Looking Forward Our Way
Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
Recent Episodes
Employee resource groups (ERGs) are vital in providing support to veterans, helping them feel less isolated and more integrated into their new work environments.
We sit down with Ronnie Bailey, the Human Resources Manager at Bullen Ultrasonics, to talk about a critical topic during this National Veterans and Military Families Month: the value of veterans in the civilian workforce.
We explore the challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. This includes the stress of job loss and the mental health issues stemming from a perceived loss of importance.
Ronnie shares his journey from military leadership to HR, highlighting the significance of explaining the "why" to motivate younger workers and how this applies across both military and civilian contexts.
We discuss the importance of veteran services, hiring programs, and the resources available but often unknown to veterans. Ronnie’s experience at Bullen, recognized for its outstanding veteran hiring program, offers a unique perspective on helping veterans translate their military skills into civilian job success.
We also touch on the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and the unique strengths veterans bring to the table.
Learn more about how employers can better support their veteran employees and the mutual benefits this brings to both veterans and their organizations.
Top Takeaways
Veterans often face significant stress and mental health issues when transitioning from military to civilian life, particularly when job loss forces them to move back with their parents.
Although veteran services and resources are available, many veterans are unaware of how to access them, highlighting the need for better information dissemination.
Employee resource groups (ERGs) are vital in providing support to veterans, helping them feel less isolated and more integrated into their new work environments.
There is often a disconnect between the languages and job tasks understood by veterans and civilian hiring managers, which can complicate job placement and retention.
Motivating younger employees, both in the military and civilian workforce, requires leaders to communicate the purpose and value behind tasks and roles.
Initiatives such as Bullen’s military hiring program, which has received recognition from the US Department of Labor with the Hire Vets Medallion, are crucial for successfully incorporating veterans into civilian jobs.
Veterans might struggle with interviews due to the shift from a team-focused military environment to an individual-focused civilian job market, necessitating specific support and preparation.
Veterans often possess valuable leadership skills and a continuous improvement mindset learned in the military, which is beneficial in civilian roles, particularly in HR and supervision.
Including veterans at all levels within a company enriches the workplace with diverse experiences and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
While veterans should be provided with the necessary support, treating them equally without undue special treatment is as important as ensuring they feel like a part of the team and the larger valued workforce.
Key Moments
06:23 Former packaging worker explores changing manufacturing processes.
09:42 Career advancement opportunities are less as you climb.
13:32 Good NCOs support and inspire soldiers personally.
17:37 Help new hires understand and sell themselves.
18:44 Connecting veterans and civilian employers through language.
23:14 Unique resume systems assist veterans in translating skills.
27:29 Support group members share resources for assistance.
29:59 Employers benefit from hiring veterans and young adults.
31:51 Employees seek equal recognition, not singling out.
34:59 Supporting veterans through physical and mental challenges.
39:21 Ohio Means Jobs offers funding and support.
42:31 Instill value and support veterans in the workforce.
We would love to hear from you.
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And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Empowering Voters: Understanding Campaign Financing, Fair Districting, and Poll Participation
Brett and Carol chat with Jen Miller, the Executive Director of the League of Women Voters Ohio, about the nitty-gritty of ballot issues and voting policies.
Jen talks about a cool bipartisan effort to draft a new amendment (Issue 1), mentioning notable figures like Maureen O'Connor and Yvette McGee Brown. This amendment has some serious backing from a wide range of groups, including teachers' and nurses' unions, the NAACP, and even the Libertarian Party.
The conversation takes a turn towards the topic of dark money in politics, which became a hot issue after the Citizens United decision. Jen underscores the need for transparency so voters know who’s funding political ads. She’s passionate about ending gerrymandering, believing it would make legislatures more responsive and improve policymaking. Gerrymandering, she argues, kills voter satisfaction and participation.
More engagement and compromise in the legislature would tone down extremism and serve citizens better. Jen encourages everyone to get involved in democracy, pointing to resources like vote411.org and voteohio.gov. She also talks about the importance of becoming poll workers and making sure our communities are ready to vote.
