Improve your resilience and readiness in a rapidly changing world. Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch host this exploration of personal and collective practices that empower us to work together to help each other, our families, and our communities improve our resilience and readiness.
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Bob Bertsch Podcasts
This podcast, hosted by Bob Bertsch, is a discussion of how Cooperative Extension professionals can work differently to be more effective in the new communications environment. Duration: about 30 minutes Updated: every other Thursday, approx. 3 p.m. (CT) The WDiE theme music is "Noone's Acid", https://www.jamendo.com/en/artist/337331/...and-nobody-cared, by ...and nobody cared. We use it under a Creative Commons license.
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Tune in to FinFactor as we dive into the evolving role of today’s CFO. Each episode features experienced finance leaders and industry experts who share practical insights on emerging technology, financial strategy, and the future of the Office of the CFO. Hosted by Blaine Bertsch, we explore the evolving responsibilities of finance leaders—from adopting automation and AI to navigating today’s complex financial environment and leading digital transformation initiatives. Guests share firsthand ...
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Improve Your Feedback with Gratitude and Vulnerability
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15:00Send us a text Discover the transformative power of feedback. In this replay episode from early 2024, hosts Bob Bertsch and Jessica Beckendorf explore the nuances of giving and receiving feedback, emphasizing its role in personal and professional growth. Jessica shares a practical readiness checklist, offering valuable insights for enhancing feedba…
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Paul Barnhurst on the Expanding Role of the CFO
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24:22In this episode, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Paul Barnhurst to explore the expanding role of today’s CFO, who must now navigate not just finance but operations, technology, and strategy. They dive into how AI and automation are transforming the finance function, the ongoing struggle with data quality, and the growing need for cross-functional col…
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The Power of Care: Building Trust That Lasts
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13:24Send us a text What if the most powerful way to build trust was also the simplest: showing genuine care for others’ concerns and interests? This week, we’ll share two easy practices you can use right away to make care the foundation of every relationship. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica explore the fourth distinction of …
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Avoiding Common ERP Pitfalls with Bob Light
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29:09In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Bob Light to unpack the challenges of implementing financial software systems. They explore why understanding internal processes and pain points is critical before selecting a system, and how involving stakeholders early can lead to smoother adoption. Bob and Blaine highlight the importanc…
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Clarify Your Capabilities: Building Trust Through Competence
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9:49Send us a text Did you know that trust isn’t just about what you can do, but also about how honest you are about your limits? This week, we’ll share a simple practice to help you build trust through clarity, confidence, and communication. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Coral explore how competence, one of the four key distinc…
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Ben Taylor on Mastering Multi-Entity Accounting
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23:43In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger, to explore the growing complexities of accounting in multi-entity organizations. Ben unpacks the operational and financial challenges that surface as businesses scale, especially when relying on outdated systems or manual processes. Together, they discuss the…
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Reliability in Action: Why Clear Requests Matter
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9:51Send us a text Have you ever felt let down by someone who didn’t follow through - or realized you misunderstood what was asked of you? This episode reveals why reliability starts with clear requests, and how a few mindful tweaks to your communication can build trust and prevent frustration. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessic…
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Scott Hollrah on Navigating Data Challenges in Finance
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27:15In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch speaks with Scott Hollrah, CEO of Venn Technology, about the often-overlooked challenges finance teams face when working with fragmented data across ERPs, CRMs, and other systems. Scott shares real-world examples of how manual processes bog down efficiency and limit CFOs from making timely, informed deci…
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Send us a text Ever left a conversation wishing you’d said what you really meant? This week, we’ll show you a simple practice to help you notice - and close - the gap between your true thoughts and your spoken words, so you can build trust through greater sincerity. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Coral dive into one of the fo…
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Greg McDonough on Turning Data into Better Business Decisions
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23:03In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch welcomes Greg McDonough, Managing Partner at Blackburn Capital and seasoned financial coach, to discuss why clean, consistent financial data is the cornerstone of smart business decisions. Greg shares his experience working with entrepreneurs who often operate on instinct instead of insights, highlightin…
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Trust as a Practice: Lessons from the Experts, with Charles Feltman and Ila Edgar
