On The Brink With Andi Simon

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lotus Buckner, founder and CEO of HLB Talent Solutions and author of The Joy of HR. Lotus is a dynamic leader in the human resources field with experience spanning corporate environments, startups, and everything in between. Her insights on HR's evolution and intentional leadership are essential for understanding today’s workplace. Lotus Buckner's Transformational HR Journey Lotus’s path to HR began during college when she stumbled upon a management and HR concentration. After taking her first HR class, she discovered her passion and launched a career that has spanned nonprofits, healthcare, universities, and startups. Her first role at a nonprofit hospital turned into an 11-year journey where she advanced from intern to head of HR, managing significant growth and leading efforts through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of how HR functions differ across industries. From resource-heavy corpo

I love to bring back great guests to our podcast, On the Brink with Andi Simon. Recently,  I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Nori Jabba, an insightful author, speaker, and advocate for empowering women through their communication skills. With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the challenges women face in leadership roles, Nori's insights are invaluable. In 2023, she joined our podcast to discuss her groundbreaking first book, Keeping Your Seat at the Table, which shed light on the unique obstacles women face in leadership and offered actionable strategies to overcome them. Women, It is Time to Master Your Voice Now she has a chapter in a new book, OWN YOUR STORY that is available today on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, among others. Her chapter is about how women have to go beyond finding their voice to mastering that voice. During our conversation, Nori shared her journey, highlighting the importance of resilience, confidence, and, most notably, the power of voice. Her work encourages

In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kimber Maderazzo, a remarkable leader whose journey through the Beauty and Cosmetics industry is nothing short of inspiring. Kimber's story is one of perseverance, talent, and an unyielding drive to succeed despite daunting challenges. A Journey of Innovation and Leadership Kimber's career spans over 25 years in the Beauty and Cosmetics industry, a field where she has worn many hats—from starting out at a makeup counter at the age of 14 to eventually finding herself in the boardroom of the world's leading acne brand. Her path was not linear or easy, but it was driven by a clear vision and a love for what she does. Kimber has consistently delivered innovation-driven revenue growth throughout her career in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Fortune-ranked companies. She has successfully defended against industry giants with significantly larger budgets, staged an 8-point market share comeback, and modernized

In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I welcomed Ilene Rosenthal, the visionary CEO and founder of Footsteps2Brilliance, an educational technology company redefining early literacy and financial education for students across the U.S. Ilene and I explored how technology is revolutionizing the education sector, enabling transformative learning opportunities that bridge gaps and engage students in innovative ways. Bringing Education into the Fifth Industrial Revolution Ilene’s journey led her to create “Learn With Me,” the first transmedia educational program, eventually nominated for an Emmy. This innovation bridged educational media and interactive learning, setting the foundation for Footsteps2Brilliance. With her extensive background, Ilene has scaled her vision nationwide, serving over a million children to date. She has designed the Footsteps2Brilliance platform to be device-agnostic, ensuring accessibility on smartphones, tablets, and computers—essential for reaching diverse student populat

In this episode of "On the Brink with Andi Simon," we engage in an insightful conversation with Chantal Cornelius, the founder of Appletree Marketing.  Together we delve into the intricate art of marketing strategies tailored for service-based businesses, particularly coaches and consultants. With over two decades of experience in the field, Chantelle's expertise is rooted in a unique approach that emphasizes fostering emotional connections with clients to create lasting and impactful relationships. Why Should You Foster Emotional Connections in Business? Chantal begins by sharing her personal and professional journey in the marketing world, painting a vivid picture of how she transitioned from a traditional marketer to a strategic advisor focused on helping service-based businesses thrive. Her early years were marked by learning the conventional aspects of marketing and understanding client expectations. However, through years of hands-on experience, Chantal discovered that the most effective way for busines

In the latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we're thrilled to feature Anna Warner-Mayes, an inspiring entrepreneur whose company, The Lipstick Journey, is making waves with purpose and profitability. Anna's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Her journey, marked by multiple cancer diagnoses and countless treatments, is a source of inspiration for all of us. Anna's decision to channel her adversity into something powerful and uplifting, The Lipstick Journey , is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Her company, with its unique 'buy one, give one' lipstick initiative, is a living proof that even in the face of adversity, we can make a difference. How Can Lipstick Turn Into a Caring Community for Cancer Patients? The Lipstick Journey stands apart from typical beauty brands in its commitment to giving back to a community that has supported Anna through her own battles. Each lipstick purchase goes beyond the buyer to reach a cancer fighter, serving as

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we had the pleasure of sitting down with TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place, a Michigan-based economic development organization. Throughout her career, TaRita has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and has helped organizations grow by embracing a more diverse workforce. She shared her insightful journey, revealing diversity's critical role in creating thriving, successful workplaces, and she introduced us to her powerful leadership model: VOICE. Watch this podcast here TaRita's Journey: A Commitment to Building Inclusive Communities From the beginning, TaRita's path has been shaped by her passion for promoting equity and opportunity. She shared with us how her early career experiences, paired with her background in education, shaped her belief that talent comes from all walks of life and that it's the role of leaders to create environments where all individuals feel valued and heard. Having spent yea

