In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley speaks with Milinda Ysasi, CEO of Grow and president of the Grand Rapids City Commission. They discuss Milinda's career journey, the importance of small businesses in the community, and the role of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in providing access to capital. The conversation highlights the significance of networking, vulnerability in leadership, and the need for collaboration among nonprofits. Milinda shares her insights on navigating public leadership, creating inclusive opportunities for entrepreneurs, and the impact of education and community on leadership. The episode concludes with advice for supporting a thriving local economy and the importance of continuous learning and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Milinda Ysasi and Symplicity Conversations

03:06 Milinda's Career Journey and the Importance of Small Businesses

06:09 The Role of Grow in Supporting Entrepreneurs

09:01 Challenges and Opportunities for CDFIs

11:54 The Importance of Networking and Community Support

14:52 Vulnerability and Leadership in Business

18:12 Navigating Public Leadership and City Commission Responsibilities

21:06 The Impact of Education and Community on Leadership

24:04 Equity, Collaboration, and the Latino Network

27:00 Creating Inclusive Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

29:58 Advice for Supporting a Thriving Economy

33:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley speaks with Crystal Joramo, Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Community WFM. They discuss the critical role of workforce management in enhancing employee experience and operational efficiency, the importance of partnerships in the industry, and the impact of AI and automation on workforce management. Crystal shares her career journey, insights into the evolution of workforce management, and the unique position of Community WFM in the market, especially following its acquisition by RingCentral. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to modernize their workforce management strategies to improve customer and employee satisfaction.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Workforce Management and Community WFM

02:08 Crystal Joramo's Career Journey

05:39 Understanding Workforce Management

08:52 The Importance of Automation in Workforce Management

11:47 The Evolution of Workforce Management

13:08 Community WFM's Unique Position in the Market

15:04 The Role of Partnerships in Workforce Management

16:10 Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning

21:49 AI and Data-Driven Workforce Management

26:16 The Future of Workforce Management Technology

32:12 Understanding Workforce Dynamics and Agent Roles

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley speaks with Dr. TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place. They discuss the importance of leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness in the workplace. Dr. Johnson shares her career journey, the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, and the significance of mentorship and community engagement. The conversation highlights the need for organizations to invest in their people and create inclusive environments that foster growth and collaboration. Catherine and TaRita also explore workforce trends and the impact of technology on the future of work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Community Engagement

02:11 Career Path and the Importance of Connection

06:05 Key Lessons in Talent and Culture

09:20 Challenges in Attracting and Retaining Talent

12:18 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship

19:12 Collaborative Strategies for Talent Development

22:10 Creating a Thriving Workplace Culture

23:49 Empowering Marginalized Voices

26:24 Workforce Trends and Recruitment Challenges

29:58 The Role of AI in Workforce Management

32:06 Investing in People for Organizational Success

36:40 Community Engagement and Talent Development

39:50 Optimizing Technology for Future Work