Jen criticizes gerrymandering for reducing accountability and allowing representatives to focus more on party extremes and big donors rather than a broader voter base. Despite these obstacles, she urges citizens to stay vocal and visit district offices.
The League of Women Voters Ohio is highlighted as a diverse organization in terms of age, offering great opportunities for mentorship between older and younger members. Jen gives tips on making voting less intimidating for young voters, like checking registration and polling locations since these frequently change.
We talk about Ohio’s strict voter ID requirements—now including passports and specific veteran IDs while excluding county veteran IDs. Jen calls for veterans to advocate for changes to these laws. There's also a mention of fewer candidates participating in forums, which reduces chances for voter-candidate interactions. The League organizes forums with a “speed dating” style to let voters meet candidates without heated debates.
Jen and Brett discuss the rise of misinformation and the need for consuming diverse media to keep from getting stuck in echo chambers. Brett expresses frustration when candidates don't take forum questions seriously, feeling it reflects poorly on their ability to serve in office. They both mention the impact of gerrymandering on these issues.
In Ohio, recent changes to the election process have led to voter dissatisfaction, partly fueled by misinformation from elected officials. Jen suggests voters hold state authorities like the Secretary of State accountable for election integrity. She also lists ways to engage, like attending hearings, contacting election boards, volunteering as poll workers, and using the Election Protection Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) for any issues.
The League of Women Voters is all about fair election practices and doesn't play sides. They've been around since the Ohio Women's Suffrage Association days, focusing on empowering voters, especially women. They operate on national, state, and local levels and rely heavily on volunteers to keep things running smoothly.
Jen emphasizes the importance of informed voting and spells out the steps for absentee/mail voters, urging them not to procrastinate. Tips include mailing ballots early and using county dropboxes to avoid delays. She also goes over Ohio's strict ID requirements again, stressing that voters need to check what’s valid now.
Jen dives deeper into gerrymandering, explaining Issue 1 (OH), which aims to reform the redistricting process. The goal is to keep politicians and lobbyists out, ensure a balanced commission, and maintain transparency. Past efforts to end gerrymandering in Ohio didn’t pan out well, but the League is committed to pushing for fair district maps and getting citizens involved.
While the voting system isn't perfect, continuous efforts and active participation can lead to better outcomes for everyone.
Key Moments
00:00 Ohio Women's Suffrage evolved into inclusive voting league.
05:39 Ohio League's strength lies in national connection.
15:38 Frustration arises from misallocated responsibilities and misunderstanding.
17:24 Connecting voters and candidates through local forums.
26:41 Gerrymandering undermines fair elections and representation.
32:04 Check ID requirements; Ohio's strict voter rules.
36:27 Security ensures bipartisan participation and de-escalation volunteers.
40:46 Check voting plan, ID required, hours change.
52:12 Independent voices in Ohio redistricting, preventing secrecy.
57:27 League watchdogs educate public on map processes.
01:03:57 Advocate for transparency, end gerrymandering, promote solutions.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at [email protected].
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
In this episode, we are joined by Josh Kinzel from Seniority Benefit Group to discuss key changes and updates for Medicare Open Enrollment 2024, highlighting how these alterations might impact current and prospective enrollees.
Josh Kinzel brings 18 years of experience, with a focus on Medicare for the past 16 years. He assists individuals with the often intimidating and multifaceted choice of Medicare plans, alleviating concerns without any charge for services.
Open Enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. The discussion underscores the complexity of Medicare and the crucial nature of informed decision-making. Fidelity Investments estimates retirees' lifetime healthcare costs can exceed $160,000, making a thorough understanding of Medicare essential.
A significant part of the episode is the reassurance that clients feel when working with local services familiar with area doctors and hospitals. The familiarity brings a level of comfort that can be very reassuring. Regarding premiums, there is uncertainty about the monthly Medicare premium, with a slight increase projected, reflecting typical stability during election years.
