DESIGNWAVE PODCAST

How can organizations protect sensitive information, meet complex regulatory requirements, and build a security culture that goes beyond simply passing an audit?In this episode, we sit down with Lori Crooks, Founder and CEO of Cadra, Inc., to explore information security, risk management, regulatory compliance, and the importance of building strong security frameworks for modern businesses.With extensive experience in information security assessments, policy development, and security management, Lori helps organizations understand their security requirements and strengthen the controls needed to protect their systems and information.Before founding Cadra, Lori worked as a consultant, leading security teams responsible for compliance audits across major frameworks and standards, including NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, FISMA, PCI, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and SOC. Her experience includes conducting security assessments, identifying compliance gaps, developing policies and procedures, and helping businesses establish effective security programs.We explore why information security should be treated as an ongoing business priority rather than a box to tick during an audit. Lori's work highlights the importance of understanding security controls, identifying vulnerabilities, managing risks, and creating practical frameworks that organizations can maintain as their operations evolve.The conversation also looks at the role of employee awareness and third-party accountability in protecting an organization. From developing comprehensive information security training programs to managing customer and external audits, we discuss how businesses can build a stronger security culture and approach compliance with greater confidence.Whether you're a business owner, technology professional, cybersecurity enthusiast, or organizational leader responsible for protecting sensitive information, this episode offers valuable insights into making security a practical part of business operations.Strong security isn't just about meeting standards. It's about building the knowledge, processes, and accountability that help protect an organization every day.#LoriCrooks #CadraInc #Cybersecurity #InformationSecurity #RiskManagement #SecurityCompliance #ISO27001 #NIST #FedRAMP #FISMA #HIPAA #PCIDSS #DataProtection #SecurityFrameworks #BusinessSecurity #CyberRisk #TechnologyLeadership #InformationGovernance #Podcast #DesignWave

What does it take to move beyond childhood trauma, break free from destructive patterns, and turn the deepest struggles of your life into a source of strength?In this episode, we sit down with Hilary Momberger Powers to explore addiction recovery, childhood trauma, inner-child healing, personal transformation, and the power of reclaiming your life.Hilary's story began in the entertainment industry at just five years old, when she landed her first audition as Sally Brown in the Peanuts cartoons. After years of working in front of the camera, her life took a difficult turn when she was introduced to drugs and alcohol during her early teens.Even after earning a degree as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and working in hospitals and clinics, Hilary discovered that changing her career and circumstances wasn't enough to heal the deeper wounds she carried from childhood. Her introduction to recovery in 1983 became a turning point, helping her understand that lasting healing required more than simply putting down addictive substances.Inspired by the work of John Bradshaw and inner-child healing, Hilary began confronting the childhood wounds and belief systems that had shaped her decisions. Through this process, she moved from seeing herself as a victim of her circumstances to taking ownership of her life and becoming an advocate for her own healing.With more than four decades of diverse experience, Hilary now works as a transformational mentor and motivational speaker, helping women overcome adversity, address unresolved trauma, advocate for themselves, and turn their painful experiences into opportunities for growth. She shares principles and practical guidance designed to help people break free from old patterns and develop a renewed sense of purpose and passion for life.We also explore how unresolved pain can affect people regardless of their background, status, or achievements, why recovery is an ongoing journey, and how self-awareness and personal responsibility can create room for meaningful change.Beyond her work in transformation and empowerment, Hilary continues to work as a commercial actress and print model, with appearances in television shows and feature films.Whether you're navigating personal struggles, supporting someone through recovery, or seeking a new perspective on healing and personal growth, this conversation offers an honest reminder that your past does not have to determine your future.You are not defined by the struggles you've experienced, but by the courage to face them, heal, and build a different life.#HilaryMombergerPowers #AddictionRecovery #ChildhoodTrauma #InnerChildHealing #PersonalTransformation #WomenEmpowerment #MentalWellness #HealingJourney #OvercomingAdversity #SelfDiscovery #EmotionalHealing #Resilience #TransformationalMentoring #PersonalGrowth #RecoveryJourney #MotivationalSpeaker #WomenInspiringWomen #PurposeDrivenLife #Podcast #DesignWave

