Their Hope for the Future, for Family Businesses, and For One Another - Jenny Dinnen and Katie Rucker

In this episode of the From the Hart podcast, Ed Hart engages in a deep conversation with Philip Topham, founder and CEO of SavionAI and The Savvy Founder, about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on businesses and society. They explore the nuances of generative AI, its applications in leadership, common pitfalls in its usage, and the ethical considerations that arise with its adoption. The discussion also touches on the importance of human connection in an increasingly AI-driven world, the future of trust in technology, and personal reflections on inspiration and growth.You can reach Philip at https://www.thesavvyfounder.com/#AI #generative AI #businessleadership #ethicalconsiderations #humanconnection #futureofAI #trustissues #familybusiness #personalgrowth

31 Jul 1h 5min

In this episode of the From The Hart Podcast, we dive into the inspiring story of Bill Bracken, Founder and Culinary Director of Bracken's Kitchen. Bill is a nationally renowned chef with a 35-year culinary career, who has garnered numerous awards and critical acclaim. Despite his success, Bill remains grounded, hailing from humble beginnings in Wathena, Kansas.From a young age, Bill developed a passion for food while cooking with his mother and grandmothers. This love for cooking led him to pursue a career as a chef. Bill's culinary approach is rooted in his straightforward Midwestern roots, prioritizing freshness and flavor in his cuisine.After starting as a dishwasher in a local diner, Bill's talent and dedication propelled him to become a chef by the age of 13. He attended culinary school and eventually won a scholarship to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. His career flourished as he worked his way up to executive sous chef at the Mandalay Four Seasons Hotel in Dallas and later joined The Peninsula Beverly Hills as executive chef.In 2013, Bill made a remarkable career shift. He founded Bracken's Kitchen, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing high-quality meals to those in need. Beginning with a food truck named Betsy, Bracken's Kitchen addresses the challenge of feeding hungry children and adults in Orange County. Over the years, their business model has evolved to encompass a community feeding program, a rescued food program, and a culinary training program.Leveraging his industry connections, Bill has established partnerships with top food vendors and food recovery organizations. Through these collaborations, Bracken's Kitchen rescues perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste and transforms it into nutritious meals. They now produce over 100,000 wholesome and hearty meals per month, making a significant impact on both food and lives.Join us in this episode as we delve deeper into Bill Bracken's journey, his commitment to serving those in need, and the powerful work of Bracken's Kitchen in fighting food insecurity and transforming lives through culinary training.From The Hart is available on all podcast platforms. Make sure to tune in and be inspired by the incredible work of Bill Bracken and Bracken's Kitchen.You can reach Bill and Bracken's Kitchen at www.brackenskitchen.org

30 Jul 1h 10min

Nada Lena is the founder and CEO of Rise Up For You, Leadership and Career Confidence Coach, #1 Best Selling Author, and a 2x TEDx Motivational Speaker.With over 10 years of experience as a college professor and former top executive for an education corporation, Nada understands the importance of fusing education, empowerment, and leadership together as she works with her clients and speaks to audiences worldwide. She has toured the world as a singer, has a Master’s degree in Administrative Leadership, and has coached and mentored close to 50,000 individuals around the world on self-empowerment, career strategy, and soft skills.Nada has been featured on hundreds of podcasts and radio shows and has also been a motivational and educational speaker on platforms such as TEDx Talks, The Female Quotient, The California Human Resources Conference, Wonder Women Tech, The Human Gathering, and more. Her company, Rise Up For You has been featured and worked with brands such as CBS, LA Fitness, Google Next 19, and more.Nada is a proud recipient of the Chief's Award from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, is a three-time finalist for The Emerging Woman-Owned Business Award, and was most recently awarded the 40 Under 40 Award for Orange County Professionals in 2020 and the Women of Influence in 2021 for Entrepreneurship.Nada believes that in order to create change within our communities, companies, and households, we must first create change within ourselves. It’s a collective effort needed from all parties; no company, adult, or young adult can be left behind. The world needs us at our best! www.nadalena.com⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadalena/

30 Jul 55min

In his early 20s, David Meltzer quickly rose to the top of his game in the business world, becoming a millionaire. David lectured around the globe and saw rapid success in every business project he touched. But something was missing, and in his 30s as a multimillionaire, he went on a rapid downward spiral that ended in bankruptcy. It was only then that David realized, in order to revive and thrive, he needed to codify what had made him successful in the first place. He has since emerged to realize even more rewarding heights of success in business and life. David Meltzer has created a platform that uses four overarching principles—gratitude, empathy, accountability, and effective communication—and these principles have allowed him to communicate and mentor everyone from college students to c-suite executives. These four principles in everyday practice allow David to live by his mission to “make a lot of money, help a lot of people, and have a lot of fun.” You can reach David at david@dmeltzer.com, or go to his website to learn more!https://dmeltzer.com/

