Guiding Growth

Rocket SPACE
  • 5.0 (6)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Guiding Growth

Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders So often, we define ourselves and others by a title or label. But, who is the person behind the success? Leaders are inspiring, memorable, and often a mystery to those whom they inspire. Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners.  We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Warde Nichols

    Warde Nichols is a successful business entrepreneur who has owned and operated small businesses for over 30 years. He also served four terms in the Arizona House of Representatives. While in the House, he worked with many diverse groups to build consensus and pass legislation. He served as Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and Rules Committee and had bills signed by Governor Janet Napolitano and Governor Jan Brewer. Warde has the proven ability to successfully bring groups together to focus on solutions to current challenges we face. At Arizona State University, Warde works closely with various business and civic organizations throughout the East Valley and Pinal County and acts as a liaison with state and local governments. He is a lifelong learner and loves learning and growing with his work at ASU. He volunteers at his local church and serves as a reserve EMT-Firefighter when needed in rural Arizona. Warde is a fifth-generation Arizona native who grew up in the East Valley and currently lives in Queen Creek with his wife, Paula, and their children. ---------- Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul. Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders. This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

    41 min

  2. JAN 27

    Ryan Smith

    Ryan Smith is the Director of Communications and Government Relations for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. He oversees marketing and community relations and all government relations duties for the airport. Ryan graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Political Science, lives in Mesa with his wife and kids, and is a fifth-generation Arizonan. ---------- Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul. Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders. This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

    42 min

  3. JAN 6

    Dallas Sloan

    Dallas Sloan is the Co-founder of Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa, where she has transformed her nearly 15 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry into a thriving business. Beginning her journey as a Cosmetologist, Dallas later pursued Business Management at MacEwan University in Canada, blending her artistic skills with business acumen. Since its founding in 2016, Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa has become a standout in the industry, recognized for its dedication to enhancing natural beauty and creating an exceptional experience for clients.  Beyond her professional achievements, Dallas is deeply committed to community engagement and empowerment. She participates in her church’s youth group and passionately supports a range of charitable and philanthropic organizations. A dedicated advocate for women in business, she has been a member of the Women Empowered Committee since 2020, serving as Chair from 2023 to 2024. Dallas’s leadership and professional excellence was honored with a nomination for Business Woman of the Year 2020. She continues to contribute to her community’s growth and drive positive change by serving on the Board of Directors for the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. ---------- Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul. Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders. This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

    45 min

  4. 12/16/2024

    JW Rayhons

    JW is often referred to as authentic, growth-oriented, and values-based. He is also a business owner, Financial Advisor, Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, and board leader. In these roles JW has had the opportunity to effectively coach clients by helping them discover, acknowledge, and embrace their deepest drivers of success; in other words, their strengths. JW is the founder and president of Rayhons Financial. It has been his life’s work to help others both embrace their current place in time and to proactively plan for their future happiness. Experience has confirmed that JW’s coaching and career expertise lends itself well to business owners, executives, professionals, community leaders, and other individuals looking for guidance and training in their pursuit of a values and strengths-based approach to their well-being. Rayhons Financial is consistently ranked in the top 7% of investment firms within Cetera Financial, one of the largest investment advisor networks in the U.S. Gilbert, Arizona, is a community with over 260,000 residents. He has served as Chairman of the Board for three organizations and has enjoyed coaching basketball for over 450 young athletes. JW’s ‘Gallup Top 5 Strengths’ are Achiever, Developer, Positivity, Responsibility, and Empathy. “When you look for the good in someone; you’ll find it.” ---------- Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul. Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders. This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

    44 min

  5. 11/25/2024

    Matt Dallas

    Professionally, Matt Dallas owns and operates three Stroll neighborhood newsletters in Gilbert. He and his team work with Agritopia, Seville, and Val Vista Lakes to help connect neighbors while introducing top local businesses and giving through partnerships with non-profits. Their mission is to make a positive difference in Gilbert through the work they do serving these communities. He is obsessed with constant improvement in his business, hates email, and loves the challenge of running and growing his business in an industry that some people said was dead before he even started 10 years ago. Personally, Dallas lives his life with his faith as his top priority, followed by his marriage and daughters. ---------- Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul. Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders. This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