As artificial intelligence continues to transform how we work and create, one important question remains: How can we embrace technological progress without losing sight of what makes us human?In this episode, we sit down with Paul Slater, author, speaker, and Principal AI Technologist at Adobe, to explore artificial intelligence, human-centered innovation, creativity, leadership, and the future of work.Paul works at the intersection of AI, creativity, and technological transformation, examining how individuals and organizations can adapt to a rapidly changing world while keeping human potential at the center of progress.We explore how AI is reshaping the workplace, changing the way people approach creativity, and influencing how businesses operate. As organizations adopt emerging technologies, Paul highlights the importance of looking beyond automation to consider how these tools can support people, improve experiences, and unlock new possibilities.The conversation also examines human-centered AI and why technology should be designed and implemented with people in mind. We discuss the role of leadership in navigating organizational change, the challenges of adapting to new technologies, and how businesses can prepare their teams for an increasingly AI-driven future.Beyond the workplace, we look at the broader relationship between technology and society, including the opportunities and questions that emerge as AI becomes more deeply integrated into everyday life.Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, creative professional, technology enthusiast, or someone trying to understand how AI will shape your career, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on adapting to change while preserving human creativity and potential.The future of work isn't just about what technology can do. It's about what people can achieve when technology is developed and used to bring out their best.#PaulSlater #Adobe #ArtificialIntelligence #HumanCenteredAI #FutureOfWork #AIInnovation #CreativityAndTechnology #DigitalTransformation #OrganizationalTransformation #Leadership #EmergingTechnology #HumanPotential #AIAndCreativity #BusinessInnovation #TechnologyTrends #WorkplaceInnovation #FutureOfTechnology #Podcast #DesignWave

Why are so many people tuning out of politics, and how can we create spaces where people with different perspectives can have meaningful conversations without turning every disagreement into a fight?In this episode, we sit down with Elias Martin to explore political disengagement, American history, independent voices, and the importance of bringing thoughtful conversations back into public life.Elias believes that public discussions should make room for more than the loudest or most influential voices. He advocates for hearing from independent thinkers and everyday people whose perspectives may reflect broader public concerns but are often overlooked in highly polarized conversations.We explore why people are becoming disconnected from politics and history, how controversial subjects can be discussed with greater openness, and why the ability to disagree respectfully is important for a healthy society. Elias also shares his perspective on creating room for difficult conversations around politics, religion, spirituality, and other subjects without automatically dismissing opposing viewpoints.Beyond politics, the conversation touches on Elias's interests in video games, board games, movies, technology, faith, and spirituality, showing how curiosity and open dialogue can connect people across different interests and backgrounds.We also discuss the importance of informed civic participation. Elias highlights resources that help people research public policies, ballot propositions, and elected officials' track records so they can explore issues and form their own conclusions using verified information.Whether you're interested in politics, history, technology, religion, gaming, or simply understanding perspectives different from your own, this episode invites you to think critically, stay curious, and engage in conversations that matter.A meaningful conversation doesn't require everyone to agree. It requires people to listen, ask better questions, challenge ideas respectfully, and remain willing to learn.#EliasMartin #PoliticalConversations #CivicEngagement #AmericanPolitics #AmericanHistory #IndependentVoices #OpenDialogue #CriticalThinking #PoliticalDiscourse #FreedomOfExpression #RespectfulDebate #Religion #Spirituality #Technology #VideoGames #BoardGames #MediaLiteracy #PublicPolicy #Podcast #DesignWave

Why do some businesses and leaders struggle to communicate their true value, even when they have years of experience and meaningful work behind them?In this episode, we sit down with Hersh Rephun, founder of YES, BRAND BUILDERS, to explore brand strategy, storytelling, reputation, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of communicating who you are becoming not just what you've already achieved.With more than 25 years of experience as a stand-up comedian, creative director, publicist, and writer, Hersh brings a unique perspective to the relationship between creativity, strategy, and communication. His work helps founders, innovators, executives, and thought leaders uncover the central message connecting their work and build a strategic foundation for how they present themselves to the world.We explore the gap between what people intend to communicate and what their audiences actually understand. Hersh explains why valuable ideas and businesses can be misunderstood, how unclear messaging can cost opportunities, and why clarity is essential for building trust and long-term growth.The conversation also examines how successful professionals can outgrow the stories that originally built their reputations. As people evolve, their messaging and public identity must evolve with them. We discuss how leaders can communicate their changing value, build authority through meaningful interpretation rather than constant promotion, and create a reputation that reflects their direction and impact.Drawing from his unusual career journey, Hersh also shares insights on creativity, reinvention, stand-up comedy, AI, and the power of challenging familiar assumptions. His perspective offers a fresh look at how storytelling can shape business decisions, influence perception, and help people connect with the right audiences.Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, creative professional, executive, or someone building a personal brand, this episode offers valuable lessons on communicating your value, strengthening your reputation, and making sure people understand what you truly bring to the table.Clarity creates understanding, understanding builds trust, and trust opens doors. Your message should reflect not only where you've been, but where you're going.#HershRephun #YESBrandBuilders #BrandStrategy #PersonalBranding #BrandStorytelling #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #ReputationManagement #StrategicCommunication #CreativeStrategy #ThoughtLeadership #BrandPositioning #BusinessStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth #Reinvention #ArtificialIntelligence #StandUpComedy #Podcast #DesignWave