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35:27Send us a text What if trust wasn’t just a feeling, but a set of skills you could build, repair, and strengthen - on purpose? In this special episode of Practicing Connection, hosts Jessica Beckendorf and Coral Owen sit down with Charles Feltman, author of The Thin Book of Trust, and Ila Edgar, founder of Big Change Inc. and co-hosts of the Trust o…
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Plan With Purpose: The POP Framework for Effective Meetings
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13:16Send us a text What if every meeting you planned had a clear purpose, a focused outcome, and left everyone energized instead of drained? Today, we’ll show you a simple framework to make every gathering count. Tired of meetings that go nowhere? In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica reveal how the POP (Purpose, Outco…
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Planning for Possibilities: A Perspective-Shifting Practice
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9:46Send us a text What if you could quiet the ‘what-ifs’ and help your team face tough decisions with clarity and confidence? Today, we’re sharing a simple scenario planning practice that brings perspective to uncertainty-so you can plan for whatever comes next. Coral and Jessica introduce a practical scenario planning tool: Best, Worst, Most Likely C…
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Send us a text Are you feeling stuck in an either/or mindset during challenging transitions? Discover how both/and thinking can help you lead with flexibility and compassion. In today's practice, Coral guides us through a transformative action that can bring more connection and possibility into your daily life. Co-hosts Jessica and Coral explore th…
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Build Team Cohesion with "Hippopotamus Days"
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10:23Send us a text What if a single phrase could transform your team’s understanding and support for each other on tough days? Discover how “Hippopotamus Days” can build connection, understanding, and trust - one inside joke at a time. Building team cohesion isn’t just about big events or trust falls - it’s about the small moments of understanding that…
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Modernizing Lease Management with Greg Kautz
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17:57In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch is joined by lease accounting expert Greg Kautz to dive into the evolving landscape of lease management. They unpack the growing complexities introduced by new accounting standards, the ongoing reliance on spreadsheets, and the shortcomings of traditional ERP systems. Greg offers practical insights on ho…
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Temperature Checks for Change: Staying Grounded Through Uncertainty
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9:53Send us a text When change is the only constant, how do you keep yourself - and your team - grounded and connected? In this episode, we explore simple, powerful check-in practices that help leaders and teams navigate uncertainty with empathy, awareness, and trust. Transitions and uncertainty are part of every leader’s journey. In this episode of Pr…
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Leading Through Change: How to Stay Aligned and Present
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6:08Send us a text Are you leading your team the way you truly want to? Or just reacting to the pressures of the moment? Discover how a simple reflection can help you align your intentions with your actions and become the emotionally intelligent leader your team needs. How we show up as leaders shapes our team’s experience, trust, and success. In this …
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FX, AI & the Payment Revolution with Adam Katz
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25:08In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch is joined by Adam Katz for a deep dive into the world of foreign exchange and B2B payments. They explore the payment challenges that CFOs face—from hidden FX fees and inefficiencies to the importance of data and building relationships with FX providers. Adam shares expert insights on how businesses can n…
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Adventure-Ready: Strengthening Military Families Through Teen Camps
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41:14Send us a text Looking for a way to empower military families while fostering resilience and connection? Join us as we explore the transformative Military Teen Adventure Camps, where service member parents and teens bond through adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. Discover how these camps are creatin…
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A Compass for Building Compassion Resilience
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10:09Send us a text Today's practice is such a simple reflection, but is also really powerful and eye-opening when you notice those areas where you are feeling fatigue, and can identify what to do about it. Coral joins Jessica in this episode to conclude our three-part series on compassion resilience, by discussing the Compass Model for Wellness. Jessic…
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Policy, Practice, and Compassion in Mental Health, with Dr. Keita Franklin
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35:32Send us a text How can policymakers and frontline providers collaborate to transform mental health care for service members and veterans? Dr. Keita Franklin is here to share 25 years of insights - from data-driven policy to personal resilience practices. National policy leader Dr. Keita Franklin joins host Jessica Beckendorf and special guest co-ho…
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Say Yes to Yourself: Build Compassion Resilience with Healthy Boundaries
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8:18Send us a text Struggling to balance caring for others with caring for yourself? In this episode of Practicing Connection, we explore how setting compassionate boundaries can help you maintain your well-being while supporting military families effectively. In the second installment of our compassion resilience series, Jessica delves into the art of…