    37 min

  6. 11/11/2024

    Deb Shapiro

    For over 15 years, Deb has developed the talents and businesses of some of the top credentialed keynote and motivational speakers in the industry. In 2017, Deb created DEBx, a 90-day Speaker Development Experience designed to show emerging speakers how to use their voice as a powerful instrument of change. Through onstage appearances and professional recordings, DEBx has touched tens of thousands… and counting. In 2020, leveraging the tools and learnings from DEBx, Deb founded the award-winning Amplify Voices, a nonprofit advocacy incubator, helping historically marginalized communities discover, develop, and amplify their voices to empower systemic change. Through stage events, speaker circles, and a compelling documentary, The Journey, Amplify Voices has become a space of empowerment and change for survivors of sex trafficking and assault, those formerly incarcerated, and women touched by breast cancer. ---------- Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul. Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders. This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

    48 min

  7. 10/28/2024

    James DeVary

    James DeVary is a dedicated US Army veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). After a successful 17-year career on Wall Street, James transitioned to entrepreneurship, where he now leads Senior Helpers of Gilbert and Chandler, a thriving business with a team of 60-plus employees. James was the 2024 GilbertChamber Emerging Business Leader Of The Year. A devoted husband and father of two, James enjoys taking on endurance challenges and races as a personal pursuit. In addition to professional and personal achievements, James serves as a passionate board member of veteran charity, reflecting a deep commitment to supporting fellow veterans and their communities. ---------- Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul. Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders. This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

    26 min

  8. 10/07/2024

    Jonathan Buford

    Jonathan Buford is the CEO and founder of Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company. He grew up in Ohio and moved to Arizona in 2002, when he drove his rusted-out 1988 Chevy Nova out West to explore the vast Arizona landscapes. He launched his first business, a window cleaning company, out of his garage in 2006. In 2010, while backpacking through the Arizona wilderness, Jonathan was inspired to take his interest in craft brewing to the next level to start his own brewpub. He orchestrated a successful Kickstarter campaign to obtain the necessary capital and opened the Arizona Wilderness Brewpub in Gilbert, Arizona, in 2013 as the very first brewery in Gilbert. Starting with just nine employees, Arizona Wilderness found quick success, growing rapidly and securing rave reviews from the likes of Esquire Magazine, The Phoenix New Times, Phoenix Magazine, Draft, Beer Advocate, and Sunset. Arizona Wilderness was even named “The Best New Brewery in the World” in 2013 by Ratebeer.com. Today, Arizona Wilderness has more than 160 employees and operates the original Gilbert brewpub, a European-inspired beer garden in downtown Phoenix, and a warehouse production and barrel-aging facility. Arizona Wilderness continues to celebrate hand-crafted, artisanal beers that are inspired by the beautiful and diverse state of Arizona and is consistently rated the best brewery in Arizona and among the top 100 breweries worldwide (out of nearly 20,000 total breweries). Arizona Wilderness also receives regular acclaim for its food, including being recently named one of the top 100 restaurants in Phoenix by AZcentral.com. In addition to providing world-class food and drink, Jonathan and his business partner, Patrick Ware, use their passion for the wilderness to continually drive improvements in Arizona Wilderness’ impact on its community. Jonathan and Patrick have driven initiatives to: (1) save huge amounts of water from the Verde River (more than 320 million gallons) by transitioning the brewery’s base malt to Sinagua Malt (which replaces heavy water use crops such as corn and alfalfa with barley in the Verde River Valley); (2) drastically reduce landfill usage by utilizing recyclable and compostable materials wherever possible; and (3) support local farmers and vendors by consistently seeking out local partners for all menu items, including exclusively offering 100% Arizona grass-raised and finished beef at the beer garden. Jonathan is also pursuing a career in capturing Arizona landscape photography. He embarked on a project documenting all 90 Arizona Wilderness areas which will be published by Arizona Highways Magazine. He also frequently contributes to the magazine. In the future, Jonathan looks forward to continuing to grow Arizona Wilderness to ensure a tangible, long-term, positive effect on Arizona. ---------- Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul. Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders. This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

    56 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders So often, we define ourselves and others by a title or label. But, who is the person behind the success? Leaders are inspiring, memorable, and often a mystery to those whom they inspire. Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners.  We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Information

  • Creator
    Rocket SPACE
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Rocket SPACE
  • Show Website
    Guiding Growth

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