Forged By Design

Daniel Badillo
  • 5.0 (3)
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Forged by Design Podcast is more than a conversation—it is a platform where purpose meets leadership, business, and faith. Created for entrepreneurs with bold dreams, unwavering faith, and a calling to make a meaningful impact, each episode delivers practical insights and timeless principles that inspire personal growth, professional excellence, and purposeful leadership. Whether you're launching a business, expanding an organization, developing your career, or answering a greater calling, this podcast is designed to help you align your vision with your values and move forward with clarity, confidence, and conviction. Beyond inspiration, Forged by Design Podcast serves as a bridge between businesses and the audiences they are called to serve. It provides entrepreneurs and organizations with a meaningful platform to showcase their products, services, innovations, and stories while creating authentic connections with current and future customers. We believe that every great business has a story worth telling, and every valuable solution deserves to reach the people it was created to serve. The podcast also offers senior executives, CEOs, founders, and industry leaders a respected voice to share the wisdom gained through years of leadership, success, and adversity. By sharing lessons in ethical leadership, financial stewardship, operational excellence, innovation, and servant leadership, these leaders can equip and inspire the next generation to make wiser business, financial, and ethical decisions that create lasting value for their organizations, communities, and families. At its core, Forged by Design Podcast exists to encourage leaders to build with integrity, lead with purpose, and leave a legacy that extends far beyond business success.

  1. 1d ago

    Dr. Jackson Drumgoole - The Bridge Builder Communities

    On this episode of Forged by Design, we welcomed Dr. Jackson Drumgoole, Army veteran, university professor, executive life coach, and Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bridge Builder Communities. With more than 20 years of experience in organizational change, leadership, and development, Dr. Drumgoole has dedicated his professional expertise to building organizations, developing leaders, and creating solutions to complex challenges. Recognized for his strategic leadership within the Department of the Army, he earned his Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California in 2023 and founded Drumgoole Family Initiatives to help at-risk youth and families thrive. Our conversation focused on The Village, an initiative designed to help young adults aging out of foster care transition into independent adulthood. Through furnished tiny homes and access to education, counseling, life-skills development, job training, and employment opportunities, The Village aims to provide more than housing. Its mission is to establish a foundation for long-term stability, personal growth, and self-sufficiency. Please visit their website: www.bridgebuildercommunities.org We explored the importance of community, belonging, and meaningful relationships in helping young adults navigate life's challenges while developing the confidence and responsibility necessary for independent living. We also discussed how businesses, community organizations, and strategic partners can contribute to creating opportunities and supporting sustainable outcomes. From a leadership perspective, Dr. Drumgoole shared the broader challenges of turning a vision into reality through strategic planning, partnerships, funding, accountability, and execution. The conversation highlighted the importance of balancing compassion with responsibility, ensuring that individuals receive meaningful support while being empowered to take ownership of their futures. Ultimately, this episode reinforced a central principle: lasting change requires more than good intentions. It requires vision, purposeful leadership, collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to developing people. As we look toward the future of The Village and its potential impact on Augusta, the message is clear: building stronger communities begins when we invest in people, create pathways to opportunity, and help individuals discover that their circumstances do not have to define their future. Message Us! Support the show

  2. Sep 29

    President Cal Wray and Justin Prince (AEDA): Economic Development & Grow Opportunity

