Defining terms is really important—being clear about what you do and defining the relationship upfront is crucial." Resources Mentioned: - 95Visual < Joshua's Company - 11 Labs AI < (AI Voice Cloning) - Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Call to Action: Don’t forget to subscribe to *The Voices of Business* on your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your network and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these insightful conversations. Social Media Links: The Voices Of Business: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram SCV Chamber: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Corey Nathan: LinkedIn Instagram Joshua Maddux: LinkedIn

In this episode of The Voices of Business: SCV host Corey Nathan is joined by Suzette Valladares. Suzette, an accomplished leader in business and the nonprofit sector, served in the California State Assembly and is now running for the California State Senate in the 23rd District. The episode explores her personal background, career trajectory, and her entry into politics.   What You Will Learn: Suzette Valladares' inspiring journey from her early life in Sylmar and Santa Clarita to her significant roles in nonprofit organizations and politics.  Insights into her political philosophy and advocacy for small businesses.  The impact of her family's legacy and personal experiences on her professional and political career.  The importance of bipartisan efforts and community engagement in politics.   Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction - Corey Nathan welcomes listeners to the special simulcast episode.  [00:01:00] Suzette’s Background - Suzette's impressive career in the nonprofit sector and her work in the California State Assembly.  [00:03:00] Suzette’s Family History - Discussion about Suzette’s family, including their long history in California and their influence on her.  [00:06:00] Career Inspiration - Suzette shares how her grandmother’s work with Cesar Chavez and personal experiences inspired her career in advocacy and politics.  [00:13:00] Transition to Nonprofit Work - Suzette's pivot from public sector work to leading Southern California Autism Speaks and Little Steps of Faith.  [00:22:00] Political Mentors - Suzette discusses influential mentors like Congressman Buck McKeon and Rosario Marin.  [00:33:00] Overcoming Challenges - Suzette reflects on her biggest challenges, including losing her Assembly seat and the passing of her mother.  [00:37:00] Advocacy for Small Businesses - Corey Nathan and Suzette discuss the challenges small businesses face in California and potential solutions.   Featured Quotes: "My great grandparents came to California in 1911 and 1917 for the California dream and opportunity." - Suzette Valladares  "I believe in the power of protecting the individual and that government should not be involved in our daily lives." - Suzette Valladares  "I leaned into my faith more than ever during the toughest times, and it taught me that I can get through anything." - Suzette Valladares  "We need common sense people willing to step up and say, 'Hey, we can do this better.'" - Suzette Valladares   Resources Mentioned: - [Suzette Valladares' Campaign Website](https://www.suzettevalladares.com)  - [College of the Canyons](https://www.canyons.edu)  - [Southern California Autism Speaks](https://www.autismspeaks.org) - [Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other](https://www.politicsandreligion.us)    Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app. Don’t forget to rate and leave a review. It helps us reach more people and bring more insightful conversations to you. Join the conversation and share this episode with friends and colleagues.   Social Media Links: Follow us on Twitter: [@TheVoicesOfBiz](https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz)  Like us on Facebook: [The Voices of Business](https://www.facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness)  Connect with us on LinkedIn: [Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce](https://www.linkedin.com/company/scvchamber/)    Join us next time for another episode of "Voices of Business," where we bring you inspiring stories and valuable insights from business and community leaders.

