Houston Business Radio

Nicole Vafadari is the Founder & CEO of a healthcare technology start-up, where her entrepreneurial vision meets a deep expertise in both business strategy and IT. She’s the kind of leader who can talk digital strategy with marketers one minute and dive into IT infrastructure the next. With a foot in both worlds, she’s built […]

J.J. Hollie is a Business Performance Advisor at Insperity, Army National Guard veteran, and former President and CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. With a career spanning military service, telecommunications, chamber leadership, and business consulting, J.J. has dedicated his life to helping organizations grow through people-first leadership, strong relationships, and strategic business performance. […]

Joe Stephens is the Senior Assistant Dean and Director of the Working Professional and Executive MBA Programs at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. In this role, he leads student affairs and program operations while driving innovation across the Executive MBA and Working Professional MBA programs in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and […]

Julia Davis is a growth strategist and leadership consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs, sales organizations, and nonprofit leaders build high-performing teams. Her work focuses on developing strong leaders, creating accountable systems, and designing strategies that drive measurable growth. Julia specializes in performance-driven fundraising and growth strategy for nonprofits and mission-driven […]

Beau Higgins is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel who served for 25 years as an intelligence officer, with deployments to Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During his distinguished military career, he commanded both the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, leading elite teams in some of the world’s most challenging environments. […]

Kelly Lorenzen, PMP, is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, and the CEO of KLM Consulting, Marketing, and Management. With more than 20 years of experience building and scaling businesses, Kelly has successfully grown multiple companies and led KLM to impressive year-over-year growth ranging from 25% to 200%. Through her innovative model of providing “business […]

Garnet S. Heraman is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and technology innovator who has founded and successfully exited three companies while creating more than $3 billion in enterprise value. With over 30 years of experience at the intersection of innovation, venture capital, and emerging technologies, he is a recognized thought leader whose insights reach millions […]

Josh Woodruff is the Founder and CEO of MassiveScale.AI, a cybersecurity strategist, and author of Agentic AI + Zero Trust: A Guide for Business Leaders. With nearly 30 years of experience in enterprise security, Josh helps regulated organizations deploy AI agents safely and responsibly. He created the Agentic Trust Framework, the first Zero Trust framework […]

Dr. Vijay Pendakur helps senior leaders turn disruption into a competitive advantage by strengthening the everyday habits that drive team performance: clarity, trust, resilience, and alignment. His work equips organizations to execute faster, adapt more effectively, and sustain high performance under pressure. Vijay brings a rare blend of academic rigor and real-world operating experience. He […]

Mark Cox is a former global operations executive and board leader with nearly 40 years of experience driving transformation across manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain organizations. As former Chief Operations Officer of Eastman Chemical, Mark led more than 10,000 employees across 50 sites worldwide, overseeing large-scale operational strategy, innovation, and organizational performance. Following his corporate […]

Scott Hartsfield is a seasoned business leader, executive coach, and higher education strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and organizations achieve measurable growth. As Chief Development Officer at FocalPoint, he leads initiatives focused on expanding global coaching networks, developing high-performing leaders, and driving business transformation. He has also spent over 14 […]

Joe Bonavolonta is a former FBI Special Agent in Charge and seasoned security executive with more than 27 years of experience in national security, counterintelligence, cyber operations, and organized crime investigations. During his FBI career, he led high-profile criminal and terrorism investigations across New England and served in senior leadership roles in Washington, D.C. and […]

Young Han is an accomplished entrepreneur, fractional COO/CFO, and devoted father who has shaped the growth strategies of major brands like Starbucks, Apple, and Philz Coffee. At just 19, he co-founded a Korean restaurant that achieved over $3 million in its first year an early taste of the highs and lows of startup life. Throughout […]

Dale Young, widely known as Coach Dale, is a seasoned business coach, bestselling author, and the founder of The Alignment Way. With more than 50 years of experience spanning IT, executive leadership, and entrepreneurship, he brings a rare blend of technical expertise and deep insight into human behavior. Throughout his career, Dale distinguished himself not […]

Justine Carino, LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist and host of the “Thoughts from the Couch” podcast. Justine was recently awarded the 100 Women to Know Across America award in 2025 by the Know Women Network and Top 10 Health Voices to Follow in 2025 by MSN. She currently maintains a group psychotherapy private practice in […]

Wendi Pannell is a dynamic business strategist and founder of Pannell Consulting. With over two decades of experience leading operations and teams at companies like HP and GE, Wendi specializes in turning ambitious visions into executable realities for tech CEOs and growing businesses. As a fractional COO and operational partner, Wendi doesn’t just deliver roadmaps—she […]

Alese Johnston is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker focused on social connection, aging, and community design. With a background in business, investing, and tech, she now explores how human connection impacts health and longevity. She founded Agora, including the Elysium Club—small, in-person peer groups designed to foster meaningful, consistent relationships. She also created The Fabulous […]

Dana Watkins is a military brat originally from Arizona who has called Florida home for the past 36 years. She and her husband—her soulmate and best friend—share a beautifully blended family of five children (ages 17 to 33) and two precious grandchildren. In their home, there’s no “step,” just ours. Her testimony is one of […]

Amanda Banks is a former Corporate Sales Executive turned Entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker + Host + 3x Organizer, Former High-Level Competitive Athlete, Media Show Host, Nashville Business Journal 2020, 2022, 2024 40 Under 40 Nominee, 2023 Nashville Emerging Leaders Award Finalist- Education Category, Coach, and Leader. She has a strong track record in sales with a […]

Parker Schaffel is a leadership coach, instructor, and team facilitator who specializes in working with high-performing teams who want to be even better. With more than a decade of experience, his client base spans the government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, including supporting some of the largest companies in the United States. He has coached individuals […]

Today’s guest is Carrie Kemper Allen, estate planning and probate attorney and founder of the Law Office of Carrie Kemper Allen. Carrie has been serving families in the Houston and Pearland area for more than 20 years, helping them navigate estate planning, wills, and probate with both expertise and compassion. With a background in business […]

Joshua Berry is a world-class facilitator of change. As an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and CEO of Econic, Joshua has spent the last two decades evolving the what, who, and why of Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups. Along with his team, Joshua has sparked change in organizations like US Bank, John Deere, Procter & Gamble, […]

Nathan Turner is an experienced mortgage note investor and the founder of Earnest Investing, where he helps investors achieve passive income through the power of note investing. With years of experience in the real estate space, Nathan transitioned from real estate ownership to specializing in mortgage notes, using his expertise to help investors diversify their […]

Growing up in Houston, Madeleine Calcote-Garcia had access to some of the finest museums in the world. Visiting those venerable institutions as a child had a lasting impact that influenced her professional choices. Today, Madeleine stands out for her ability to build and maintain community relationships. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History with […]

Dan Ward is Co-Founder and President of Detroit Labs, a digital innovation studio in downtown Detroit. Through the years, Detroit Labs has partnered with clients like GM, Ford, Volkswagen, Jimmy John’s, Domino’s Pizza, Driveway.com, and many others to drive growth through design and technology. Dan has mentored students at Central Michigan University in the New […]

Ryne Johnson is a dynamic business leader and Owner of Spirit Movers, where he has spent more than a decade driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence. Beginning his career with the company as a Cybersecurity Analyst and Project Manager, Ryne quickly rose through the ranks to Vice President & General Manager before ultimately becoming Owner. […]

Andre Ankri is a visionary entrepreneur and technology strategist with more than a decade of experience spanning construction, security technology, and business development. As Founder and CEO of UTS Group, he leads the integration of advanced technologies and automation to create intelligent, secure, and scalable environments across Canada. In addition to UTS Group, Andre heads […]

Steve Morris is an entrepreneurial guide and business coach who helps leaders transform their businesses—and their lives—through clarity, focus, and intentional growth. He began his career designing multi-million-dollar racing yachts and leading elite teams to victory in some of the world’s most demanding yacht races. He later managed a small business and oversaw million-dollar budgets […]

Kevin Ruelas is an experienced international executive known for balancing hands-on leadership with high-level strategic vision. Equally comfortable rolling up his sleeves in operational environments or operating in the boardroom, Kevin brings a results-driven approach to scaling teams, strengthening performance, and charting sustainable growth paths for organizations. With multi-disciplined management experience spanning Professional Services, Business […]

Crystal M. Tenney, DBA (Hon.) is a Neuroscience Practitioner, Executive Coach, and Leadership Strategist transforming the way leaders think, communicate, and lead. As Founder and CEO of STRATOVANCE Leadership Intelligence Institute, she brings over 15 years of experience at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence — equipping organizations to develop human-centered leaders who […]

Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer is a USA Today bestselling author, international speaker, executive coach, and the founder of Bentzen Performance Partners. With more than 30 years of C-suite experience, she guides leaders and organizations through high-impact transformation by blending strategic clarity with deep human insight. At the heart of her work is the belief that people—not […]

Devin Gambino is a proud husband, father, and trusted partner to business owners seeking clarity, structure, and growth. As an approved and verified Fractional CFO provider by Visa, Devin has spent over a decade helping entrepreneurs master their numbers, scale with confidence, and build businesses that support both financial freedom and personal fulfillment. With a […]

Robert McKnight is a seasoned commercial insurance specialist with nearly a decade of experience serving the real estate and construction industries. An Arizona native and graduate of the University of Arizona, Robert began his career in commercial real estate before transitioning to land acquisition consulting. A pivotal career shift led him into insurance, where he […]

Amos Schwartzfarb—one of the most influential figures in the startup ecosystem, known for his decades of hands-on operating experience, investing expertise, and founder-first mindset. Amos’s career began unexpectedly in the early days of e-commerce, packing boxes at Shoreline Mountain Project—an experience that led him into a 25+ year journey through seven startups, multiple acquisitions, and […]

  Dr. Kevin Dyson is the Founder of the Music City Academy and a former NFL wide receiver best known for the iconic “Music City Miracle” and being “One Yard Short” in Super Bowl XXXIV. After his football career, he transitioned into education, serving nearly 20 years in public education, including as Principal of Centennial […]

Mary McCorvey is a seven-time founder, U.S. military veteran, and creative powerhouse whose ventures span media, technology, and social impact. Her work lives at the intersection of innovation and storytelling, where she elevates bold ideas and brings them to life with purpose and heart. Most recently, Mary collaborated with Intuitive Machines, the pioneering Houston-based aerospace […]

Steve Klebe is a payments industry trailblazer whose 35+ year career has helped shape the infrastructure behind today’s global digital commerce. From spearheading enterprise payments performance at Stripe, to leading global partnerships for Google Pay (GPay), to holding executive roles at Verifone and CyberSource, Steve has been at the forefront of innovation in how the […]

Drew Davis is the Senior Vice President of Commercial at the Chief of Staff Association (CSA), the premier global network for Chiefs of Staff across industries. With 12 years of experience in the U.S. intelligence community, Drew brings deep expertise in organizational strategy, principal support, and enterprise alignment. Throughout his career, he has supported directors, […]

Brian Dukes is the Co-Founder of Exitwise, an M&A advisory platform focused on empowering business owners with education and transaction support for successful exits. His career began in Big 5 Consulting, followed by an MBA from the University of Michigan. Rather than taking a traditional MBA route, Brian joined a startup joint venture with Ford […]

Paul Thornton is a seasoned author, leadership coach, and speaker dedicated to helping individuals lead with clarity, purpose, and performance under pressure. With decades of experience teaching and consulting on leadership development, Paul has trained countless professionals to better understand their leadership styles and elevate their effectiveness in both personal and organizational settings. He is […]

Irene V. Glaeser, COL (Ret.) is a decorated U.S. Army Military Police veteran and the CEO of Spahr, a service-disabled, woman-owned small business delivering advanced IT solutions—including cybersecurity, software development, and cloud engineering—to federal and Department of Defense clients. Under her leadership, Spahr also manages two Small Business Administration Mentor-Protégé joint ventures with TekSynap, expanding […]

Cole Napper is the Vice President of Research, Innovation & Talent Insights at Lightcast, where he is a globally recognized thought leader in labor market intelligence, people analytics, workforce planning, and talent intelligence. With a career spanning major brands like FedEx, Toyota, PepsiCo, Texas Instruments, and Grainger, Cole has led high-impact people analytics functions that […]

Rich Kozak is the founder and CEO of RichBrands and widely recognized as The Voice of Impact Driven Branding. With over 47 years of experience in defining and launching brands, Rich has helped countless entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their purpose and amplify their impact through branding that resonates deeply. At RichBrands, Rich mentors heart-centered individuals […]

Terron Sims is a combat veteran, national security expert, and graduate of West Point with over 30 years of leadership across the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, and federal government. He served in Iraq in 2003, where he helped establish local governance and worked alongside U.S. and international agencies. Terron has advised U.S. presidential candidates, […]

Jason Lucking is an accomplished gemmologist and business strategist with over a decade of experience in the fine jewelry industry. A graduate of Birmingham University and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Jason has worked internationally across retail, auction, and luxury brand sectors. From launching family-run stores in the UK to building high-end client relationships […]

Janneh Wright is the Founder and CEO of PRIMUS Business Management, where he has spent over 20 years helping small businesses and nonprofits transform their brilliance into scalable, sustainable infrastructure. As a seasoned consultant, speaker, and systems strategist, Janneh has empowered hundreds of Black and BIPOC entrepreneurs to shift from chaotic hustle to structured growth. […]

Terry Hess is a seasoned business leader and Principal with over 20 years of experience in executive management, strategy, and financial operations. He has held CEO and CFO positions in small to mid-sized businesses, where he consistently delivered growth and enhanced enterprise value. His leadership combines strategic insight with hands-on operational execution to unlock potential […]

Al Kushner is an award-winning author and leading LinkedIn Growth Strategist known for revolutionizing digital networking. His acclaimed book, The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage, has reshaped how professionals and businesses harness artificial intelligence to grow their presence, expand networks, and drive meaningful engagement on LinkedIn. Combining deep platform knowledge with cutting-edge AI strategy, Al empowers individuals […]

Michael Smith is a transformative, award-winning global business IT executive with a proven track record of driving organizational growth and long-term profitability across a range of industries. With deep expertise in aligning technology strategy to business objectives, he is known for delivering innovative solutions that enhance productivity, streamline operations, and maintain a competitive edge. Michael’s […]

Michael Dodsworth is the founder and CEO of Fanfare, a platform designed to transform product launches, brand events, and collaborations into seamless, unforgettable experiences. Under his leadership, Fanfare helps companies create deeper customer connections, boost engagement, and capture actionable insights from every interaction. By blending technology with human-centered design, Michael is redefining how brands build […]