The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

Melissa Bill
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business News
  • Updated Weekly

The Business RoundUP (formerly Texas RoundUp) Hosted by seasoned journalist Melissa Bill, The Business RoundUp explores the pivotal topics shaping local and the broader business landscape today. From groundbreaking innovations to leadership insights and finance trends, this podcast delivers in-depth coverage and engaging interviews with influential figures and newsmakers from across the United States. ✨ Meet the Host: Melissa Bill With 16+ years of journalism experience, Melissa Bill has been a trusted voice for major outlets like The Miami Herald and WIOD News Radio. While reporting for The Texas Insider, she focused on business, technology, space, and finance—issues vital to Texans, from the proposed Texas-based stock exchange to the state’s expanding energy industry. A proud graduate of Florida International University, Melissa brings sharp insights and a passion for storytelling to every episode. 📅 Tune in Weekly for fresh perspectives, lively discussions, and a deep dive into the stories that matter most locally, regionally and beyond.

  1. 3d ago

    Leading Under Pressure: Lessons From Former Marine, Ryan A. Cherry

    What can flying an AH-1 Cobra and leading Marines teach us about making better decisions, building high-performing teams, and staying steady when everything goes sideways? In this conversation, Ryan A. Cherry, author of READBACK: A Marine Aviator’s Manual for Navigating Life’s Hardest Lessons, shares the leadership lessons he learned through military aviation, failure, uncertainty, and high-stakes decision-making. Cherry discusses how leaders can make sound decisions without having all the information, give people autonomy while knowing when to step in, recognize the strengths and weaknesses of their teams, and develop the ability to see situations from a competitor’s perspective. He also reflects candidly on his own mistakes and explains why maintaining an “even keel” may be one of the most important leadership skills of all. Plus discusses: Leadership under pressure: Lessons from flying AH-1 Cobras and leading Marines when decisions had to be made without all the answers. Learning from failure: How mistakes, doubt, and setbacks shaped Ryan A. Cherry’s approach to leadership. Empowering teams: Finding the balance between giving people autonomy, recognizing their strengths, and knowing when to step in. From cockpit to C-suite: The military leadership principles that translate surprisingly well to business and executive leadership. Whether you an executive or rising up the ranks, Cherry brings lessons from the cockpit into the boardroom and beyond. This interview offers practical insights for anyone responsible for leading others, navigating uncertainty, or simply trying to make better decisions when the stakes are high.

  2. Aug 13

    Talk With Trust: How Better Conversations Build Stronger Teams with Kerry Siggins

    Most workplace dysfunction isn’t caused by a lack of talent, strategy, or ambition, it’s caused by conversations that never happen. In this episode, we sit down with Kerry Siggins, CEO of Stone Age, Inc. and author of Talk With Trust: How To Own Feedback, Spark Growth, And Build Stronger Teams, to explore how leaders can communicate more effectively, build trust, and create healthier, more productive workplace cultures. Kerry shares insight into the communication mistakes leaders commonly make, why trust is built through honest and intentional conversations, and how leaders can approach difficult feedback without damaging relationships. She also introduces her SHARES model, a practical framework for navigating challenging conversations by clarifying your ideal outcome, preparing your facts and feelings, articulating your experience, engaging in reflection and dialogue, establishing a path forward, and staying emotionally grounded. Key Topics Why conversations that never happen can create workplace dysfunction Common communication mistakes leaders make How effective communication builds trust Giving and receiving feedback in a productive way Kerry Siggins’ SHARES model for stronger conversations How leaders can stay emotionally grounded during difficult discussions Turning feedback into growth and stronger teams Whether you’re leading a team, managing conflict, or simply looking to become a better communicator, this conversation offers practical strategies for turning difficult conversations into opportunities for growth.