How do we find meaning, healing, and the strength to keep moving forward after experiencing profound loss?In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Lerner, critically acclaimed author of Ring, to explore complicated grief, resilience, mental health, personal transformation, and the healing power of the human-animal bond.Michelle's novel Ring, named to the longlist for the 2026 Aspen Words Literary Prize, explores the emotional complexities of loss, survival, and healing through a deeply human story. With a non-binary protagonist, the book also opens thoughtful conversations about identity, representation, and the experiences that connect us beyond our differences.Drawing from her own journey through chronic illness, complicated grief, and a major career transition, Michelle shares how life-altering experiences shaped her perspective on healing and purpose. After spending 20 years as a public interest lawyer, she moved into full-time writing, bringing together personal experience, literary creativity, and a deep interest in the human condition.We explore the connection between mental and physical well-being, including practices such as breathwork and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping, and how they feature in conversations about navigating difficult emotional experiences.Michelle also reflects on the role animals can play in our lives, the comfort and connection they offer during challenging seasons, and how her involvement in cat rescue connects with one of the central themes of Ring.With an MFA in Poetry from The New School, a JD magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, and three Pushcart Prize nominations, Michelle brings a distinctive blend of legal experience, literary insight, and lived perspective to conversations about resilience and human connection.Whether you're a reader, writer, creative professional, or someone interested in mental health, storytelling, and personal growth, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how people navigate loss, rediscover purpose, and find pathways toward healing.Sometimes healing begins with allowing ourselves to face what we've lost, accept the support around us, and discover new meaning in the life ahead.#MichelleLerner #RingNovel #AspenWordsLiteraryPrize #GriefAndHealing #Resilience #MentalHealth #HumanAnimalBond #ComplicatedGrief #PersonalTransformation #Storytelling #LiteraryFiction #CreativeWriting #MindBodyConnection #Breathwork #EFTTapping #FindingPurpose #EmotionalWellbeing #Representation #Podcast #DesignWave

What happens when an unexpected career setback becomes the opportunity to build something bigger and more meaningful than you ever imagined?In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Minion, CEO and founder of Rockstarr & Moon, to explore entrepreneurship, B2B marketing, business reinvention, personal resilience, and building a business with purpose.With more than two decades of marketing experience, including her time as a marketing executive at Ticketmaster, Rachel has built an agency focused on helping businesses grow through innovative strategies, transparency, and hands-on support.When the pandemic led to her being furloughed from Ticketmaster, Rachel turned her side hustle into a business generating over $500,000 annually. Her journey offers valuable lessons on recognizing opportunities in difficult moments, taking ownership of your career, and building a business from the ground up.We explore what makes effective B2B marketing, why businesses need more than traditional promotional tactics, and how a transparent, empowering approach can help clients build lasting growth rather than become dependent on an agency.Beyond entrepreneurship, Rachel shares another deeply personal part of her story as a cancer warrior. Her experience inspired her to establish Beyond Basic Needs, a nonprofit providing chemotherapy care kits to people undergoing treatment. Through this work, she demonstrates how personal challenges can inspire meaningful action and create support for others facing similar struggles.The conversation also looks at resilience, reinvention, authentic leadership, and the importance of building something that reflects your values while making a positive difference in people's lives.Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketing professional, founder, creative builder, or someone navigating an unexpected life or career transition, Rachel's story offers practical business insights and a powerful reminder that setbacks don't have to define your future.Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities emerge from life's hardest moments. What matters is how you respond, what you build, and who you help along the way.#RachelMinion #RockstarrAndMoon #BeyondBasicNeeds #Entrepreneurship #B2BMarketing #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #MarketingStrategy #CareerReinvention #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #PurposeDrivenBusiness #Leadership #SmallBusiness #BusinessDevelopment #CancerSupport #CommunityImpact #AuthenticLeadership #Podcast #DesignWave

How did Amazon grow from an online bookstore into one of the world's most valuable companies and what can other businesses learn from the decisions behind that transformation?In this episode, we sit down with Steve Anderson, international bestselling author of The Bezos Letters, to explore the business principles, risk-taking strategies, and growth mindset behind Amazon's remarkable journey.Through his analysis of Jeff Bezos' 21 letters to Amazon shareholders, Steve breaks down the thinking and decisions that helped shape Amazon's growth over more than two decades. Rather than simply studying the company's success, he examines how Bezos approached risk as an opportunity for learning, innovation, and long-term business development.We explore Steve's four growth cycles: Test, Build, Accelerate, and Scale, and how businesses can use them to move from experimenting with ideas to developing products, expanding operations, and achieving sustainable growth.Steve also unpacks the 14 Principles drawn from Bezos' letters, offering a practical framework for entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to make smarter decisions, embrace calculated risks, and build organizations that can adapt as markets change.The conversation highlights an important lesson: business growth isn't just about having a great idea or chasing quick results. It's about creating a culture of experimentation, learning from failure, staying focused on customers, and making decisions that support long-term progress.Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, business leader, product builder, or aspiring innovator, this episode offers valuable insights into applying the lessons behind Amazon's growth to your own business journey.Great businesses aren't built by avoiding risk. They're built by learning how to take the right risks, test ideas, and turn lessons into lasting growth.#SteveAnderson #TheBezosLetters #JeffBezos #Amazon #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #RiskTaking #Innovation #Leadership #ScalingBusiness #BusinessPrinciples #GrowthMindset #CustomerObsession #ProductDevelopment #StartupGrowth #BusinessLessons #Podcast #DesignWave