In the latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we had the pleasure of speaking with Vicki Bradley, a seasoned leadership coach and the driving force behind many successful leaders, both women and men. Vicki’s work is rooted in the understanding that leadership is not just about authority or strategy—it's about connecting with people on a deeper level through effective communication and emotional intelligence. In our conversation, Vicki shared profound insights into how these elements are not just complementary but essential to effective leadership. The Secret to Become the Leader You Want to Be One of the key takeaways from our discussion with Vicki was the critical role that communication plays in leadership. She emphasized that clear, authentic communication is the cornerstone of trust-building. When leaders communicate effectively, they are able to inspire, motivate, and engage their teams. This, in turn, fosters an environment where people feel valued, understood, and committed to the shared visio

Welcome to our anniversary podcast that celebrates a year of empowering change with our book, co-authored by Edie Fraser, Robin Freedman Spizman, and Andi Simon, PhD. This book, Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success,  has become an amazing experience. I have often said that every book has its unique signature. A book's energy comes from the reader who opens the book and feels the power of the words, images, and ideas. Celebrating a Year of Empowering Change with Women Mean Business It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since Edie Fraser and I launched Women Mean Business, a book that has become more than just a collection of stories; it’s a movement. Over the past year, the book has not only sold extremely well but has also been the catalyst for nearly 70 events. These have sparked meaningful conversations, inspired change, and built connections among women—and even some men—seeking to understand and harness the power of women’s leadership. You can watch

In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we spoke with Kathy D'Agostino, a forward-thinking expert passionate about the intersection of AI and human potential. Kathy's approach to AI goes beyond its technical capabilities; she focuses on how AI can be harnessed to uplift and augment what humans can achieve rather than replace them. AI isn't Replacing You -- Nothing can replace you if you don't let it! The fear that AI is coming for jobs is a persistent narrative that Kathy is eager to dispel. "The first thing I like to address is the fear that AI is coming after your job," she says. "AI is not coming after your job, but humans who know how to use AI will be able to do your job better, faster, and more efficiently. And yes, they may eventually nudge you out of the way, but let's be polite about that." Kathy's message is clear: AI isn't here to replace people but to help them. By understanding and embracing AI, workers can not only safeguard their roles but also enhance their ability to perform in p

Today, I'm thrilled to have Dr. Emily Springer with us, who embodies this idea of thinking, feeling, seeing—and most importantly, doing. Dr. Springer deeply understands AI, ethics, and how these shape our lives, but she goes beyond that to help us understand how to harness AI for good. As Dr. Springer emphasized, more than learning about AI is required. You have to take action, and that's where the power of change comes in. Change is challenging. As a corporate anthropologist, I've seen firsthand how difficult it is for organizations and individuals to embrace it. But the future is moving quickly, and those unwilling to take action will be left behind. What excites me most about our conversation today is Dr. Springer's focus on inclusive AI—an approach that prioritizes equity, social justice, and improving lives. This philosophy goes hand-in-hand with our work, where I help organizations navigate transformation. Emily, too, helps people understand the often-intimidating world of AI, and she does so in ways th

Building a Mental Health Legacy: Dr. Barbara Brown on Empowering Communities Through Purpose-Driven Practice In the latest episode of "On the Brink with Andi Simon," I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Barbara J. Brown, a true trailblazer in the mental health field. Dr. Brown is the Founder and CEO of CapitolHill Consortium for Counseling & Consultation (CCCC) and Unicorn Health Care, LLC. With over three decades of experience, she has dedicated her life to building not just a successful practice, but a legacy that prioritizes community well-being, purpose, and significance over profit. A Purpose-Driven Journey Dr. Brown's journey began with a vision to provide high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive mental health services to underserved communities. In 2009, she founded CCCC with a mission to offer comprehensive psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. What started as a solo practice soon evolved into a robust group practice with over 80 staff members, becoming a b

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we explore the groundbreaking work of Denielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan, the dynamic co-founders of Unicorn. Unicorn is a company with purpose, boldly revolutionized period care. Unicorn isn't just a business. It's a movement dedicated to dismantling outdated norms and offering a fresh, empathetic approach to menstruation. Through their innovative dispensers, now found in restroom stalls across the country, they are taking significant strides towards ending period poverty and promoting dignity for all. The Birth of Unicorn: A Vision Rooted in Empathy and Innovation Denielle and Thyme's journey began in the high-stakes world of corporate America, where they both enjoyed successful careers. However, as they climbed the corporate ladder, they found themselves searching for deeper meaning in their work. They realized their true passion lay in addressing a critical yet often overlooked issue: the lack of accessible, high-quality period care products. With a bl