Several impactful changes include the Inflation Reduction Act that aims to cap annual prescription drug costs at $2,000 by the next year and the Extra Help Program, which offers income-based assistance for drug costs to those earning below $23,000 (individual) or $31,000 (married couple). This program plans to eliminate premiums and deductibles while limiting drug charges significantly. This financial support could benefit millions of individuals.
Medicare can now negotiate prices for certain drugs, akin to the Veterans Commission, starting with 10 approved drugs. This negotiation process is expected to lead to significant cost reductions, such as capping out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 and slashing insulin prices to $35 per month.
Updates to Medicare Advantage Plans were highlighted as they require mid-year updates to clients starting in 2025 to promote better utilization of available benefits like exercise programs, grocery benefits, and gym memberships, including the popular SilverSneakers program. Expansion in mental health and dementia care programs is also covered, offering support for older adults and caregivers. Additionally, expanded access to 24/7 mental health and dementia care support aims to help patients stay at home longer.
Medicare's unique parts are outlined: Part A covers hospitalization often with no cost for those who've worked 40 quarters, and Part B covers outpatient services with a 2024 premium of $174.70, typically accounting for 80% of medical claims.
Key Moments
00:00 Helping with Medicare choices free of charge.
03:48 Internship led to unexpected 18-year insurance career.
08:47 Original Medicare covers approximately 80% of costs.
11:06 Medicare Advantage Plan: lower premiums, network-based, copays.
12:51 Providing guidance, not direct answers for health.
17:56 Income-based aid available for qualifying individuals/couples.
21:16 Insulin capped at $35; ten drugs negotiated.
24:58 Using SilverSneakers online; mental health services available.
28:22 Donut hole removed from drug plan stages.
30:48 Flexible payment plans; insurance premiums stable next year.
33:51 Pharmacists now allowed to lower prescription costs.
36:42 Advantage plans effective but understand trade-offs.
41:28 Original Medicare approvals often get rubber-stamped.
42:41 Medicare Advantage's benefits and drawbacks warrant discussion.
48:41 Help individuals, especially in small companies, access Medicare.
49:22 We help employers with Medicare-related questions.
53:09 Attend free workshops for Medicare education.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at [email protected].
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Are you curious about how Central Ohio plans to evolve its transportation network to support future growth?
MORPC leads strategic transportation planning and coordinates the allocation of federal transportation dollars to local governments.
Our guest, Maria Schaper, is the Transportation Study Director at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). The central focus is the upcoming levy and its significance for the region’s future transportation and development needs.
The upcoming levy aims to address long-term transportation improvements essential for Central Ohio’s growth and economic health. If passed, the levy will replace the current half percent sales tax with a new permanent 1% sales tax, generating about $60 million yearly to fund significant infrastructure projects.
The proposed levy aims to support a shift away from car dependency, meeting generational preferences for diverse transportation options. With Central Ohio's population expected to grow significantly by 2050, sustainable transportation investments are crucial to accommodate this influx without overwhelming the region’s current infrastructure.
A key initiative highlighted by Schaper is the LinkUS program—a comprehensive mobility investment strategy designed to enhance public transportation across the region. The program focuses on an $8 billion plan to significantly improve the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) services by increasing transit service by 45% and developing five bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors by 2050. BRT features include dedicated lanes, level and multi-door boarding, off-board fare collection, clean energy buses, and transit signal prioritization, all aimed at creating a faster and more reliable transit system.
The levy will also support the expansion of sidewalks, bike paths, and trails, encouraging walkable and bikeable communities. Additionally, COTA plans to enhance its current routes and introduce eight new COTA Plus zones, providing on-demand transit services.
Schaper shares how MORPC's work extends beyond transportation to long-term regional planning, tracing back to the "Insight 2050" study initiated a decade ago. This study evaluated the economic impacts of various development patterns, comparing traditional growth with more focused, denser development along key corridors. The findings have guided the region in balancing growth with preserving rural character and fiscal sustainability.
Key Moments
08:37 Important resource; long-term plans; levy information crucial.
11:31 Dedicated bus lane, efficient boarding, signal priority, COTA improvements.
