Elevating Enterprise

Ep.20 If your business can’t run without you… it’s not an asset. “As soon as you walk out the door, so does your business intelligence.” Jazzy T sits down with Jennifer Piper of Volare AI to break down an unpopular truth: if you’re building a business that depends on your presence, your decisions, and your constant involvement… you have created a high-paying job—not a transferable asset. You didn’t start your business to work 60-hour weeks with nothing to show for it. With proven scaling experience and AI-powered insights, Volare AI helps uncover the hidden gaps holding you back—so you can finally step into the role of visionary, not overworked operator. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: ✔️ Define your freedom point (and why it matters from day one) ✔️ Measure your business value using a real health score ✔️ Understand why “10X” doesn’t mean what you think it does ✔️ Build systems that allow your business to scale—and eventually run without you 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS ✨ Stop Guessing Your Business Value Use Jenn’s assessment tool to calculate your business health score across leadership, recruiting, sales, marketing, financials, and productivity. ✨ 10X Is Based on Profit—Not Revenue Your valuation is tied to EBITDA (earnings before interest and taxes)—not top-line revenue. Your multiple depends on industry, systems, and risk. ✨ Your KPIs Should Lead to Freedom If your metrics don’t tell you how close you are to stepping away, you’re tracking the wrong numbers. RESOURCES 🔗 Connect with Jennifer Piper on LinkedIn 🔗 Visit Volare AI - Take the Business Health Assessment 🔗 Connect with Jazzy T on LinkedIn: Learn more about Podcast Advertising | JazzCast Pros Chapters: 00:00:00 Build a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You 00:06:02 How to Increase Your Business Value with a Health Score 00:08:04 Why Business Assessments Feel Scary (and Why You Need One) 00:09:41 Systems & SOPs for Creative Entrepreneurs 00:12:39 Turning Your Business into a Transferable Asset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“There’s no transformation without transparency.” That's why I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey into public speaking. Ep. 19 Elevating Enterprise, I'm flipped from interviewer to student when Candice Kellogg, Master Trainer with Dale Carnegie, turns our interview into a live coaching session at the Women Empowering Women Conference. No notes. No prep. Just my experience. And in that moment, I realized what so many of us struggle with:Confidence in private doesn’t always translate to confidence in public. Candace walks me (and you) through how to speak with authority—without hiding behind a script—and proves that your lived experience is more than enough. 🎤 The 3 Essentials of Public Speaking You must earn the right to speak You must be excited about your message You must be eager to share the value 🔗 Resources: Connect with Candice Kellogg | LinkedIn Learn more about Dale Carnegie public speaking training 🎤 Podcast Movement Conference: https://podcastmovement.com Ready to use your voice as a business asset? Start as a guest, advertiser, or launch your own show with JazzCast Pros. 👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn ⁠Jazzy T Williams ⁠ 🌐 Visit: ⁠https://jazzcastpros.com⁠ Subscribe, share, and send this to someone who needs the push. Chapters: 00:00:00 – The Broadcaster's Fear of Public Speaking 00:01:34 – Meet Candice Kellogg (Dale Carnegie Master Trainer)00:02:04 – Purpose vs Position: Aligning Your Work00:04:32 – “No Transformation Without Transparency”00:05:09 – The Coaching Begins00:06:43 – Speaking Without My Notes00:07:06 – Podcasting vs Broadcasting00:08:48 – The Power of One Clear Message00:09:27 – The Breakthrough: I Just Gave a Talk?!00:10:54 – “You’re Ready Right Now”00:11:39 – My 3 Takeaways to Elevate Your Enterprise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 18 Event sponsorship can be transactional or transformational. At the Women Empowering Women Conference, the presenting sponsor the YMCA did more than put their name on the event. They brought their team, created space for growth, and treated this experience as an extension of their leadership development strategy. In this live conversation, Chief People & Culture Officer Taletha Best breaks down how the Y builds culture from the inside out—through employee engagement, leadership development, and real community connection. Because strong organizations don’t just invest in marketing, they invest in their people. 