In this episode of the Voices of Business, host Joshua Maddux interviews Brian and Lindsay Schlick, owners of SchlickArt, a visual marketing company specializing in photography, video, and visual marketing strategy for businesses, personal brands, and professionals. Joshua delves into the Schlicks' journey from their beginnings to building a successful business in Santa Clarita Valley, highlighting their expertise in creating impactful visual content.   What You Will Learn: The importance of storytelling in visual marketing.  How to create a consistent brand experience through visual content. The evolution of photography and videography in the digital age. Strategies for utilizing AI and other technologies to enhance business efficiency. Tips for overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship and adapting to changes.   Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode and guests. [00:01:00] - Lindsay shares her background and journey into photography. [00:03:00] - Brian discusses his path to videography and his experience with Princess Cruises. [00:08:00] - The move to Santa Clarita and the founding of SchlickArt. [00:18:00] - The unique approach of SchlickArt in providing a photo shoot experience. [00:25:00] - The role of strategic conversations in their business process. [00:35:00] - The importance of visual marketing for personal and business branding. [00:41:00] - Adapting to technological advancements and the use of AI in their business. [00:53:00] - Overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. [01:00:00] - Advice for business owners on creating a consistent web presence and leveraging trackable metrics.   Featured Quotes: Lindsay Schlick: "We didn't want to start a photography business that photographed toddlers and weddings; we wanted to give people, especially women, a real photo shoot experience." Brian Schlick: "Telling your story and getting people to understand who you are and why you do something is super crucial." Lindsay Schlick: "If you don't breed an authentic brand and show it through video and visuals, customers will pick the company down the street who does." Brian Schlick: "Technology, whether it's AI or new camera tech, is there to help us create a better experience for our clients."    Resources Mentioned: SchlickArt Website: [schlickart.com](https://schlickart.com)  SchlickArt Blog: [SchlickArt Blog](https://schlickart.com/blog)   Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce: [scvchamber.com](https://scvchamber.com)    Call to Action: Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe to the Voices of Business podcast, share it with your friends, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring more insightful content and grow our community.   Social Media Links: Follow us on Twitter: [@TheVoicesOfBiz](https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz) Like us on Facebook: [TheVoicesOfBusiness](https://facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness) Connect with us on LinkedIn: [Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce](https://linkedin.com/company/santa-clarita-valley-chamber-of-commerce)    Feel free to reach out with feedback or if you'd like to be featured on the show. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to The Voices of Business: SCV, the official podcast of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, we're joined by Brian Koegle, Managing Partner at Koegle Law Group. Brian's firm specializes in employment and business counseling, advice, and litigation services for small and mid-sized businesses throughout California and Texas. Brian shares his journey from being a fourth-generation graduate of The Ohio State University to becoming a respected attorney and entrepreneur in Santa Clarita.   What You Will Learn: The benefits of attending community colleges like College of the Canyons. Key differences in employment law between California and Texas. Strategies for hiring and managing employees to minimize legal risks. The importance of maintaining integrity and ethical standards in business.   Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Background - Brian shares his educational background and his deep connection with The Ohio State University. [00:04:00] Community College Experience - Brian discusses the impact of attending College of the Canyons on his career and personal development. [00:08:00] Transition to Law - How Brian's studies in psychology and economics led him to a career in law. [00:09:00] Starting Koegle Law Group - Brian talks about his decision to start his own practice. [00:16:00] Hiring Practices - Advice on hiring the right people and the importance of a thorough vetting process. [00:23:00] Differences in Employment Law - Key differences between California and Texas employment laws and how they affect businesses. [00:27:00] Education and Prevention - Brian emphasizes the importance of educating business owners to prevent legal issues.   