15:11 Vote on COTA levy for COTA service.
20:12 Growth requires smarter transportation, not just more cars.
20:57 Adding lanes induces demand; transit investment needed.
24:39 Columbus zoning update boosts new housing development.
30:41 Decade-long study on growth patterns and impacts.
34:52 MORPC aids regional planning amidst various challenges.
36:15 MORPC aids, doesn't dictate, regional transportation planning.
40:58 Expanding transit access via new infrastructure projects.
45:08 Team presenting initiative information daily through events.
46:08 Visit LinkUS Columbus: videos, events, outreach toolkit.
51:12 Initial corridor planning, schedule, cost for service development.
53:20 Supporting studies and engaging potentially affected communities.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at [email protected].
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
We are joined by career expert Sharon Hamersly to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) can be a crucial tool in the modern job search, while also emphasizing its limitations and the critical role of human input.
**Crutch Words in AI Writing**
A common issue with AI-generated content: the over-reliance on generic phrases and crutch words such as "consequently" and "furthermore." These phrases can result in writing that appears insincere or overly generic.
**Outdated Free AI Models**
The limitation of free AI models, which rely on data that is typically 2-3 years old. This means that recent information and trends may not be reflected in AI outputs generated on these platforms.
**Prompt Specificity in AI Use**
Sharon Hamersly underscores the importance of specificity in prompts when using AI tools. She illustrates that more detailed prompts lead to better results. For example, instead of requesting generic accomplishments, one should provide specific skills and job levels to receive more relevant outputs.
**Applying Critical Thinking**
AI-generated content can serve as a good starting point for ideas; however, users must apply critical thinking to tailor these ideas to their specific needs.
**Writing Resumes and Personalization**
When it comes to writing resumes, don't pay for mass-produced resumes, which can appear identical to others. Instead, use AI as a starting point while ensuring the final resume accurately reflects the applicant's history.
**LinkedIn Profiles**
Treat LinkedIn as a distinct entity that requires unique, personalized content to genuinely represent the user’s professional brand.
**Authenticity in Interviews**
Personalizing AI-generated content helps avoid gaps in knowledge that could be problematic during an interview.
**AI as a Supplementary Tool**
AI serves as a helpful tool rather than a complete solution in the job search process. AI-generated content should act as a starting point, upon which job seekers must build with their own creativity and critical thinking.
**ATS Compliance and Resume Scams**
Sharon warns against services that claim to make resumes ATS (Applicant Tracking System) compliant and disallow the use of bullet points. Such claims are often scams.
**AI for Job Search Research**
AI can provide more specific and compiled information compared to traditional search engines. For example, asking specific questions about company roles can yield detailed responses.
**Limitations and Evolution of AI**
Sharon discusses the limitations of AI, such as occasionally generating inaccurate information and lacking critical thinking and creativity. She coins the term "MSU" (makes stuff up) to describe these tendencies.
**Plagiarism Detection and AI Training**
Sharon experiments with Microsoft Copilot and Scribbr to see how well AI can detect plagiarism and emphasizes the risk of over-reliance on AI tools that might lack personality and accuracy. Carol also mentions that user input can help train AI, though Sharon clarifies that AI generates independent content rather than directly pulling from existing works.
Key Moments
00:00 AI in job searching: benefits and pitfalls discussed.
04:48 AI began mid-20th century; computers weren't powerful enough.
10:01 Apprehensive about learning and understanding AI technology.
11:00 AI is valuable but requires human oversight.
14:47 AI content often repetitive and easily identifiable.
19:27 AI assists by generating helpful, specific ideas.
20:28 Using AI programs for writing inspiration.
26:33 Employers use AI in recruiting; understanding ATS helps.
27:13 ATS helps recruiters manage and rank applications.
30:19 Unscanned text box in applications omits key information.
37:37 Perplexity AI offers detailed, valuable job search information.
41:41 Ensure employment history accuracy; use text snippets.
45:59 Introduction to AI basics and job search implications.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at [email protected].
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/