  3. Aug 11

    Regenerative Business: Building a More Resilient Economy with David Munson

    In this episode, we sit down with David Munson, President of Get Real Alliance, to explore a different approach to the climate conversation, one centered on restoring the health and resilience of the land. David discusses why he believes climate solutions don't necessarily require eliminating oil and natural gas, and how regenerative land management can work alongside traditional energy use to reduce atmospheric carbon and potentially make the Earth carbon negative. We dive into the critical role of healthy topsoil in addressing climate change, food security, and ecosystem restoration, as well as the growing threat of ecological deserts and degraded landscapes. David shares regenerative practices that farmers, communities, and policymakers can use to restore ecosystems and build healthier, more productive land. The conversation also explores the power of marine wetlands and coastal ecosystems to capture carbon, support biodiversity, and protect communities from environmental threats. In this episode, we discuss: Regenerative land management and carbon removal The relationship between energy use and environmental restoration Why healthy topsoil matters for the future of food and the planet Restoring degraded landscapes and preventing ecological deserts The climate and biodiversity benefits of marine wetlands Practical actions communities and individuals can take today How regenerative solutions can reshape the climate conversation Join us as we explore practical steps for individuals, businesses, and local governments who want to contribute to meaningful environmental change without getting overwhelmed by the polarized climate debate.

  4. Aug 6

    Future of Sports Medicine: Dr. Patel on Using AI & Biomarkers to Keep Athletes in the Game

    Elite athletes spend their careers pushing the limits of human performance, but injuries can abruptly end a season, derail a career, or permanently change an athlete’s trajectory. What if we could identify the warning signs before the damage is done? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chirag Patel, sports medicine innovator and Founder & CEO of BAiO, to explore how artificial intelligence and real-time biomarker intelligence are changing the way athletes understand injury risk, recovery, and longevity. Dr. Patel discusses the enormous impact of injuries across professional sports, where season-ending injuries can cost top teams nearly $500 million annually, and why traditional approaches often depend on subjective assessments and population-level data rather than individualized, predictive signals. He explains how BAiO’s AI-powered longevity platform uses real-time biomarker data and a personalization model to generate individualized insights and recommendations, moving beyond broad datasets and averages to understand what is happening with each athlete in real time. We’ll explore: Why injuries remain one of the biggest threats to elite athletic careers How AI-driven biomarker monitoring can help predict injury risk and optimize recovery How BAiO is being used by organizations in the sports world Why personalized intelligence can be more meaningful than population averages How teams can move from reactive injury management to proactive performance management The potential for biomarker intelligence to extend athletic careers And how the same science and technology being developed for professional athletes could soon become available to everyday consumers This is a conversation about the next generation of sports medicine and a future where technology doesn't just help athletes recover from injury but helps them see it coming before it happens.  For early access, visit their website at: Baio

  5. Aug 3

    From Family Farm to Top SW Florida Destination: Bo McMahon on Building Southern Fresh Farms

    What does it take to turn a family farm into a thriving local brand? In this episode, we sit down with Bo McMahon, Co-Founder and CEO of Southern Fresh Farms, to talk about the journey from family business to a recognized name in the local food community. Bo shares the lessons he’s learned along the way, including how to honor family traditions while adapting to changing customer expectations and an evolving food industry. We also explore what “farm fresh” really means today, why keeping food local matters, and how growing consumer interest in knowing where their food comes from is shaping the way Southern Fresh Farms connects with its customers. We also discuss the challenges facing local businesses, what it takes to compete in today’s market, advice for entrepreneurs building family-run businesses, and what Bo is most excited about as Southern Fresh Farms looks toward the next five to ten years. In this episode: Building a family business into a recognized local brand Balancing tradition with innovation Why local food and local businesses matter The changing expectations of today’s consumers Lessons in entrepreneurship and leadership The future of Southern Fresh Farms and their new homeschool program for 2026-2027. If you enjoyed this conversation with Bo McMahon, be sure to listen to more episodes of the show for conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs, community leaders, and business owners.