🎯 Key Takeaways: The difference between sponsorship and active investment The evolution of the YMCA—from the Young Men’s Christian Association to an inclusive organization serving the unique needs of each community. Why putting your team in the right rooms accelerates growth How culture drives long-term impact Hear more from our Women's Empowerment Series 5-Step Cycle for Organizational Change Management | Jacqueline Phichith | Podcasts Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman | Podcasts Soundbites + Highlights | Media Training from Women Empowering Women | Podcasts 9th Annual Women Empowering Women Conference March 18, 2027 Learn more here Chapters: 00:00 Sponsorship vs Just Visibility 00:45 Meet Taletha Best, YMCA Chief People & Culture Officer 01:20 What “People & Culture” Really Means02:15 Leadership, Engagement & DEI in Action 03:15 What Does YMCA Stand For?5:00 Serving Neighborhood Needs 6:00 Why the YMCA Sponsors Women Empowering Women7:00 Filling Your Team’s Cup vs Just Expecting Output 8:00 Conference Takeaways: Growth, Failure & Mindset9:00 “You Haven’t Failed If You’re Not Done” 9:30 Final Thoughts + What’s Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You bought the system. You held the meeting with your team. So why isn’t anything changing? Ep. 17 Jazzy T sits down with Jacqueline Phichith to break down the real reason change fails inside organizations, and it has nothing to do with the technology. It’s about where people get stuck. Jacqueline introduces the ADKAR framework, a simple but powerful way to understand how people actually move through change. Awareness – You know the change is happening Desire – You actually want to engage with it Knowledge – You understand how to use it Ability – You can apply it in real life Reinforcement – It becomes part of how you work This conversation will help you identify exactly where the breakdown is—and how to move people forward with clarity, not frustration. 🌐 Resources: Jacqueline Phichith, Communications & Change Leadership | CCMP, 📍 CooperCompanies, Rochester, NY 🔗 LinkedIn: Jacqueline Phichith | LinkedIn Hear more from our Women's Empowerment Series Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman | Podcasts 9th Annual Women Empowering Women Conference March 18, 2027 Learn more here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Development isn't just about building buildings. It's about shaping how people experience their environments and their communities." — Jenna Tatar In this kickoff episode of our Women’s Empowerment Series, Jazzy T sits down with Jenna Tatar, Operational Excellence Manager at Riedman, to unpack why now is the time for women to step into real estate development. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The pay gap is shrinking in the real estate development industry. There's a 45% increase in women's participation in construction over the last decade How operational roles translate vision into real-world impact Media training from JazzCast Pros helps you practice your voice, refine your message, and show up confidently in high-stakes rooms 🎧 Listen to High Vibe Table Talks ep 142 with Merchon and Jazzy T for our biggest takeaways from the sold-out Women Empowering Women Conference—including behind-the-scenes media training moments. 🌐 Resources: 👩🏽‍💼 Jenna Tatar, Operational Excellence Manager, Riedman📍 45 East Ave, Rochester, NY 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-tatar-pmp-1630875/ 9th Annual Women Empowering Women Conference March 18, 2027 Learn more here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop Missing Out on Government Contracts. Get in the Room! Ep. 15 Tymothi Howard—the man responsible for overseeing purchasing for the City of Rochester and promoting minority, and women-owned enterprise participation reveals the secret to procurement deals. He’s not just explaining the system—he’s showing you where the opportunities are and how to position your business to access them. Join us at the 4th Annual Upstate NY MWBE Conference 📍 Location: Rochester Riverside Convention Center📅 Dates: March 30 – April 1 🎟️ Register here This isn’t just another networking event. This is where you go to: ✔️ Learn the State MWBE certification process ✔️ Meet prime contractors looking for subcontractors ✔️ Understand how to find and respond to real City opportunities ✔️ Get clarity on capability statements, bonding, and requirements ✔️ Build relationships that can lead to paid contracts—not just contacts If you’re serious about doing business with your local New York municipalities, you need to be in this room. Jazzy T will be hosting the success panel on Day 3 with top-tier MWBE firms. Read this👉 2026 Upstate NY MWBE Conference Preview Learn how to get MWBE certified in New York State, connect with prime contractors actually awarding work and understand how to start doing business with the City of Rochester… all in one room! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 14 Ever delayed firing someone you knew wasn’t the right fit, or second-guessed a big business decision for weeks? Growth strategist Jill Peterson explains how strengthening your mental fitness can help you make clearer, more profitable decisions. On this episode of Elevating Enterprise with Jazzy T + RJ Williams you’ll learn how to regulate emotional decision-making, document scalable systems, and use data—not fear—to guide your next business move. About Our Guest: Jill Peterson is the Founder and Chief Growth Strategist of Clover Insights, where she helps corporate executives and growth-stage founders remove the hidden leadership and structural barriers limiting their next stage of growth. Through her proprietary 4P Pathway — People, Process, Profits, and Purpose — Jill integrates mental fitness with operational strategy so organizations can scale without sacrificing culture or clarity. A Positive Intelligence® Coach and TriMetrix practitioner, she equips leaders with the mindset and systems needed for sustainable expansion. Her clients have achieved up to 300% growth, stronger engagement, reduced turnover, and tighter team alignment. 📧 Connect with Jill Peterson Email: [email protected] Phone: 585-705-8977 🔗 Resources & Links Download Jill's free Decision Making Tool 📬 Join the I Heard It on a Podcast Newsletter on LinkedIn Get the FREE Procurement Ready Checklist👉https://www.jazzcastpros.com/enterprise Discover more show on your personal and professional development journey Podcasts | JazzCast Pros ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Why your nervous system belongs in your profit margin02:05 – What mental fitness really means for business leaders04:56 – The hidden financial cost of emotional decisions07:20 – Using data instead of fear to guide business choices11:06 – Why clarity and dashboards make leadership easier12:18 – Understanding the “Judge” mindset and leadership saboteurs17:14 – The importance of documenting SOPs for scaling22:07 – 8 Peanut butter & Jelly SOPs25:59 – Simple nervous-system regulation tactics 30:08 – The 9 leadership saboteurs that influence decision-making33:59 – Turning challenges into opportunities for growth36:23 – Why aligning People, Process, Profits & Purpose drives sustainable growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 13 If you’ve ever hit a wall trying to access capital, this episode of Elevating Enterprise breaks down how SBA loans can help you start, stabilize, or scale your business. Mary Stone, Senior Vice President and SBA Manager at M&T Bank is here to break down what SBA loans really are, why they exist, and how programs like the SBA 7(a) loan help entrepreneurs secure funding when traditional lending may feel out of reach. This conversation gives you the inside track on how to approach lenders, prepare your application, and leverage the resources available to small business owners. Because sometimes the difference between stuck and scaling is simply knowing which financial doors to knock on. 🔑 In This Episode • What the SBA 7(a) loan program is and who it’s designed for • How SBA loans help businesses that may not qualify for traditional lending • What lenders actually look for when reviewing your application • How long approvals can take—and what impacts the timeline 🔗 Resources Mentioned • SBA Loan Programs: https://www.sba.gov • Small Business Development Centers: https://americassbdc.org • SCORE Mentorship: https://www.score.org • M&T Bank: https://www.mtb.com 🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn access to capital into a tool for real business growth. About the Guest: Mary Stone is the Senior Vice President and SBA Manager at M&T Bank. Responsible for more than $700 million in SBA lending, she leads a team dedicated to providing small businesses with access to necessary capital. Her career is marked by deep-rooted passion for empowering "Main Street America," particularly in her hometown of Rochester, New York. Under her leadership, M&T Bank remains a top ten SBA lender nationwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 12 In government contracting, the biggest deals aren’t won by who submits the longest proposal—they’re won by who built the right relationships long before the RFP ever dropped. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise, Jazzy T and RJ Williams sit down with Nick Lopez, CEO of Prosal, to unpack how AI is changing the game for small and mid-sized enterprises, not by replacing human connection, but by strengthening it. This conversation explores how intelligent research, market mapping, and relationship-driven strategy help SMEs stop chasing opportunities they were never positioned to win, and start showing up early, informed, and credible with the people who matter. Key Takeaways: Why relationships win contracts—not last-minute proposals How AI helps SMEs identify who to talk to and when How most RFPs are written for someone long before they’re released TTC (Time Talking to Customer) as a business development metric How to shift from vendor to trusted partner before competition even begins Because success isn’t overnight. It’s strategic. About the Guest:  Nick Lopez is the Co-Founder & CEO of Prosal, an AI-powered capture intelligence platform helping government contractors identify, shape, and win opportunities earlier in the procurement process. A former Lockheed Martin engineer, Nick brings firsthand experience in defense contracting and is focused on modernizing business development by prioritizing relationships, strategy, and actionable intelligence over reactive RFP chasing. 