Featured Quotes: Brian Koegle: "The education that I received at College of the Canyons was world class truly world class." Brian Koegle: "Employment law is such a unique aspect of California's laws that and it's constantly changing." Brian Koegle: "If you don't do it now you'll never do it." Corey Nathan: "The math doesn't agree with you. It's just a math problem."   Resources Mentioned: [Koegle Law Group](https://www.kegleylaw.com) - Brian Koegle's law firm, offering resources and updates on employment law. [College of the Canyons](https://www.canyons.edu) - The community college that played a significant role in Brian's education.   Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a good rating and review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations with business leaders.   Social Media Links: Follow us on Twitter: [@TheVoicesOfBiz](https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz) Like us on Facebook: [The Voices of Business](https://facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness) Connect with us on LinkedIn: [Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-business)

Welcome to the Voices of Business: SCV, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce podcast. Hosted by Corey Nathan (while Joshua Maddux is aboard the 1st mission to Mars - allegedly), this episode features an engaging conversation with Dennis Verner, the General Manager of Burrtec Waste Industries and co-owner and broker at SCV Commercial Real Estate. Known for his multifaceted career and deep community involvement in the community, Dennis shares his journey from being a third-generation "trash man" to a prominent figure in commercial real estate.   What You Will Learn: The evolution of Dennis Verner's career from engineering and trash truck repairs to commercial real estate. Insights into the unique leadership style Dennis employs, emphasizing servant leadership and community involvement. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various industries, particularly waste management and commercial real estate. Dennis’s thoughts on the importance of finding personal happiness and defining individual success. The role of community service and charity in Dennis's life and career.   Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] - Introduction: Corey introduces the show and guest, Dennis Verner, highlighting Dennis's roles and playful banter about their friendship.  [00:02:00] - Dennis's Background: Dennis discusses his early life, moving to Santa Clarita in 1989, and his initial career in trash truck manufacturing and repair.  [00:05:00] - Transition to Commercial Real Estate: Dennis explains how he transitioned from waste management to commercial real estate and how his wife, Pamela, became a key player in their real estate business. [00:10:00] - Community Involvement: Dennis talks about the importance of community involvement, influenced by his former boss, and how it has benefited his personal and professional life. [00:18:00] - Leadership Style: Corey and Dennis discuss leadership philosophies, including the concept of servant leadership and the importance of understanding and supporting team members. [00:25:00] - Navigating Industry Challenges: Dennis shares how Burrtec Waste and his real estate business navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. [00:34:00] - Missed Opportunities and Successes: Reflections on missed opportunities and Dennis's advice on defining and pursuing personal success. [00:38:00] - Secrets to Success: Dennis offers advice for young professionals, emphasizing the importance of happiness and defining personal success.   Featured Quotes: Corey Nathan: "The greatest leaders are the greatest servers. The first among you shall be last, and the last shall be first." Dennis Verner: "You have to find your definition of success first. For me, money has always been a means to do the things I want to do, not an end goal."  Dennis Verner: "You can teach anyone a technical skill, but you can't teach them how to be a good human."   Resources Mentioned: Burrtec Waste: [Burrtec.com/SCV](https://www.burrtec.com/SCV) SCV Commercial Real Estate: Follow on Facebook: [SCV Commercial](https://www.facebook.com/SCVCommercial) Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley: [Boys and Girls Club](https://www.scvbgc.org/) Circle of Hope: [Circle of Hope](https://www.circleofhopeinc.org/)    Call to Action: Remember to subscribe to the Voices of Business: SCV podcast, tell a friend, and leave us a good rating and review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue these valuable conversations.   Social Media Links:  Follow us on Twitter: [@TheVoicesOfBiz](https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz) Like us on Facebook: [The Voices of Business](https://www.facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness) Connect with us on LinkedIn: [Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce](https://www.linkedin.com/company/santa-clarita-valley-chamber-of-commerce)   Join us next time for another insightful episode of Voices of Business!