30 Jul 26min

Since May 2000, Shelley M. Hoss has served as president and chief executive officer of the Orange County CommunityFoundation (OCCF) – one of the largest and fastest growing community foundations in the nation, fueled by a mission to inspire passion for lifelong philanthropy and drive sustainable impact in Orange County and beyond.Under Hoss’ leadership, OCCF’s impact has grown dramatically as a driver of innovative solutions. OCCF initiatives have addressed issues ranging from the needs of veterans and military families transitioning to civilian life, to embracing the importance and potential of immigrant communities and building a more just, civil and equitable Orange County.During Hoss’ tenure, OCCF’s grant and scholarship awards have surged more than twenty-fold, from $5 million annually when she joined OCCF, to $100 million annually since 2020. This dramatic growth has placed OCCF as a stand-out among more than 780 U.S. community foundations, ranking as the 3rd most active grantmaker in the nation. The Foundation’s cumulative granting since inception has grown to $975 million under Hoss’ leadership, placing OCCF well within reach of its goal to become one of only 35 community foundations in the nation to reach $1 billion in granting.Under Hoss’ leadership, OCCF has become recognized as a “center of gravity” for philanthropy in Orange County – and itsasset growth has also been dramatic. Assets stewarded by the Foundation have increased from $42 million in 2000 to $570 million today, placing OCCF in the top 7% in assets among U.S. community foundations.Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Hoss served at the helm of Girls Incorporated of Orange County, leading programs that inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold. She started her career with 10 years at the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, leading programs to help children in the foster care system transition successfully to independent life.Hoss served as founding chair of Orange County Grantmakers, chaired and served on the board of the League of CaliforniaCommunity Foundations and currently co-chairs their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, and has been a regular guest lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Merage School of Business at UC Irvine. She is frequently sought for her insights about the nonprofit community by regional media, and contributes thought leadership editorials to the Orange CountyBusiness Journal, Orange County Register, Forbes Nonprofit Council, and national philanthropic publications. She is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar with a joint Master’s Degree in Business and Public Administration from the University of California, Irvine.https://www.oc-cf.org/

30 Jul 1h 7min

Bruce Himes, President of Western Water Works Supply Company, was born and raised in Southern California. He has a BS degree in finance from Brigham Young University.Following his graduation from college, Bruce completed an Executive Management Training program with May Department Stores in St. Louis, Missouri. While at May, he was a Department Manager and Profit Improvement Analyst for senior management.In 1990, Bruce returned to Southern California where he began his career with Western Water Works. Western Water Works is a waterworks distributor of pipe, valves & fittings. In 1990, Western Water Works was a small (approximately $5 million in sales) company that started in 1945. Bruce has held various positions from Controller to CFO to President at the company. Western Water Works now does more than 30x in sales with eight locations in four states.Over the last 30+ years, Bruce has served in many leadership positions outside of Western Water Works, which includes various positions with a non-profit, as a member of the Board of Directors for Boys Republic, Advisory boards, business consulting, and mentoring of young professionals seeking to reach their potential.Bruce and his wife Jennifer have 4 adult children and two grandchildren. When he does get a few moments to himself, you will find him cruising the streets on his HarleyBruce can be reached at bruce@wwwsco.com, or by visiting www.wwwsco.com

30 Jul 1h 38min

Danielle Judd is a visionary leader who founded FarmHouse Rescue, a distinguished 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in 2018. This came after surviving a life-threatening illness that left her with enduring effects,including memory loss. Through her unwavering determination and passion, she sought to heal both animals and humans alike.As the driving force behind FarmHouse Rescue, Danielle expertly manages, coordinates, and executes all programs and activities related to marketing, operations, and fundraising. Her remarkable abilities have propelled the organization to new heights, enabling it to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those it serves.In addition to her leadership role at FarmHouse Rescue, Danielle Judd is a skilled and inspiring public speaker. She has a natural talent for connecting with her audience and delivering powerful messages that leave a lasting impact. Danielle draws upon her personal experiences and the lessons she has learned to inspire others to overcome adversity, find their purpose, and positively impact the world.Whether speaking at a corporate event, a non-profit conference, or a community gathering, Danielle has a unique ability to captivate her audience and motivate them to take action. She is passionateabout sharing her knowledge and empowering others to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. Danielle Judd is a true visionary leader and public speaker making a significant difference in the world.https://farmhouserescue.org/

30 Jul 1h 12min

Dave Specht is the Director of the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute.His professional mission is to, Preserve Families and Perpetuate Businesses. He is the author of, “The Family Business Whisperer”.  He is a thought leader on topics surrounding generational continuity of family-owned businesses and family wealth. Prior to his current role, he trained 2,500 top advisors/bankersat Wells Fargo Private Bank on family dynamics and generational wealth issues.Prior to his work at the bank, he founded Advising Generations, a consulting firm and established the Family Business Management program at the University of Nebraska.  During college he attended BYU-Hawaii, where he played on the basketball team.  Dave lives in Washington state with his wife and 6 children.  You can connect with Dave on his LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davespecht/

30 Jul 46min