🔗 Connect with Nick Website: https://prosal.com LinkedIn: Nicholas Lopez Email: [email protected] Chapters: 00:00 – The Old Way Is Broken 01:22 – Meet Prosal: “ChatGPT, but Trained for Government Contracting” 03:27 – The Truth About RFPs Written for Someone Else 05:08 – RFIs, Market Research & How Relationships Shape Outcomes 06:23 – Why Relationships Win Contracts 09:03 – People Buy From People: Mapping the Human Side of Procurement 11:17 – How Prosal Guides You Instead of Making You Guess 13:13 – FAR Changes, Faster Timelines & New Federal Opportunities 15:07 – CSOs, BAAs & Breaking Into Federal Work 21:01 – Teaming Partners, Implied Incumbents & Competitive Intelligence 25:29 – From Weeks to Hours: Compressing Decision-Making Timelines 26:02 – TTC Explained: The Only Metric That Actually Matters 30:31 – What a 33% Win Rate Really Means 37:26 – Final Word: Stop Selling. Be Curious. Be Genuine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 11 Your small business can’t grow into an enterprise if you're personally involved in every decision, every sale, and every delivery. Our expert guest Ryan Wimpey demonstrates why documented SOPs and training systems for people — not just services — are the foundation of sustainable growth. Real scale requires teaching others to deliver value consistently. Ryan is the founder of Tip Top K-9, built a national franchise by obsessing over systems, documentation, and training. Despite running a national franchise with 25 locations and proven revenue, Ryan lost a prospective franchisee to a competitor with fewer systems and a popular YouTube channel. Ryan breaks down how that realization pushed him to invest heavily in YouTube — growing from 5,000 to over 600,000 subscribers in under a year — while continuing to strengthen the backend systems that allow his business to expand from Omaha to Michigan. This episode is a powerful reminder that real growth in 2026 requires both visibility and infrastructure. You need SOPs that train people and a content strategy that builds trust with potential clients. Connect with Ryan: @tiptopk9 • Instagram Tip Top K9 | Facebook Tip Top K9 on TikTok Tip Top K9 on YouTube Ryan Wimpey | LinkedIn Chapters: 00:00 – Topic Teaser 01:29 – Tip Top K9 Training Dogs and People 03:51 – Early Hiring Decisions That Limit Scale 04:30 – Solving Real Problems With Operational Systems 06:27 – The Core Functions of Any Scalable Business 07:18 – Bootstrapping Growth Without Investors 08:05 – Training for Consistency Across Multiple Locations 09:09 – Turning Experience Into Documented SOPs 11:13 – Knowing When a Business Is Ready to Expand 12:05 – Technology, AI, and Changing Search Behavior 14:31 – Losing a Client to a Bigger YouTube Presence 16:09 – Why Visibility Builds Trust Faster Than Credentials 18:48 – Building a YouTube Strategy That Supports Scale 19:22 – Coaching, Conferences, and Ongoing Training 22:35 – Preventing Burnout Through Better Systems 30:10 – Revenue First, Refinement Second 33:11 – Iteration Beats Perfection 34:20 – What Sustainable Growth Looks Like Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 10 Learn how to do business with Monroe County as a M/WBE or Veteran-owned business from Supplier Diversity Manager Matthew Burrell, Supplier Diversity Manager. Under his leadership, the county has certified 855 MWBE firms and set a concrete goal to award 21% of contract dollars to minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. You’ll learn: ✅ Why relationship-building matters just as much as paperwork ✅ Why you should focus on what you do best ✅ How Apex Accelerator helps match your business with RFP's ✅ Government contracts are more than just construction. Mental health providers, cleaning companies, consultants, tech, logistics, event services — the county needs you too. If you’re an MWBE ready to go from “certified” to “contracted,” this episode gives you the blueprint. 📌 Resources mentioned: Search “Monroe County MWBE” to apply or check status Apex Accelerator for bid match + proposal support Small Business Development Centers for startup help Ep. 9 Bank on It: How M&T Bank Fuels Business Growth Ep. 8 Business Operations with Albert Rivera, Paychex Chapters: 0:00 What are Supplier Diversity Programs 6:15 Effective Strategies for Winning Government Contracts 8:14 Streamlining MWBE Certification and Ensuring Diversity goals 13:13 Building Government Contracting Relationships 21:19 Crafting Winning Proposals and Avoiding Common Mistakes 26:06 Strategic Insights for Business Growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 9 If your bank only knows you as an account number, you’re running your business with one hand tied behind your back. Your banker should be doing more than holding your money — they should be helping you lower fees, protect your cash flow, and connect you to resources that move your business forward. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise, Jazzy T + RJ sit down with Melissa Jordan, Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager at M&T Bank, to reveal why small business owners need more than just a place to deposit checks. From building your “B.A.I.L.” team to automating payments and planning for growth, Melissa shares insider strategies to help you stop leaving money on the table and start scaling smarter. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners 1️⃣ Your banker should be a partner — a single point of contact who understands your business, connects you to specialists, and streamlines your financial systems.2️⃣ Ditch unnecessary fees — banks can offer merchant services that rival or replace QuickBooks, saving you money and time.3️⃣ Automate your cash flow — use banking tools for payments, receivables, and vendor management to create efficiency and improve client experience.4️⃣ Build your B.A.I.L. team — banker, accountant, insurance rep, and lawyer working together to guide your growth.5️⃣ Stay fraud-ready — with the right relationship, your banker will proactively educate and protect you against evolving threats.   Resources: Melissa Jordan Vice President | M&T Bank Rochester, NY Business Banking | Senior Relationship Manager (Cell) 585-734-7026 Schedule an appointment [email protected] | www.mtb.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 8 You’ve got the MWBE or DBE. Now what? This week on Elevating Enterprise, we’re cutting through the confusion. Join me, Jazzy T, as I sit down with someone I trust both in business and in life — my husband and co-host, RJ Williams, a seasoned expert in government contracting and procurement. While I bring the solopreneur POV, RJ breaks down what it really takes to scale into enterprise-level opportunities. 💡 Whether you're trying to land your first government contract or tired of bidding and losing, this episode is your playbook. We cover: ✔️ The difference between being certified and being prepared ✔️ Why most small businesses never graduate past “freelancer” mode ✔️ The power of reverse engineering your growth strategy ✔️ What it means to “look the part” when approaching decision-makers ✔️ Why we give you a 100,000-foot view — not just 30,000 — so you can see the whole picture, not just the next step 🎯 From Rochester Housing Authority to federal projects in California, RJ’s experience can help you navigate procurement and position your business to win. This is the why behind Elevating Enterprise — real conversations, real strategy, and a roadmap from solopreneur to CEO. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Why We Started: Helping Small Businesses Think Bigger05:11 – RJ’s Origin Story: From Telecom to Enterprise-Level Strategy08:42 – Game-Changing Business Lessons from the Inside10:58 – Government Contracting 101: What No One Tells You19:43 – Reverse Engineer Your Way to Better Project Management21:09 – Show Up Like a CEO: First Impressions & Leadership27:42 – Mentors Matter: How Leadership is Passed Down30:34 – Why We Give You a 100,000-Foot View — Not Just 30,000 #GovernmentContracts #SmallBusinessGrowth #MWBE #ElevatingEnterprise #RJWilliams #JazzyT #ProcurementStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 7 🎬 Hollywood’s calling — will your business pick up? Filmmaker Kendrick Foxx moved to Rochester, NY, to build more than movies — he’s building momentum for local businesses. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise, Kendrick shares how small businesses — from caterers and cleaners to stylists and shuttle drivers — can plug directly into the multi-billion dollar film industry. With New York’s new tax incentives and the launch of FLX Studios across from RIT, Rochester is poised to become the East Coast’s next production hotspot. 📌 What’s in it for your business? If you’ve got a service, there’s a crew that needs it. Kendrick breaks down exactly how entrepreneurs can get ready — and why now is the time to show Hollywood what Rochester can do. 🎯 3 Key Takeaways: Film crews hire local — if you're set-ready, you're on the list. Pre-production is where the battle is won. Planning saves money and earns trust. Rochester has the talent, the terrain, and the tax breaks to attract big-budget films. 