Introduction In this inspiring episode of The Voices of Business, host Corey Nathan sits down with Jaime Annett, founder of Thermal Horizons, and Ben Benedetti, a founder and the chief enthusiast of the wellness center. They share their journey of creating a community-focused wellness space in Santa Clarita Valley. With heartfelt stories and profound insights, Jaime and Ben discuss their motivations, challenges, and the importance of community and wellness.   What You Will Learn The personal and transformative journey of Jaime Annett and Ben Benedetti. The impact of COVID-19 on their decision to start Thermal Horizons. Insights into the importance of community, wellness, and holistic healing. The challenges faced while establishing a wellness center during a global pandemic. The concept of manifesting and its role in their business and personal lives.   Episode Highlights [00:00:00] Introduction Corey Nathan introduces the episode and guests, Jaime Annett and Ben Benedetti, founders of Thermal Horizons. [00:02:00] The Birth of Thermal Horizons Jaime shares the emotional journey of starting Thermal Horizons inspired by her mother’s battle with cancer and the onset of COVID-19. [00:05:00] From Grief to Manifestation Jaime discusses how sound healing and meditation with her mother led to the idea of creating a wellness center. [00:17:00] Overcoming Fear Jaime and Ben talk about the fears they faced and the importance of choosing faith over fear in their entrepreneurial journey. [00:23:00] Building a Community Ben emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for their clientele and how their past experiences prepared them for this venture. [00:34:00] Embracing Challenges The duo reflects on their past challenges, the concept of the second mountain, and how previous experiences shaped their current success. [00:45:00] Finding Purpose Jaime shares a poignant moment about the reassurance she felt after her mother’s passing, confirming the purpose and success of Thermal Horizons. [00:50:00] Final Thoughts Ben and Jaime reflect on the importance of honesty, authenticity, and continued growth both personally and professionally.   Featured Quotes "Pain is the touchstone of all spiritual growth. You can either grow or stay stagnant." - Jaime Annett "Choosing faith over fear has been the cornerstone of our journey." - Jaime Annett "Every person that comes in has their own personal journey. It’s an honor to provide a space for that." - Ben Benedetti "The darkest chapters of our lives can turn out to be the brightest spots." - Ben Benedetti   Resources Mentioned Thermal Horizons Website: thermalhorizons.com Instagram: @thermalhorizons App Store: Thermal Horizons App Google Play: Thermal Horizons App   Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with friends and family who might find inspiration in Jaime and Ben’s journey. Your reviews help us reach more people and share more incredible stories.   Social Media Links Follow us on Twitter: @TheVoicesOfBiz Like us on Facebook: The Voices Of Business Connect with us on LinkedIn: Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce   Thank you for listening to this episode of The Voices of Business. Join us next time for more insights and stories from business leaders in our community.

Welcome to another episode of SCV's Voices of Business, a Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce podcast. In this episode, host Corey Nathan and co-host Joshua Maddux sit down with Selina Thomas, the founder of 6 Degrees HR Consulting. Selina is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her company, and she brings a wealth of experience in human resources, compliance, and small business development. Join us as we delve into Selina's inspiring journey, her insights on leadership, and her commitment to community building.   What You Will Learn: The origin and growth of 6 Degrees HR Consulting. The impact of Selina's father on her personal and professional life. The evolution of work-life balance and remote work post-COVID. How humility and continuous learning are key to business success. The importance of human connection and community in business.   Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] – Corey introduces Selina Thomas, celebrating the 10th anniversary of 6 Degrees HR Consulting, and discusses her background in HR and community involvement. [00:02:00] – Selina shares the influence of her father, Dr. Thomas, on her life and career, highlighting his role as 6 Degrees' first employee. [00:04:00] – Corey and Selina discuss her daughters' accomplishments and how her father's legacy continues through her family. [00:09:00] – Selina talks about starting her business in a Starbucks, the importance of networking, and thinking big even when starting small. [00:17:00] – The conversation shifts to how Selina helped businesses navigate the challenges of COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation. [00:25:00] – Selina discusses the significance of her biracial identity in relating to diverse clients and creating inclusive workplace cultures. [00:29:00] – Joshua and Selina reflect on the value of humility and the willingness to learn from mistakes in business. [00:32:00] – Corey and Joshua share their passion for podcasting as a medium to connect communities and tell compelling stories.   Featured Quotes: 1. "Your passion becomes your purpose and then you're paid for it." – Selina Thomas 2. "Think big even when you're small." – Selina Thomas 3. "Humility is a secret to success. The ability to realize that you're always growing and never feeling like you have all the answers." – Selina Thomas 4. "The human is first in HR. Culture creates community." – Selina Thomas   Resources Mentioned: - 6 Degrees HR Consulting https://6degreeshrconsulting.com/ - Linktree - Selina Thomas https://linktr.ee/selinathomas   Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you insightful conversations with business leaders. Tell a friend about Voices of Business: SCV and join us in these engaging discussions.   Social Media Links: - Follow us on Twitter: @TheVoicesOfBiz | https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz - Like us on Facebook: /TheVoicesOfBusiness | https://facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness   Thank you for tuning in! We'll see you next time on SCV's Voice of Business.  