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Send us a text Do you sometimes feel drained by the emotional demands of your work? In this episode of Practicing Connection, we explore compassion resilience - the ability to care deeply while protecting your own well-being. Learn what it is, why it matters, and a simple practice to start building it today. Service providers often face emotionally…
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More than a Meal: Building Community and Resilience, with Chef Mary Long
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41:38Send us a text Do you ever wonder how a kitchen can become a hub for resilience and connection? In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica is joined by special co-host Bethany Daugherty, who both sit down with Chef Mary Long, a culinary expert and instructor at the U.S. Army North Vogel Resiliency Center in San Antonio, Texas. Discover how h…
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Send us a text Do you ever struggle to stick to your goals? Discover the WOOP method, a powerful tool that uses obstacles as stepping stones to success. Discover WOOP, a science-backed goal-setting practice that helps you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Learn how to apply this simple yet powerful tool to transform your habits and improve…
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How to be Present for Others in their Grief
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12:02Send us a text This episode was the second in a series of three practicasts from 2024 centered around "holding space," a concept we learned from Heather Plett, author of "The Art of Holding Space." Our co-creator for this series was our OneOp colleague, Kristen Jowers. In this episode, Kristen shares two practices to help us prepare to hold space f…
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Mike Shum on Navigating the Debt Landscape
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23:42
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23:42In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch and Mike Shum dive into the evolving world of private credit and debt financing, shedding light on the challenges businesses face in securing debt and managing financial data. They explore the critical role of transparency, the increasing complexity of debt structures, and how technology—specifically Cas…
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Send us a text **Leveraging Forgiveness as a Strength** Forgiveness is a powerful character strength and skill that can appear deceptively difficult to master. When we feel hurt by someone, or upset at ourselves, how do we move past the emotions of the moment to understand what is really happening in that situation? In this episode of *Practicing C…
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Reframing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
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8:43Send us a text **Reframing Mistakes for Growth** In this episode of *Practicing Connection*, Coral Owen provides co-host Jessica Beckendorf and listeners with a practical guide to reframing your mindset when you make a mistake. Drawing inspiration from her two-year-old toddler's ability to move past errors effortlessly, Coral contrasts this with th…
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Morgan Hines on Unlocking Cost Savings in Corporate Travel
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24:09In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine sits down with Morgan Hines to explore the significant impact of travel expenses on small and medium-sized businesses. They dive into the hidden costs of corporate travel management, from human error in booking to missed savings due to lack of access to corporate travel tools. Morgan highlights how Navan is leve…
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Move on From Mistakes with the 10-10-10 Rule
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11:04Send us a text In this episode, hosts Coral and Jessica explore the 10-10-10 Rule, a simple yet powerful technique for gaining perspective on mistakes and decision-making. Jessica explains how this tool can be used to reflect on and move through errors without spiraling into panic. Tune in to learn how asking three simple questions can help you and…
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Send us a text Boost your productivity and stay connected with others through the power of co-working! In this episode of Practicing Connection, learn how structured co-working sessions can enhance focus, provide accountability, and create a sense of community—whether in person or virtually. Jessica shares a simple, step-by-step approach to impleme…
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Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection, we explore the "one-minute agreement," a simple yet powerful practice for building consistency and overcoming inertia. Coral shares how this approach can help tackle big goals by breaking them into bite-sized, manageable steps.By OneOp
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Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral talks about Habit Stacking, a practice that can help you adopt new habits by pairing them with existing ones. Learn more about this adaptable practice that can help you change your behavior.By OneOp
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Navigating the ERP Journey with Sam Gupta
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33:46In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch and Sam Gupta dive deep into the intricacies of ERP implementation, a transformative journey that requires meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment. They discuss the pivotal role of CFOs in ensuring ERP projects address both financial and operational needs, emphasizing phase z…
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Easy Priority Setting with the Wheel of Life
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14:04Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica introduces the Wheel of Life as a simple tool to help set priorities and find balance by identifying areas that need attention. Discover how this practice encourages intentionality, making it easier to focus on what matters most to you each month.…
