Business Ethics, Walk the Talk

Welcome to the premiere episode of Season 4 of Walk the Talk, The exclusive business Podcast about ethics presented by the Business Ethics Alliance, hosted by the amazing Blake Peterson!John Fulwider, PhD joins us on our inaugural episode of 2024 to reveal to us the world of Executive Coaching and how to build the proper leadership team to get you to your next, next , NEXT big goal.Entrepreneurs often find  they wind up wearing too many hats. John helps business owners get their freedom back,  to grow in the direction they want, at the speed they want, to get the three things every business wants, to get work, do work, and get paid.John has written five books with his sixth book shortly on the way, his experience with business with a small group of employees to businesses with over 6500 employed, John shows us how we can grow our business and safely move to the next and stay successful every step of the way.

Do you know how to navigate the line between a non-profit organization and finding ways to create revenue? In this episode of "Walk the Talk," Blake sits down with the remarkable Steve Warren, a true pioneer in addressing the needs of kids here in Omaha. Both a Husker and an NFL Player, Steve has spent his life pushing the boundaries of what he was capable of, both physically and now as a business leader with no “formal training.”Learn about the human spirit that has led to nearly 20 years of kids being able to live the DREAM. Join Blake as we listen to the challenges, and profound insights that have shaped his successes and how to balance Non-Profit and For-Profit organizations together.

Makayla McMorris and Kristi Andersen are the beating heart at the core of Moxie 16, a boutique integrated communications marketing firm focused on public & media relations, crisis communications, social media, content development, and more. With decades of the Highest-Level Experience, from guiding UNO through the minefield of covid precautions and addressing disinformation, to key role in defining Omaha Metro’s Entertainment growth. Communications, event management, journalism and more, from a powerhouse of two boss women, leading in and leading the way on this episode of ‘Walk the Talk’ hosted by Blake Peterson, and brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance of Omaha.

What is the Future of Work?The Covid Pandemic forced lots of business to change how they worked with theri personnel, to adapt or potentially lose everything.Now that the initial shutdown quarantining is over, business are trying to go back to... well.... business as usual, but now the workforce is in a completely different place, with some preferring work-at-home, hybrid, or a Job Share program.The BEAPod welcomes Jina Hwang, Ph.D. this week to talk to Blake about the new solutions her organization, Job Share Connect, brings to the new work experience.So, what do you think is the Future of Work? Listen in and find out!

Daniel Padilla came to America almost 30 years ago looking to get into hospitality and his chance at the Dream. Instead, he worked in banking and finance in a position that was created overnight to address the fast-growing immigrant population in the city. In that time, he saw, and experienced, the exploitive and manipulative practices that targeted immigrants and financially vulnerable people.Wanting to provide better alternatives to combat unethical services, particularly the predatory ‘Payday Loan’ businesses, he along with others, created Lending Link, a unique enterprise to provide services to these financially vulnerable people with ways of breaking through money barriers and cycles of debt and reaching success.Listen with our host Blake Peterson as we chart Daniel’s amazing journey from chasing the Dream to becoming the dream-maker for the community.

Join us on this exciting episode as we sit down with Van Deeb, an accomplished real estate professional and founder of DEEB Realty in Omaha, Nebraska. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Van has established himself as one of the top brokers in the region, specializing in real estate investing, property management, and residential and commercial sales. We'll also explore Van's active involvement in the Omaha community, his charitable work, and his unwavering commitment to his clients. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with a respected and successful entrepreneur in the real estate industry.#BEApod with Blake Peterson

Many know Girl Scouts are home to the best cookies in the world! But it’s also one of the best leadership schools in the world and a successful business. Sarah credits their success with ensuring that everyone's voice is heard. “It’s vital,” she says. So, what can you learn about raising up every voice? Listen Now.On the Next #BEApod with Blake Peterson.

In this episode, Blake sits down with the current Director of Human Rights and Relations for the City of Omaha, Gerald Kuhn, to discuss the programs he manages with the goal of uplifting small businesses founded in low-income areas of the community. To learn more about Gerald and his position, follow this link: https://www.wowt.com/2023/01/06/mayor-appoints-new-human-rights-relations-director/

This month, Blake is joined by Brian Peckrill of the McGowan foundation to discuss how they are teaching Business Ethics to a select group MBA students each year and the changes they hope it will bring to the C-Suite. 

Tim Rexius sits down with Blake to discuss the current marketplace woes that Amazon has dealt to the small business community, and what that will look like in the future. Tim also discusses his method for attracting and retaining talent which has less to do with benefits and salary, and more to do with ownership and individual growth. Lastly, Tim discusses what a small business owner who is going through a recession for their first time can do to help ensure their business makes it to the other side. Rexius Nutrition- https://www.rexiusnutrition.com/Omaha Protein Popcorn- https://vhifit.com/collections/opp-protein-popcornIron Heaven Gym- https://ironheavenomaha.com/

Blake sits down with Ted Bridges to discuss how his family was able to create a business that has lasted through three generations of CEO's and still maintain their core values along the way. Blake and Ted also discuss some of the ethical questions surrounding intergenerational wealth transfer and how it is seen in the United States today. 

Blake sits down with Kevin Hensel, Director of Human Resources at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha,  to discuss the evolution of a leader in the workplace, and what it takes to cultivate a positive company culture from the top down. 

Dale and Blake sit down to talk about the ethical environment of being a leader in the recycling industry, and the many new advancements that Firstar is bringing to Nebraska. 

Blake sits down with Jasmine Deane to discuss the rapid growth of her business, “The Good Life Charcuterie,” and how she utilizes her core values when embarking on a new challenge or dealing with a setback.Learn more about The Good Life Charcuterie here: https://thegoodlifecharcuterie.com/About Jasmine and The Good Life Charcuterie:Growing up in Virginia, my family expressed our love  for one another and the the community through food. GOOD FOOD.I love continuing my family legacy through charcuterie, grazing tables, and catering.Lasting ExperiencesAt the Good Life Charcuterie, I work with local artisans  daily to ensure you are able to taste, experience, and have a full understanding of how our best ingredients are sourced, packaged and prepared for you to enjoy.My MissionI thrive on building lasting relationships within the community. I strive to use  local sustainable foods while using practices that promotes a positive social impact that is based around a passion and craftsmanship.

Blake and Josh sit down to discuss what he has learned throughout his time as a journalist, fundraiser, and business professional and how they all require communicating ethically. BBB Landing Page: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-in-nebraska-south-dakota-kansas-plains-and-sw-iowaBBB Torch Award for Ethical Businesses: https://www.bbb.org/local/0714/torch-awards.htmlAbout the guest, Josh Planos:Josh Planos is the Director of Public Relations and Communications at the Better Business Bureau Serving Nebraska, South Dakota, the Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa. He previously served as the Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Grand Island Public Schools, the Assistant Director of Communications at the University of Nebraska Foundation, and the Digital Editor at KETV NewsWatch 7. Planos has an extensive background in strategic communications and marketing, and was captain of the speech team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations. His writing has been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated and FiveThirtyEight, among other publications.

Blake sits down with security expert and CEO of Leonum Advisors, Bobby Brumfield, to discuss the ethical questions surrounding corporate security. You might be surprised by his position that corporate security doesn't start with cameras and alarm systems, but with your people and culture. About Bobby Brumfield and Leonum Advisors:Founder & Managing Partner at Leonum Advisors: Corporate Protection Management Firm, where we protect people, facilities, data and brands. Our cross-functional teams build safety & security programs and creates a culture of security that protects Small & Medium-sized Businesses and Vulnerable Communities.We design facility safety & security plans, conduct workforce safety & security awareness training, as well as emerging leadership training, which focuses on building the human-centric skills that help create strong, sustainable security culture.We can engage as Advisors to existing teams, project development or outsourced management.Human Connection is our most sustainable security strategy and the key element of a collaborative and thriving workplace.Feel free to message me for more information or send inquiries to: contact@leonumco.com

Blake and Ralph Kellogg, the assistant vice president of HR at Lutheran Family Services, sit down to discuss the ethical questions surrounding vaccine mandates in the workplace. Guest Bio: Ralph Kellogg serves as the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources for Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. Mr. Kellogg has an extensive background in strategic planning, training, corporate communications, and human resources, to include the areas of employee relations and labor union management. Kellogg works as a human resources consultant for area small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Kellogg is an advocate in the areas of LGBTQIA rights and belonging at work, and frequently speaks to organizations on the subjects of authenticity, and how leaders can help team members who are challenged by anxiety and panic within the workplace.Kellogg has had articles published in Forbes.com, the Society for Human Resources Management Blog, and the HR Gazette.

Jamar and Blake sit down to discuss the role relationships play in business and community development, as well as the importance of people having equity in their work and communities. 

In this episode, Blake sits down with Ifeanyi Onubogu to discuss the future of blockchain and how it will revolutionize the business world. Visit Waltoria: https://www.waltoria.io/Connect with Ifeanyi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifeanyi-onubogu/

In this episode, Blake and Tony sit down to talk about the relationship between business and politics. Visit Tony's website: https://www.vargasfornebraska.com/About Tony:Tony Vargas has served Nebraskans as an elected official for the last decade. Tony learned the values of community, hard work, and perseverance from his parents, who, coming from humble beginnings, sacrificed everything to provide their children with an opportunity for a brighter future. No matter how busy the family was, they had dinner together every night, where his parents encouraged Tony to “stay grounded, but reach for the stars.”Tony devoted his career to public service and improving opportunities for all Nebraskans. He has served our community since 2013, first as a member of the Omaha Public Schools Board and then as a member of the Nebraska Legislature. As a senator, Tony has developed a reputation for civility and working with anyone to get things done for Nebraska workers and small businesses.He has successfully passed legislation to strengthen our public schools, improve access to health care, encourage technology and innovation, and improve consumer protections.Tony began his career as a public-school teacher, receiving “Most Outstanding Teacher” and “Teacher of the Year” awards, and has worked in the non-profit and education sectors, striving to improve the quality of life and educational opportunities for thousands of children across the United States.The first generation of his family to graduate college, Tony earned his Bachelors of Arts degree at the University of Rochester and a Masters in Education at Pace University. Tony and his wife, Lauren, are raising their two young kids, Ava and Luca, in Omaha. They are proud parishioners of St. Frances Cabrini Church, where Tony and Lauren were married.