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "The Voices of Business," brought to you by the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce. Join your hosts, Corey Nathan and Joshua Maddux, as they delve into engaging discussions with local business leaders and influencers who shape our community. In today’s episode, we explore the journeys, strategies, and insights of two prominent figures: Becki Robb, Senior Director of Special Events at Princess Cruises and the Chair of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber, and Ivan Volschenk, Managing Partner of Evolve Business Strategies and the President CEO of the Chamber.   **What You Will Learn:** - How Becki Robb's extensive career at Princess Cruises has informed her leadership style and community involvement. - Ivan Volschenk’s journey from starting a software company in South Africa to revitalizing the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber. - The evolving role of the Chamber in local business advocacy and community development. - Effective networking strategies that foster long-term business relationships and community growth.   **Episode Highlights:** - **[00:01:45]** - Becki Robb discusses her transition from Disney to Princess Cruises and her 20-year journey with the company. - **[00:05:10]** - Ivan Volschenk shares his entrepreneurial beginnings and what brought him to the United States. - **[00:09:53]** - Joshua Maddux reflects on the transformative changes within the Chamber over the past decade. - **[00:14:29]** - A look back at the historical impact of the SCV Chamber since its inception in 1920. - **[00:18:24]** - Discussion on the importance of advocacy and how the Chamber supports local businesses in legislative matters. - **[00:26:51]** - Predictions on the future of the business landscape in Santa Clarita Valley and the role of technology.   **Featured Quotes:** - Becki Robb: “It’s honestly you—it goes to the people you work with. We have an amazing team, and it's those types of partnerships that drive you forward.” - Ivan Volschenk: “Starting my own company at 26 was my way of taking control of my career. My only regret is not starting a year earlier.”   **Resources Mentioned:** - Princess Cruises: https://www.princess.com/ - Evolve Business Strategies: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-business-strategies/ - Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce: https://www.scvchamber.com/   Subscribe to "The Voices of Business" to stay updated on all our future episodes. Share this episode with a friend or colleague who could benefit from these insightful discussions about business, leadership, and community engagement. Don’t forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more people find us and join the conversation!   Thank you for tuning in to "The Voices of Business." Join us next time as we continue to explore the stories of business leaders and the impact of their work in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond. Remember, together, we can make a difference in our community and beyond!   **Social Media Links:** - Follow us on Twitter: [@TheVoicesOfBusiness](https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz) - Follow us on Instagram: [@TheVoicesOfBusiness](https://instagram.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness) - Like us on Facebook: [The Voices of Business](https://facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness) - Connect with us on LinkedIn: [Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce](https://linkedin.com/company/santa-clarita-valley-chamber-of-commerce)   Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode!

The Voices of Business is a Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce podcast! Hosted by Corey Nathan and Joshua Maddux, both of whom are small business owners in Santa Clarita and proud members of the Chamber, we’ll be bringing in a lineup of incredible guests with a special focus on business in our hometown, the Santa Clarita Valley. Sometimes we’ll be getting into related subjects, for example, when we speak with our local elected officials and a number of other remarkable folks. So sometimes, we get into leadership, management and life and anywhere the spirit takes us. Remember to subscribe or follow (depending on what your app lets you do). And definitely tell a friend or colleague about the Voices of Business - SCV so that more people can join in on the conversations we’ll be having right here at The Voices of Business - SCV!