In today's rapidly evolving business environment, traditional leadership models are becoming increasingly obsolete. The command-and-control approach, once the hallmark of successful leadership, is now often seen as a relic of the past. With the rise of concepts like Quiet Quitting, The Great Resignation, and the friction surrounding remote work, leaders are faced with challenges that require a more nuanced, empathetic approach. In a recent interview on the On the Brink with Andi Simon podcast, Melissa Robinson-Winemiller delved into the critical role of empathy and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in modern leadership. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller's Expertise can Help You Become that Great, Empathetic Leader Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, an expert in leadership development and an advocate for empathy-driven leadership, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. With over 30 years of leadership experience, she has seen firsthand how the lack of empathy can derail even the most promising careers and bus

Welcome to another inspiring episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon. In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Dionne Baker, a remarkable woman entrepreneur making waves in the organic food industry with her company, DeeBee's Organics. Dr. Baker's journey is not just about building a successful business but about creating a healthier, more sustainable world for our children. Dr. Baker's story began most delightfully. Inspired by her child's idea to create tea popsicles, she set out to develop healthy popsicle snacks that kids would love. This simple yet powerful idea led to the birth of DeeBee's Organics. Today, DeeBee's offers a range of certified organic products that are mindfully sweetened and never compromise on taste or joy. Their commitment to quality and health has made DeeBee's a beloved brand among parents and children alike. DeeBee's Organics is not just another company but a certified B Corporation. This certification is a testament to Dr. Baker's commitment to doing business diff

In our latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we had the pleasure of hosting Lisen Stromberg, an award-winning author, speaker, and expert on leadership transformation. We delved into her groundbreaking new book, "Intentional Power," and explored the seismic shift in business leadership in the U.S. Written with two other amazing leadership experts, JeanAnn Nichols, and Corey Jones, with extensive research into the changes taking place in our society today, this is generationally-driven change in how people lead and follow. Intentional Power is about changing our minds about how to lead, guide, facilitate, enable (all different words about leadership) others get to where they and we need to go. Lisen's extensive leadership background and commitment to fostering meaningful change shine through in her work. With a wealth of experience spanning corporate roles, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, she has become a leading voice in redefining effective Leadership in today's dynamic business environment. She wa

Welcome to another exciting episode of "On the Brink with Andi Simon!" In this episode, we are thrilled to have John M. Fisher, an extraordinary management development and soft skill trainer who also holds the title of chartered psychologist. His expertise in understanding and navigating change is unparalleled, making him a valuable resource for our discussion today. As a corporate anthropologist, I always look for individuals who genuinely grasp the challenges of embracing change and making it a friend rather than a foe. John Fisher is one such individual who has dedicated his career to helping people navigate the complexities of personal and professional transformation. John's unique approach, which is centered around maximizing personal understanding, has proven to be highly effective in helping individuals adapt to new demands in their business environments and personal lives. One of the most impactful tools John has developed is the Change Curve, a robust model that illustrates the stages people must go

I'm excited to share our latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, where I interview exceptional individuals to help others "get off the brink." This is actually our 400th episode and to focus on inspiring wellness is awesome, and reflects our committment to help people see, feel, and think in new ways so they can soar again and again. This episode features the extraordinary Dr. Renette Dallas, a true powerhouse in health and wellness. I think of Dr. Dallas as a Wellness Warrior leading a Healthy Living Revolution. She is inspiring wellness in each of us. We should all join her! Get your TRUE POP popcorn ready for our podcast. If you prefer to watch the On the Brink with Andi Simon Podcast, you can find Dr. Dallas's video here: Dr. Dallas is a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), minister, author, lecturer, certified fitness trainer, and raw food chef. With a rich architecture and civil engineering background and a U.S. Air Force veteran, her diverse expertise makes her a dynamic force for change. She's best kn

In a recent episode of our podcast, “On the Brink with Andi Simon,” I had the pleasure of speaking with Laura Grondin, an exceptional leader in the world of business and innovation. Laura is the CEO, chairman, and owner of a privately held industrial products company with two subsidiaries: Bingham & Taylor and Hartford Technologies. These companies supply diverse products, primarily to the water, gas, and automotive markets. Our conversation was all about how she has been able to navigate tradition and innovation. Visiting Laura's website is a journey into the heart of an enterprise that brilliantly merges tradition with forward-thinking innovation. Her companies, with a rich history spanning 175 years, epitomize the power of adapting to change while holding onto core values. This blend of the old and the new is not just a business strategy; it's a philosophy that permeates every aspect of their operations. How to Navigate Tradition and Innovation in Sustaining a Business? Laura's leadership showcases the

Welcome to On the Brink with Andi Simon. I am so delighted you have joined us for this podcast with Donny Willis where we share his own inspirational advice for how to intentionally build a better life. In this enlightening podcast episode,  Donny Willis is a wonderful guest, who you may recognize as the "butter man" from the iconic 2019 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Donny shares his remarkable journey of personal transformation, a story that resonates with many of us navigating our own life transitions. Donny is a pastor and the founder of a thriving church community in White Plains, NY. In this podcast, Donny and I dig deep into his own life’s journey and how he helps others intentionally build a better life for themselves and those around them. You might also like to read Donny's book,  "Good, Butter, Best,  From  Dream  to  Reality." What are Those Universal Themes of Life Transitions? Throughout the episode, Donny Willis and I delve into the universal themes of life transitions, the complexities of