💬 Notable Quotes: “If you’ve got a service — food, wardrobe, security, cleaning, whatever — there’s a film set somewhere that needs it. You just have to be ready.” “I know you want to be the star or the director — but if you can get on set as an extra, you can literally rub elbows with the person who gives you your next opportunity.” - Jazzy T “The battle of production is won in pre-production. If you plan for the landmines you can see, the ones you can’t won’t be as deadly.” - Kendrick 🎞️ About Kendrick Foxx:Kendrick Foxx is a seasoned film producer and President of Entertainment at FLX Studios in Rochester, NY. Originally from Jackson, Alabama, his journey spans LA, Atlanta, and now Upstate NY. His feature film RIFT, shot in just five days during the Covid pandemic, now streams on Paramount+, Apple TV, Showtime, and more. Kendrick is committed to telling stories that matter — and building creative economies that last. 🎬 Watch RIFT now streaming on Tubi, Apple TV, and Paramount+ 📍 Learn more about FLX Studio, opening soon in Rochester, NY Email: [email protected] Instagram: @KendrickFoxx_1 Website FLX Studios | Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 6 In a time when diversity programs are under fire and economic equity feels out of reach, Maurice Barrett is doing the work where it matters most — in housing policy and human resources. Named the Top Diversity Officer in America (2025), Maurice is the Chief Diversity Officer at New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). In this episode, he shares how inclusive hiring practices, strategic HR systems, and equitable housing developments are powerful drivers of business growth across New York. Whether you're a small business owner, MWBE, or veteran entrepreneur trying to get certified, win contracts, or build a team — this conversation offers real-world insight on how to move forward, even when the system feels stacked against you. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why DEI isn’t dead — it’s just evolving How affordable housing is a foundation for entrepreneurship What career mapping and the employee lifetime value scale can do for your retention strategy How NYS HCR’s DECO division is helping MWBEs and SDVOBs get certified and secure contracts Let this episode remind you that the system may shift — but your opportunity is still out there. And now, you know where to find it. 🔔 Follow Elevating Enterprise podcast so you never miss an episode. New episodes every other Thursday. 🔗 Helpful Links 🏛️ Explore HCR Contracting & DECO Divisionhttps://hcr.ny.gov/opportunity-deco 📑 Get Certified as a NYS MWBE (Empire State Development)https://esd.ny.gov/ 🎖️ Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Programhttps://ogs.ny.gov/veterans 💼 Connect with Maurice on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricekbarrett Chapters: 00:00 – Topic Teaser 01:30 – Meet Maurice Barrett: Housing Leader, HR Veteran, Inclusion Expert 05:15 – What “Top Diversity Officer in America” Really Means in 2025 09:00 – Why DEI Work Was Diluted 13:10 – Affordable Housing as Economic Strategy for Entrepreneurs 16:00 – Programs & Pathways: MWBE & SDVOB Certification at HCR 20:00 – Maurice’s Journey: From Intern to Chief HR Officer Before Age 26 23:45 – Why Payroll and HR Are Not DIY Jobs for Small Business Owners 25:30 – Employee Lifetime Value Scale: Grow Your People, Grow Your Business 27:30 – No Ceilings Leadership: Managing With Equity and Intention 30:00 – The Coach’s Perspective: Building Grit, Agility, and Communication 33:30 – Final Advice for Entrepreneurs and Emerging Leaders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 5 Fresh off the IBM Think 2025 Global Conference, RJ Williams sits down with Cody Henehan, CEO of ROC AI and Silveray.AI for a rapid-fire recap of the future of artificial intelligence. 🚀 Cody shares what it was like networking with the best minds in tech, learning about the next wave of AI innovation—from agentic AI and small language models to quantum computing and photonics. Discover how IBM and its global partners are prioritizing collaboration, not competition, to close the technology gap for small businesses. 💡 Learn how AI is already transforming industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing—and what your business can do today to stay ahead. Whether you’re ready to integrate AI or still figuring it out, this episode breaks down complex topics into real-world impact. 🔗 Plus, Cody reveals how ROC AI is leveling the playing field with free tools, enterprise discounts, and the world’s first AI-powered GPO. 👉 Tap in to hear: How AI is driving 220% gains in business efficiency The shift from generative to predictive and agentic AI What “hybrid cloud” means for your data and budget Why small language models are a game-changer for SMEs How ROC AI is helping companies access affordable AI solutions 📲 Follow ROC AI on LinkedIn or explore AIGPO.com for free resources and savings. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Cody Henehan returns from IBM Think 2025 01:07 - Highlights from IBM Think Conference 02:12 - New AI tools: Salesforce agents & efficiency savings 03:02 - Quantum computing and the future of AI 03:54 - AI in construction and procurement 04:19 - Untapped enterprise data and AI potential 05:45 - Predictive and agentic AI 06:15 - 3 major AI shifts: Productivity, Hybrid Cloud, Quantum 07:48 - Hybrid models and cost efficiency 09:03 - Small language models & edge computing 10:12 - Projected 1 billion AI apps by 2028 10:53 - Use case: AI automating Toyota’s assembly line 11:40 - AI partnerships: IBM, Meta, Salesforce, more 12:28 - The need for inclusive AI adoption 13:08 - Educating the public about AI developments 14:08 - ROC AI and Silver Ray AI platforms 14:44 - Introducing the world’s first AI GPO 15:19 - GPO offerings across industries 16:00 - Closing thoughts and what’s next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 4 Are you unknowingly setting your business up for costly mistakes?From missing tax deadlines to compliance failures, many small business owners don’t realize what they don’t know until it’s too late. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise, Jazzy T + RJ WIlliams sit down with Albert Rivera, a seasoned Business Consultant at Paychex, to uncover how entrepreneurs can build a strong, compliant, and scalable foundation from day one. With over 15 years of experience in business consulting and small business lending, Albert shares actionable strategies to help you: ✅ Set up payroll and HR systems that grow with your business 🧾 Avoid penalties with proper quarterly tax filings 🤖 Use AI-powered tools to recruit smarter and onboard faster 📚 Tap into free resources like updated employee handbooks, training modules, and live webinars. Resources: Paychex: Paychex Business Soultions WebsitePaychex Recruiting Co-Pilot Paychex Flex Overview English Paychex Flex Overview Spanish Albert Rivera Email: [email protected] Small Business Development Center: SBDC Website SCORE Greater Rochester: Score Website Enterprise Center at Pathstone: Pathstone Website Access $300k in Small Business Funding Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling to a small team, this episode will help you protect your business and focus on what you do best — not paperwork. 📍 About the Guest: Albert Rivera is a Business Consultant at Paychex, specializing in human capital management for small businesses. With deep roots in business lending and consulting at Pathstone, Albert helps founders build sustainable operations through personalized support and practical solutions. Originally from New York City, and with professional experience driven by diverse cultural insights from having lived in Puerto Rico, Albert offers a formidable blend of professional acumen and personal commitment to aiding enterprises in their growth trajectories. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro + The Hidden Cost of DIY HR 01:38 – Albert Rivera: Business Startup Expert at Paychex. 03:15 – From New York to Puerto Rico: A Personal Business Journey 06:45 – Coming to Rochester & Making the Leap to Paychex 10:30 – The First Step for Every Startup: market research, business plan. 14:55 – Free Business Planning Resources in Rochester 16:40 – Paychex: More Than Just Payroll 19:22 – What Happens in a Business Consultation? 21:25 – Serving Spanish-Speaking Entrepreneurs 22:40 – Why businesses get fined — and how Paychex prevents it 26:15 – I-9 audits, employee handbooks, and OSHA safety manuals — 29:00 – Why outsourcing HR is a growth strategy, not an expense. 30:45 – Officer-Only Payroll for LLCs Filing as S-Corps 33:10 – HR Pro & Real-Time Handbook Updates 35:05 – AI Recruiting with Paychex Co-Pilot 36:37 – Key Takeaways with Jazzy T Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 3 💳 Thinking about taking out a business loan? Hit pause—because this episode might save you from making an expensive mistake. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise Jazzy T + RJ catch up with Yahaira Zapata, Deputy Director of Economic Development at the Enterprise Center at Pathstone in Rochester, NY, who shares insider tips every MWBE and small business owner should know before signing on the dotted line. From accessing your share of $300,000 in new SBA funding, to rebuilding your credit after the pandemic, Yahaira drops gems on how to fund smart, avoid predatory pitfalls, and grow with strategy. 💸 From micro-loans to pitch competitions, and credit rebuilding to relationship-building—this episode will show you how access + education = elevation. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why “how much can I get?” is the wrong question to ask ✅ How to make your business funding-ready—even with shaky credit ✅ Free technical assistance and training programs that give you a competitive edge ✅ What lenders actually want to see in your projections and business plan 📌 Resources Mentioned: 🏢 Enterprise Center at Pathstone: TheEnterpriseCenterInc.org 📆 National Small Business Week Events (May 4–10): NSBWROC.com Chapters: 0:00 – Fueling Dreams: How Microloans + Education Empower Entrepreneurs 2:51 – Funding Our Future: Resources for Diverse & Underserved Founders 6:02 – Facing Credit Hurdles? Here's Why You're Not Alone 7:59 – Bounce Back Better: Rebuilding Business Credit After the Pandemic 9:50 – From Confused to Confident: Free Business Education That Works 16:03 – Why Smart Entrepreneurs Show Up for Free Programs 19:45 – Money on Your Terms: How Flexible Loans Can Help You Grow 22:22 – Fund Smart, Not Fast: Strategies to Secure the Right Support 26:35 – Relationships Over Rejections: How to Stay Top of Mind and Get Funded 30:15 – Your Playbook: 3 Must-Do Moves to Get Funding-Ready Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 2 🍕Create A Pizza is the last fast-casual pizza shop still standing in Rochester. So what did they do right that others didn’t—and how can you follow their lead? This episode of Elevating Enterprise is your behind-the-counter blueprint for navigating the real world of food service entrepreneurship. We sat down on location with owners Katelyn and John to unpack how they launched their pizza shop without startup capital, survived a pandemic, and built loyal customer trust while others shut their doors. 🎯 You’ll learn: 🔹 Why sweat equity can open more doors than startup capital 🔹 The hidden cost of delivery apps like Grubhub 🔹 How zoning laws can make or break your restaurant dreams 🔹 How consistency and an owner-operator model can outlast competition 🔹 What most first-time business owners wish they knew about leases and location Whether you're still tossing dough in the back or sketching out your dream restaurant, this episode gives you the real talk and proven strategies to help you build smarter—and stay in business. Create A Pizza's Social Media and Website: Instagram: @createapizza585 Facebook: Create A Pizza Website Create A Pizza - Rochester, NY - 766 Monroe Ave Chapters: 0:00 Starting and Sustaining a Successful Pizza Business 7:21 Resilience and Networking in Building a Business 12:19 Negotiating Commercial Leases and Location Importance 16:00 Consistency and Local Sourcing Define Create a Pizza's Success 21:26 Adapting a Pizza Business During Covid Challenges 26:12 Building Community Connections Through Pizza and Business Innovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 1 What if Rochester is on the brink of another tech revolution—and your business could be part of it? In this premiere episode of Elevating Enterprise, hosts Jazzy T and RJ Williams sit down with ROC AI co-founders Cody Henehan and Brendon Frazer, two Rochester natives building powerful AI solutions for businesses like yours. With support from Microsoft and a mission rooted in community and innovation, ROC AI is helping businesses integrate Artificial Intelligence to streamline operations, secure bigger contracts, and grow with confidence. From working with local governments to partnering with global giants, this conversation proves that the next wave of tech leadership is happening right here in Western New York. "2025 is the Year of the AI Agent" and with partners like ROC AI your SME can be ahead of the curve of the business tech revolution. 🎯 Action Steps from This Episode: Get in the room – Attend conferences and meetups where innovation is happening. Invest in relationships – Building community opens doors to major partnerships. Think enterprise, act local – Position your business to scale by thinking bigger while staying rooted in community. Take your time – Quality data builds quality tools—don’t rush the process. 💡 AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot can streamline your business operations—start small but think big. Resources: ROC AI Website: https://rocai.us/ Cody Henehan – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-henehan-bbab13271/ Brendon Frazer – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendon-frazer/ 🎧 Listen now and learn how to scale with intention—because success isn’t overnight, it’s strategic. AI, enterprise, innovation, automation, networking, AI conference, enterprise growth, local innovation, strategic investments, AI models, how to reduce AI bias, importance of networking in business, building AI solutions in Rochester, strategies for enterprise success, 2025 AI agent trends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) ready to level up? Elevating Enterprise is here to equip you with the strategies you need to stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing tech and policy landscape. In our trailer, we’re giving you a sneak peek of what’s to come—including actionable insights from the founders of ROC AI on navigating these shifts. This podcast is your go-to resource for growth, with real advice on leveraging your M/WBE status, securing bigger contracts, and scaling up smarter and faster. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and get ready to scale! #ElevatingEnterprise #WBE #ScaleSmarter #TechSavvy #PolicyReady #AI #DEI #SME #MWBE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices