Elevating Enterprise

JazzCast Pros Network
JazzCast Pros Network
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Land bigger contracts and level up your small or medium sized business with Elevating Enterprise—the podcast that gives you a 100K-foot view of success and the elevator access to get there. Each episode gives you insider access to industry gatekeepers, prime contractors, and policymakers who share actionable insights on how to tap into State and Federal SME (small, medium enterprise) funding and contracting opportunities. No fluff, no vague success stories—just real strategies and the critical first moves to help you scale smarter and faster. Unlike other business podcasts, Elevating Enterprise doesn’t just inspire—you’ll walk away with a game plan to make the leap from small business to major player. Ready to make your next move? Follow the podcast and let’s get to work—because success isn’t overnight, it’s strategic. New episodes every other Thursday! About the Hosts: Jazzy T, 25-yr communications expert and founder of JazzCast Pros, a MWBE media publisher in Rochester, NY. Instagram JazzCast Pros (@jazzytonair) LinkedIn Jazz Williams RJ Williams, a 30-yr entrepreneur, business strategist and expert in securing government contracts from Michigan to New York State. Ruben Williams | LinkedIn Want to be a guest on the show? Email us at podcasts@JazzCastPros.com Want to Sponsor a Season or Advertise your support services? Visit www.JazzCastPros.com/Advertise

  1. 1d ago

    Inside the I-Corridor: Where Skilled Trade Workers Fit in the Semiconductor Boom

    Want a piece of New York’s growing semiconductor industry? Let's go Inside the I-Corridor with fabrication consultant Griffin McGuire of SetPoint Advisors to unpack some of the biggest takeaways from the two-day NY Smart I-Corridor Summit and what they mean for the Upstate New York workforce. Griffin serves as a vice chairperson at the American Welding Society (AWS), Niagara Frontier section, where he focuses on welding standards and skilled trades advocacy. Episode Takeaways: 🔹 The semiconductor opportunity goes far beyond chips. Construction, fabrication, logistics, raw materials, suppliers and skilled trades will all be needed as the ecosystem grows. 🔹 There’s a gap between research and the shop floor. Upstate has world-class research, but manufacturers need help understanding how their existing capabilities can translate into semiconductor opportunities. 🔹 Our workforce has to evolve, too. Griffin explains how the American Welding Society (AWS) connects students with employers and gives experienced welders pathways to advance into roles like welding inspection as the physical demands of the trade become harder. 🔹 Getting into the supply chain requires preparation. Businesses will need to understand the standards, certifications and capabilities major semiconductor companies expect from suppliers. The opportunity is coming. The question is: where do you fit? Resources: Connect with Griffin McGuire / SetPoint Advisors:SetPoint Advisors Follow the American Welding Society – Niagara Frontier Section for events, student opportunities and industry networking:AWS Niagara Frontier Section Griffin McGuire serves as a vice chairperson at the American Welding Society (AWS), Niagara Frontier section, where he focuses on welding standards and skilled trades advocacy. He is a seasoned fabrication consultant and exotic materials expert who bridges the gap between engineering, materials science, and manufacturing. He boasts an extensive background in traditional manufacturing environments, starting his career as a welder and ascending to an associate welding inspector. Griffin is the founder of SetPoint Advisors, a consulting firm that specializes in assisting with the logistical challenges of semiconductor fabrication. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Inside the I-Corridor: Where Skilled Trade Workers Fit in the Semiconductor Boom

  2. Aug 5

    Inside the I-Corridor: Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce Today | RIT Certified

    Ep. 21 Go inside the NY York Smart I-Corridor and get ready to take advantage of the CHIPS Act and the $100 Billion investment in Upstate New York's emerging semiconductor economy. Welcome to Elevating Enterprise's new podcast series Inside the I-Corridor series. Hosts Jazzy T and RJ Williams visit RIT Certified's newly renovated space to explore the workforce development strategies powering the next generation of modern manufacturing employees for Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Director Rosalie Clemens and Associate Director AJ LiVecchi explain why the I-Corridor isn't about one company or one city, it's about building an entire regional ecosystem where every organization has a role to play. Resource Links: Suscribe to Inside the I-Corridor Newsletter on LinkedIn Website: https://certified.rit.edu/ Register for the Teacher's Cohort Circuiting Success here https://certified.rit.edu/circuitingsuccess Email AJ LiVecchi:‍ ajlcert@rit.edu Episode Key Points: ✅ The I-Corridor is an economic development strategy—not simply a Micron project. ✅ Workforce development isn't something that happens to companies. It's something companies actively build. ✅ Existing employees often need targeted upskilling—not another four-year degree. ✅ AI is rapidly changing professional development, knowledge transfer and advanced manufacturing. ✅ Rochester's competitive advantage comes from strengthening its existing expertise in optics, photonics and precision manufacturing—not competing directly with Syracuse. ✅ Businesses that invest in learning today will be best positioned when the region's semiconductor ecosystem reaches full scale. Chapters: 00:00 Why Everyone Is Talking About the I-Corridor 00:58 Meet RIT Certified 01:47 What RIT Certified Actually Does 04:06 What Is the New York Smart I-Corridor? 06:43 Preparing Today's Workforce for Tomorrow's Jobs 07:57 Semiconductor Career Accelerator Explained 10:57 The Skills Summit & AI Workforce Strategy 14:06 AI, Virtual Chips & Manufacturing Training 15:36 Using AI to Capture Knowledge Before Employees Retire 20:43 Rochester's Photonics Advantage 22:18 Why Companies Must Own Workforce Development 23:57 Why Professional Development Improves Retention 26:36 Cybersecurity, AI & National Security 29:35 Solving Real Business Problems with Custom Training 31:54 Why Automated Assembly Is the Next Big Opportunity 34:02 What Rochester Can Learn from Arizona's Tech Boom 35:45 Why Rochester Shouldn't Try to Be Syracuse 39:43 Preparing Teachers for Semiconductor Careers 43:41 Why Every Business Should Prepare for the I-Corridor Now 44:38 Three Big Takeaways for Business Leaders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Inside the I-Corridor: Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce Today | RIT Certified

  3. Apr 15

    10X Your Business Value, Reach Your Freedom Point Faster | Jenn Piper, Volare AI

    Ep.20 If your business can’t run without you… it’s not an asset. “As soon as you walk out the door, so does your business intelligence.” Jazzy T sits down with Jennifer Piper of Volare AI to break down an unpopular truth: if you’re building a business that depends on your presence, your decisions, and your constant involvement… you have created a high-paying job—not a transferable asset. You didn’t start your business to work 60-hour weeks with nothing to show for it. With proven scaling experience and AI-powered insights, Volare AI helps uncover the hidden gaps holding you back—so you can finally step into the role of visionary, not overworked operator. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: ✔️ Define your freedom point (and why it matters from day one) ✔️ Measure your business value using a real health score ✔️ Understand why “10X” doesn’t mean what you think it does ✔️ Build systems that allow your business to scale—and eventually run without you 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS ✨ Stop Guessing Your Business Value Use Jenn’s assessment tool to calculate your business health score across leadership, recruiting, sales, marketing, financials, and productivity. ✨ 10X Is Based on Profit—Not Revenue Your valuation is tied to EBITDA (earnings before interest and taxes)—not top-line revenue. Your multiple depends on industry, systems, and risk. ✨ Your KPIs Should Lead to Freedom If your metrics don’t tell you how close you are to stepping away, you’re tracking the wrong numbers. RESOURCES 🔗 Connect with Jennifer Piper on LinkedIn 🔗 Visit Volare AI - Take the Business Health Assessment 🔗 Connect with Jazzy T on LinkedIn: Learn more about Podcast Advertising | JazzCast Pros Chapters: 00:00:00 Build a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You 00:06:02 How to Increase Your Business Value with a Health Score 00:08:04 Why Business Assessments Feel Scary (and Why You Need One) 00:09:41 Systems & SOPs for Creative Entrepreneurs 00:12:39 Turning Your Business into a Transferable Asset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10X Your Business Value, Reach Your Freedom Point Faster | Jenn Piper, Volare AI