  6. Jul 31

    Building a Creative Career: Sònia Victoria Werner on Acting, Business & Entrepreneurship

    Sònia Victoria "Vikki" Werner is an actress, entrepreneur, and founder of Lighthouse Ladies. She has worked across film, television, and voiceover, appearing in projects for Netflix, HBO Max, Buzzfeed, BET, and is recognized for her improvisational skills, having performed with notable collaborators such as Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein. In this episode, Sònia shares her journey from acting to building a business, offering an inside look at the changing entertainment industry and the evolving opportunities for creatives. She discusses why developing business skills can be a powerful advantage for artists, how to navigate an industry in transition, and what it takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling creative career. Talking Points: Sònia's journey from acting to founding Lighthouse Ladies The changing landscape of the entertainment industry Why creatives benefit from developing strong business skills Turning creative experience into entrepreneurial opportunities Building a sustainable career beyond traditional acting roles The importance of adaptability and embracing new opportunities Advice for actors and creatives looking to take greater control of their careers Tune in to hear Sònia's inspiring journey and practical insights on building a creative career with an entrepreneurial mindset, and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with inspiring creatives and industry leaders.

  7. Jul 29

    AI Agents & A New Era of Customer Experience: Insights from Conviva CEO Keith Zubchevich

    AI agents are rapidly becoming the new front line of customer engagement. From retailers like Walmart, Wayfair, and Amazon to thousands of businesses building AI-powered assistants, companies are racing to redefine how customers interact with digital brands. But are these AI agents actually delivering better experiences or creating new frustrations? In this episode, we sit down with Keith Zubchevich, President and CEO of Conviva, to explore what separates effective AI-powered customer experiences from disappointing ones. Keith discusses what business leaders need to consider as they adopt AI agents, why customer experience should remain the priority, and whether today's technology is truly ready to meet consumer expectations. We also examine Conviva's latest research, which found that AI agents can take more than 2.5 minutes to gather basic context before they can even begin answering a customer's question. In this episode, we discuss: How leading digital brands are using AI agents to engage customers. The opportunities and pitfalls of AI-powered customer experiences. What executives should consider before deploying AI at scale. Whether today's AI agent platforms can truly deliver exceptional customer service. Insights from Conviva's latest data on AI agent performance and customer expectations. Listen in to see what this reveals about the current state of AI-powered customer service, and what needs to change before businesses can fully realize the promise of intelligent agents.

  8. Jul 24

    Capital, AI & the Future of Tech: Hillary Stanfield from Truist on What’s Driving Growth

    In this episode, we sit down with Hillary Stanfield, Senior Vice President of Middle Market Technology Banking at Truist, to explore the forces reshaping today's technology landscape. From evolving capital markets to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, Hillary shares insights into what it takes for technology companies to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. The conversation examines how the investment landscape has shifted, including the transition from prioritizing rapid growth to rewarding capital efficiency and profitability. Hillary discusses how investors are evaluating technology companies today, the impact of AI on business strategy and enterprise value, and what these trends mean for valuations, fundraising, and exits. We also dive into the challenges keeping founders awake at night—from raising capital and attracting top talent to navigating economic uncertainty and determining how best to integrate AI into their businesses. Finally, Hillary highlights Atlanta's rise as a premier technology hub. Known historically as "Transaction Alley," the city has evolved into one of the nation's fastest-growing innovation ecosystems, fueled by world-class talent, a strong Fortune 500 presence, strategic infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment that's earning it the nickname "Silicon Valley of the South." Whether you're a founder, investor, or technology leader, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the trends shaping the future of innovation and growth.

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About

The Business RoundUP (formerly Texas RoundUp) Hosted by seasoned journalist Melissa Bill, The Business RoundUp explores the pivotal topics shaping local and the broader business landscape today. From groundbreaking innovations to leadership insights and finance trends, this podcast delivers in-depth coverage and engaging interviews with influential figures and newsmakers from across the United States. ✨ Meet the Host: Melissa Bill With 16+ years of journalism experience, Melissa Bill has been a trusted voice for major outlets like The Miami Herald and WIOD News Radio. While reporting for The Texas Insider, she focused on business, technology, space, and finance—issues vital to Texans, from the proposed Texas-based stock exchange to the state’s expanding energy industry. A proud graduate of Florida International University, Melissa brings sharp insights and a passion for storytelling to every episode. 📅 Tune in Weekly for fresh perspectives, lively discussions, and a deep dive into the stories that matter most locally, regionally and beyond.

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