What if you could see exactly how a modification would look on your car before spending a single dollar? And what if the future of automotive design went far beyond changing wheels, bumpers, or accessories?In this episode, we sit down with Pete Polyakov, founder of ModsNation and Arvion Bauhaus, to explore 3D technology, automotive innovation, product visualization, and the power of rethinking traditional industries.Through ModsNation, Pete is building a 3D tuning platform that allows car owners to preview modifications on their exact vehicle before making a purchase. With what he describes as the world's largest 3D tuning library, the platform also helps manufacturers understand customer demand before committing to production.We explore how better product visualization can address a major problem in online shopping: the gap between what customers see in photos and what actually arrives. Pete shares how 3D technology can improve buying decisions, reduce uncertainty, and create new opportunities for manufacturers and automotive businesses.Pete also discusses Arvion Bauhaus, his custom Porsche 911 design company, where the goal is not simply to add aftermarket parts but to completely reimagine a vehicle's visual identity. His approach challenges conventional customization by treating each car as a complete design experience.With a background in philosophy, architecture, and film, Pete brings an unconventional perspective to technology and entrepreneurship. We also explore his approach to building companies without relying on outside capital, creating products that stand apart, and combining creative vision with practical execution.Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, automotive enthusiast, product builder, or technology professional, this conversation offers a fresh look at how 3D visualization and bold design thinking can transform customer experiences and reshape established industries.Innovation isn't always about creating something entirely new. Sometimes, it's about reimagining what already exists and giving people a better way to experience it.#PetePolyakov #ModsNation #ArvionBauhaus #AutomotiveDesign #3DTuning #3DVisualization #ProductDesign #DigitalInnovation #CarCustomization #Porsche911 #Entrepreneurship #ProductInnovation #CustomerExperience #FutureOfAutomotive #DesignThinking #AutomotiveTechnology #BusinessBuilding #CreativeEntrepreneurship #Podcast #DesignWave

What happens when you're so focused on delivering a great product or service that you forget to build a business capable of sustaining itself?In this episode, we sit down with Peter S. Bergeron, author of The Trapped Operator: How to Build a Small Business That Outlasts You, business educator, and creator of the 12 Fatal Issues Framework, to explore small-business ownership, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the challenges of building organizations that last.Peter's understanding of small business began early, growing up around his father's manufacturing company. After working across different industries in finance and operations, he eventually spent nearly 20 years helping run the family business. But when the company closed after more than four decades, Peter was left with difficult questions about succession, decision-making, and what ultimately makes a business sustainable.That experience led him back to school to pursue a doctorate in business administration and investigate why small businesses succeed or fail and how an owner's beliefs, behaviors, and decisions shape the organization.We explore Peter's concept of the Second Job: the business of actually running a business. Many entrepreneurs start because they know how to make a product or deliver a service, but soon discover that managing people, finances, operations, systems, and long-term strategy requires an entirely different set of skills.Peter also shares insights from his book and the 12 Fatal Issues Framework, examining the common challenges that can trap business owners in day-to-day operations and prevent their companies from growing beyond their personal involvement.As an instructor of Entrepreneurial Mindset at Florida Gulf Coast University, Peter brings an additional perspective on how our experiences, assumptions, fears, and beliefs influence business decisions. We discuss the realities of ownership, the lessons hidden in mistakes, and the importance of understanding what you're really trying to build through entrepreneurship.Whether you're a small-business owner, founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone responsible for leading a growing organization, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on building a business that works for you rather than one that depends on you for everything.Building a successful business isn't just about creating something customers will buy. It's about building an organization that can operate, grow, and thrive beyond the owner.#PeterBergeron #TheTrappedOperator #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessOwnership #SmallBusinessManagement #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #BusinessOperations #SuccessionPlanning #EntrepreneurialMindset #BusinessSystems #SustainableGrowth #FounderJourney #BusinessLessons #OrganizationalDevelopment #Podcast #DesignWave