  4. Apr 10

    Public Speaking Pro Tips with Candice Kellogg

    “There’s no transformation without transparency.” That's why I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey into public speaking. Ep. 19 Elevating Enterprise, I'm flipped from interviewer to student when Candice Kellogg, Master Trainer with Dale Carnegie, turns our interview into a live coaching session at the Women Empowering Women Conference. No notes. No prep. Just my experience. And in that moment, I realized what so many of us struggle with:Confidence in private doesn’t always translate to confidence in public. Candace walks me (and you) through how to speak with authority—without hiding behind a script—and proves that your lived experience is more than enough. 🎤 The 3 Essentials of Public Speaking You must earn the right to speak You must be excited about your message You must be eager to share the value 🔗 Resources: Connect with Candice Kellogg | LinkedIn Learn more about Dale Carnegie public speaking training 🎤 Podcast Movement Conference: https://podcastmovement.com Ready to use your voice as a business asset? Start as a guest, advertiser, or launch your own show with JazzCast Pros. 👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn ⁠Jazzy T Williams ⁠ 🌐 Visit: ⁠https://jazzcastpros.com⁠ Subscribe, share, and send this to someone who needs the push. Chapters: 00:00:00 – The Broadcaster's Fear of Public Speaking 00:01:34 – Meet Candice Kellogg (Dale Carnegie Master Trainer)00:02:04 – Purpose vs Position: Aligning Your Work00:04:32 – “No Transformation Without Transparency”00:05:09 – The Coaching Begins00:06:43 – Speaking Without My Notes00:07:06 – Podcasting vs Broadcasting00:08:48 – The Power of One Clear Message00:09:27 – The Breakthrough: I Just Gave a Talk?!00:10:54 – “You’re Ready Right Now”00:11:39 – My 3 Takeaways to Elevate Your Enterprise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Public Speaking Pro Tips with Candice Kellogg

  5. Apr 2

    Sponsorship as a Leadership Strategy | Taletha Best, YMCA

    Ep. 18 Event sponsorship can be transactional or transformational. At the Women Empowering Women Conference, the presenting sponsor the YMCA did more than put their name on the event. They brought their team, created space for growth, and treated this experience as an extension of their leadership development strategy. In this live conversation, Chief People & Culture Officer Taletha Best breaks down how the Y builds culture from the inside out—through employee engagement, leadership development, and real community connection. Because strong organizations don’t just invest in marketing, they invest in their people. 🎯 Key Takeaways: The difference between sponsorship and active investment The evolution of the YMCA—from the Young Men’s Christian Association to an inclusive organization serving the unique needs of each community. Why putting your team in the right rooms accelerates growth How culture drives long-term impact Hear more from our Women's Empowerment Series 5-Step Cycle for Organizational Change Management | Jacqueline Phichith | Podcasts Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman | Podcasts Soundbites + Highlights | Media Training from Women Empowering Women | Podcasts 9th Annual Women Empowering Women Conference March 18, 2027 Learn more here Chapters: 00:00 Sponsorship vs Just Visibility 00:45 Meet Taletha Best, YMCA Chief People & Culture Officer 01:20 What “People & Culture” Really Means02:15 Leadership, Engagement & DEI in Action 03:15 What Does YMCA Stand For?5:00 Serving Neighborhood Needs 6:00 Why the YMCA Sponsors Women Empowering Women7:00 Filling Your Team’s Cup vs Just Expecting Output 8:00 Conference Takeaways: Growth, Failure & Mindset9:00 “You Haven’t Failed If You’re Not Done” 9:30 Final Thoughts + What’s Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Sponsorship as a Leadership Strategy | Taletha Best, YMCA

  6. Mar 30

    5-Step Cycle for Organizational Change Management | Jacqueline Phichith

    You bought the system. You held the meeting with your team. So why isn’t anything changing? Ep. 17 Jazzy T sits down with Jacqueline Phichith to break down the real reason change fails inside organizations, and it has nothing to do with the technology. It’s about where people get stuck. Jacqueline introduces the ADKAR framework, a simple but powerful way to understand how people actually move through change. Awareness – You know the change is happening Desire – You actually want to engage with it Knowledge – You understand how to use it Ability – You can apply it in real life Reinforcement – It becomes part of how you work This conversation will help you identify exactly where the breakdown is—and how to move people forward with clarity, not frustration. 🌐 Resources: Jacqueline Phichith, Communications & Change Leadership | CCMP, 📍 CooperCompanies, Rochester, NY 🔗 LinkedIn: Jacqueline Phichith | LinkedIn Hear more from our Women's Empowerment Series Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman | Podcasts 9th Annual Women Empowering Women Conference March 18, 2027 Learn more here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    5-Step Cycle for Organizational Change Management | Jacqueline Phichith