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Send us a text In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf introduces Coral Owen as the new co-host of Practicing Connection. They reflect on their journey working together, share insights into the podcast’s evolution, and discuss the importance of consistent small practices for personal and professional growth.…
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Strategies for Navigating Challenging Conversations
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16:05Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection, Bob and Jessica discuss the importance of navigating challenging conversations. Jessica introduces a practical activity designed to help manage emotions and foster constructive dialogue, whether in personal or professional settings.By OneOp
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Send us a text In this practicast, inspired by Heather Plett’s book The Art of Holding Space, Bob Bertsch shares a practice for letting go of something to create space for new possibilities. Our co-creator for this episode was our OneOp colleague, Kristen Jowers.By OneOp
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The Power of Connection, Reflection, and Evolution with Bob Bertsch
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28:02Send us a text In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch reflect on Bob’s time as co-host and his transition to a new role as national project leader for OneOp. Together, they revisit key moments from the Practicing Connection podcast, share insights from their collaboration, and explore practices that support personal and professional gr…
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Don’t End up in A.I Hell with Usman Mahmood
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33:25Join Blaine Bertsch and Usman Mahmood as they dive into the essential groundwork for harnessing AI in business. This episode of FinFactor uncovers why a solid data structure and organizational data maturity are critical before adopting AI technologies. Usman and Blaine break down data maturity stages, highlight AI's transformative role in enhancing…
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Reflections on Connection, Collaboration, and Finding Inspiration
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25:45Send us a text This is our annual Reflections episode, where we invite some of our podcast collaborators from the past year to share their reflections with us. Why? Because at the heart of meaningful connection, communication, and collaboration is the ongoing journey of self-awareness, learning, and growth. Regular reflection helps us stay grounded…
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The Key to Successful Fundraising with Jonathon Angell
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43:59In this engaging episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Jonathon Angell to unpack the world of innovative strategies for fundraising and financing in business. They explore diverse financing options, the impact of partnerships, and the importance of networking and relationships in securing funding. They dive into the intricacies of mer…
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Inviting Innovation Through Creative Destruction
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12:15Send us a text Explore how inviting creative destruction can pave the way for innovation. In this practicast, Jessica shares a fun and insightful practice inspired by the Liberating Structures TRIZ activity, guiding listeners to identify and eliminate counterproductive behaviors to make space for new ideas and better outcomes.…
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The Evolving Role of IT Specialists with Keith Daser
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34:20In this conversation, Blaine Bertsch and Keith Daser discuss the complexities and challenges that mid-market businesses face when integrating technology solutions. They explore the importance of engaging IT consulting professionals at the right time, the significance of communication during technology purchases, and the lessons learned from past mi…
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The Power of Listening to Cultivate Deep Respect for People
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12:40Send us a text Explore practical ways to cultivate deep respect in your personal and professional interactions. This practicast introduces “1-2-4-All,” a practice rooted in community development principles, designed to amplify every voice and promote meaningful collaboration. Learn how genuine listening and collective reflection can empower individ…
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The Welcome Wagon: Cultivating a Welcoming Environment
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16:21Send us a text Discover practical ways to create more welcoming and inclusive environments in your personal and professional life. The episode introduces "The Welcome Wagon," a simple practice inspired by community development principles, offering steps for personal reflection and group collaboration to foster a culture of belonging. Explore insigh…
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Strengthening Military Community Connections with Amy Rodick
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19:01Send us a text Amy Rodick, Director of the Office of Military Family Readiness and Policy for the Department of Defense, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of community connections and how service providers and families can contribute to a stronger Military Family Readiness System. As an Army veteran and military spouse, Amy brings a uniqu…
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Marketing Strategies for CPA Firms with Apoorv Dwivedi
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25:36In this conversation, Blaine Bertsch interviews Apoorv Dwivedi of fixer.com about marketing strategies for CPA firms. Apoorv specializes in marketing for small and mid-sized accounting firms and helps them improve their lead-generation efforts. They discuss the importance of focusing on a specific target audience and service offering, building repu…
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