Symplicity Conversations

Dive into an inspiring conversation with former Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Monica Steimle-App, Senior VP at Rockford Construction.

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, host Catherine Ripley explores the dynamic journeys of these remarkable woman leaders as they discuss the power of community-centered leadership, the importance of meaningful connections, and the impact of women supporting women in business. 

Discover actionable insights on navigating career transitions, the role of intuition in decision-making, and the art of fostering diverse perspectives. Join us for a thoughtful dialogue on how leadership, legacy, and community intersect to drive success.

Subscribe and be part of the conversation that simplifies complexity and inspires change.

(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations
(01:28) Exploring Community-Centered Leadership
(06:03) The Ripple Effect of Community Engagement
(12:49) Navigating Career Transitions
(17:30) Building Meaningful Relationships in Business
(23:01) The Importance of Character Over Credentials
(25:51) The Power of Professional Volunteering
(26:45) Navigating Career Changes with Intention
(30:03) The Importance of Honest Feedback in Leadership
(35:18) Supporting Women in Leadership
(39:44) Building Authentic Connections and Community
(42:57) Finding Your Passion and Strengths

Join us as Catherine Ripley and Alex Mead, Chief Technology Officer for City Innovations, dive into the world of AI, debunking myths and exploring its real-world applications. Discover how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation are transforming industries and creating new opportunities for businesses of all sizes. 

From practical tips on integrating AI responsibly to insightful discussions on the future of technology in the workplace, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business leader, tune in to learn how AI can simplify complexity and drive success. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!

Find Alex's Substack here: https://mead.substack.com/p/youre-only-using-chatgpt
 
Subscribe to Symplicity Conversations for more episodes.

Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Join us on the latest Symplicity Conversations as CTO Alex Mead breaks down AI, automation, and the path to smarter business strategies. Get ready to simplify complexity and transform fear into opportunity. Tune in now!

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Simplicity Conversations
(02:00) Understanding AI: A Historical Perspective
(05:53) Defining AI, Machine Learning, and Automation
(11:59) AI in Non-Technical Departments
(17:59) Overcoming Fear and Embracing AI
(24:04) The Role of Company Culture in AI Implementation
(30:08) Building Trust in AI Outputs
(34:56) Future Trends in AI for Business Owners

Join Catherine Ripley as she sits down with Alicia Carlson and Camille Widme from Blue Team Alpha to explore the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Discover how Blue Team Alpha is helping businesses stay ahead of cyber threats with proactive strategies and robust incident response services. From the rise of AI-driven phishing attacks to the importance of fostering a security-conscious culture, this episode unpacks the critical elements every company needs to consider. Tune in to learn how to turn cybersecurity challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience. Don't miss out—subscribe now and transform your approach to security!

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Simplicity Conversations
(01:00) Cybersecurity Landscape Overview
(02:53) The Mission of Blue Team Alpha
(04:12) Proactive Cybersecurity Strategies
(05:44) Founding Story of Blue Team Alpha
(08:36) Differentiation in Cybersecurity Services
(12:36) Recent Accomplishments and Projects
(14:27) Current Cybersecurity Threats
(18:59) Future of Cybersecurity and AI
(22:14) Common Mistakes in Cybersecurity
(23:47) Understanding Human Error in Cybersecurity
(24:41) Current Cyber Threat Landscape
(26:35) Proactive vs Reactive Cybersecurity Measures
(27:56) The Importance of Proactive Services
(29:46) Building a Security Culture in Organizations
(31:28) Leadership Philosophy in Cybersecurity
(32:39) The Role of Real-Life Stories in Cybersecurity Awareness
(35:22) The Importance of a Security Plan
(37:28) The Role of Everyone in Cybersecurity
(40:21) Taking Meaningful Steps Towards Cybersecurity

Join Catherine Ripley on Symplicity Conversations as she sits down with Camron Gnass, founder of Traction Brands, to explore the essence of effective branding. Discover how Traction Brands helps businesses grow with clarity and confidence by challenging conventional thinking and asking the right questions. 

Camron shares insights on the importance of positioning in the marketplace, the role of curiosity, and the impact of community involvement. 

Whether you're a business owner or a creative thinker, this episode is packed with valuable insights on turning ideas into impactful action. Don't miss this engaging conversation! 

Subscribe for more episodes and connect with visionary leaders shaping the future of business and community

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley sits down with Roberta McCarter, the founder of Novus Data Journeys. Together, they take a look at the transformative power of data and the unexpected yet exciting leap into entrepreneurship. Discover how Roberta’s extensive experience with Fortune 100 companies led her to embrace the challenges and rewards of starting her own business. Explore the vital role of data in small and mid-sized businesses and learn how a well-crafted data strategy can propel your company forward. 

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, resilience, and the importance of community. Don’t miss Roberta’s inspiring journey and her actionable advice on turning challenges into opportunities. Tune in for an engaging conversation that will empower you to make meaningful strides in your business. Subscribe now and join the conversation on how to simplify complexity and make an impact!