  7. Mar 26

    Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman

    "Development isn't just about building buildings. It's about shaping how people experience their environments and their communities." — Jenna Tatar In this kickoff episode of our Women’s Empowerment Series, Jazzy T sits down with Jenna Tatar, Operational Excellence Manager at Riedman, to unpack why now is the time for women to step into real estate development. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The pay gap is shrinking in the real estate development industry. There's a 45% increase in women's participation in construction over the last decade How operational roles translate vision into real-world impact Media training from JazzCast Pros helps you practice your voice, refine your message, and show up confidently in high-stakes rooms 🎧 Listen to High Vibe Table Talks ep 142 with Merchon and Jazzy T for our biggest takeaways from the sold-out Women Empowering Women Conference—including behind-the-scenes media training moments. 🌐 Resources: 👩🏽‍💼 Jenna Tatar, Operational Excellence Manager, Riedman📍 45 East Ave, Rochester, NY 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-tatar-pmp-1630875/ 9th Annual Women Empowering Women Conference March 18, 2027 Learn more here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman

  8. Mar 22

    Upstate NY MWBE Conference 2026 Preview with Tymothi Howard

    Stop Missing Out on Government Contracts. Get in the Room! Ep. 15 Tymothi Howard—the man responsible for overseeing purchasing for the City of Rochester and promoting minority, and women-owned enterprise participation reveals the secret to procurement deals. He’s not just explaining the system—he’s showing you where the opportunities are and how to position your business to access them. Join us at the 4th Annual Upstate NY MWBE Conference 📍 Location: Rochester Riverside Convention Center📅 Dates: March 30 – April 1 🎟️ Register here This isn’t just another networking event. This is where you go to: ✔️ Learn the State MWBE certification process ✔️ Meet prime contractors looking for subcontractors ✔️ Understand how to find and respond to real City opportunities ✔️ Get clarity on capability statements, bonding, and requirements ✔️ Build relationships that can lead to paid contracts—not just contacts If you’re serious about doing business with your local New York municipalities, you need to be in this room. Jazzy T will be hosting the success panel on Day 3 with top-tier MWBE firms. Read this👉 2026 Upstate NY MWBE Conference Preview Learn how to get MWBE certified in New York State, connect with prime contractors actually awarding work and understand how to start doing business with the City of Rochester… all in one room! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Upstate NY MWBE Conference 2026 Preview with Tymothi Howard
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Land bigger contracts and level up your small or medium sized business with Elevating Enterprise—the podcast that gives you a 100K-foot view of success and the elevator access to get there. Each episode gives you insider access to industry gatekeepers, prime contractors, and policymakers who share actionable insights on how to tap into State and Federal SME (small, medium enterprise) funding and contracting opportunities. No fluff, no vague success stories—just real strategies and the critical first moves to help you scale smarter and faster. Unlike other business podcasts, Elevating Enterprise doesn’t just inspire—you’ll walk away with a game plan to make the leap from small business to major player. Ready to make your next move? Follow the podcast and let’s get to work—because success isn’t overnight, it’s strategic. New episodes every other Thursday! About the Hosts: Jazzy T, 25-yr communications expert and founder of JazzCast Pros, a MWBE media publisher in Rochester, NY. Instagram JazzCast Pros (@jazzytonair) LinkedIn Jazz Williams RJ Williams, a 30-yr entrepreneur, business strategist and expert in securing government contracts from Michigan to New York State. Ruben Williams | LinkedIn Want to be a guest on the show? Email us at podcasts@JazzCastPros.com Want to Sponsor a Season or Advertise your support services? Visit www.JazzCastPros.com/Advertise

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