    Augusta, Georgia, is experiencing a significant period of economic transformation—and this episode of Forged by Design takes listeners behind the scenes to understand how that transformation happens. In this conversation, Cal Wray and Justin Prince of the Augusta Economic Development Authority provide perspectives on the leadership, strategy, relationships, infrastructure, workforce development, and community collaboration required to attract and retain major investment in the Augusta-Richmond County. Augusta is more than a city known for The Masters. It is developing an increasingly interconnected economic ecosystem built around healthcare, higher education, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, military, logistics, technology, entrepreneurship, and international investment. The region's healthcare and medical assets include Wellstar MCG Health, Piedmont Augusta, Doctors Hospital, and Eisenhower Army Medical Center, while its educational foundation includes Augusta University, Paine College, Augusta Technical College, and the Medical College of Georgia. Its identity is also shaped by Augusta National and The Masters, James Brown's musical heritage, the Savannah River and Augusta Canal, historic neighborhoods, museums, theaters, festivals, and outdoor recreation. But what does it actually take to turn those individual assets into an economic ecosystem? That is where this conversation goes deeper. FROM VISION TO EXECUTION Cal Wray discusses his leadership of AEDA since 2017 and reflects on what he saw in Augusta when he arrived, what has changed, what surprised him, and how the community's economic-development strategy has evolved. The conversation explores what companies are seeing in Augusta that makes the region competitive with other Southeastern markets—including location, infrastructure, utilities, workforce, education, quality of life, cost of living, and access to major markets. Behind every announced project, however, is years of preparation. Land, utilities, sewer capacity, transportation, workforce availability, education, community involvement, and long-term infrastructure planning all have to align before a company can make a major investment. THE  INVESTMENTS SHAPING THE REGION The episode examines the broader impact of projects such as: Nemak Solutions — approximately $184 million investment and approximately 350 jobs. Syensqo — a major battery-materials facility with approximately 100 jobs. Aurubis — more than $800 million in overall investment and approximately 240 jobs associated with its Augusta expansion. Starbucks — approximately $293 million in overall investment and approximately 265–285 jobs. These projects illustrate a larger question: How does economic development translate into opportunities for workers, entrepreneurs, suppliers, manufacturers, families, and the community as a whole? AUGUSTA'S NEXT CHAPTER Justin Prince brings another perspective—what economic development looks like behind the scenes and how the next generation of companies and entrepreneurs is changing the conversation. The discussion moves toward technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, automation, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, small businesses becoming suppliers to larger companies, and changing workforce expectations. A major focus is the emergence of the data-center and technology economy, including QTS and its planned investment in the Augusta region. The conversation examines how technology development could intersect with Fort Eisenhower, cybersecurity, workforce development, higher education, and Augusta's broader strategy for attracting technology companies. GROWTH REQUIRES LEADERSHIP Economic growth also creates new responsibilities. As investment and population increase, Augusta must continually consider infrastructure, housing, transportation, utilities, workforce development, education, and quality of life. The question is not simply how to attract growth—but how to prepare for it before growth arrives. Message Us! Support the show

  3. Sep 22

    Joseph Ricciardelli — The Human Factory

    On this episode of the Forged by Design Podcast, we sat down with Joseph Ricciardelli, Partner at Tecla Consulting Inc., an international consultant with more than 20 years of experience working with organizations across Europe, the United States, India, Mexico, and Russia. Joseph is also an Associate Professor in Master’s studies for Entrepreneurs at CUOA and has contributed to scientific and internationally recognized Lean publications and conferences. Our conversation went far beyond Lean tools, manufacturing systems, and operational performance. At the center of our discussion was Joseph’s book, The Human Factory—a powerful exploration of what happens when organizations focus so heavily on processes and performance that they overlook the people and relationships that make those systems work. Joseph shared his firsthand experience helping transform a company from near bankruptcy into an award-winning organization, emphasizing that sustainable transformation begins not simply with processes or technology, but with people. We discussed why Lean cannot be reduced to 5S, Kaizen, TPM, Value Stream Mapping, or waste elimination. Tools can improve processes, but they cannot by themselves create trust, accountability, ownership, or a culture of continuous improvement. Sustainable improvement requires developing people who can think, make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility. A major theme of the conversation was the human side of organizations. When phrases such as “It’s not my job,” “It’s not up to me,” or “Who messed up?” become normal, an organization may still appear successful on the surface while quietly losing responsibility, trust, and its ability to respond. Joseph explains that some of the greatest losses within an organization aren't found in machines or processes—they are found within the system of relationships between people. The Human Factory challenges leaders to move from a culture of blame toward a culture of responsibility. It explores how organizations can identify hidden inefficiencies and defensive behaviors, rebuild professional relationships, develop autonomy and decision-making, and create organizations capable of remaining cohesive through crisis and change. We also explored a deeply personal question: Can people become so defined by their position, title, success, or organization that they lose sight of who they are? Joseph shared insights from his own experiences with adversity, failure, and rebuilding, reminding us that difficult seasons can shape us in ways that success cannot. Ultimately, this conversation is about leadership as the development of people. A manager can manage performance, but a true leader builds capability, trust, responsibility, and future leaders. The goal is not simply to create a more efficient organization—it is to create an organization where people themselves become the engine of continuous improvement. The message of The Human Factory can be summarized in one powerful idea: Organizations and People Evolve Together. If we want stronger organizations, we must develop stronger people. If we want sustainable improvement, we must build trust and responsibility. And if we want organizations that can withstand uncertainty, change, and adversity, we must intentionally build the human systems that hold them together. This episode of Forged by Design is ultimately a conversation about leadership, relationships, adversity, continuous improvement, personal transformation, and intentionally designing the person—and the organization—we are becoming. Message Us! Support the show

  4. Sep 18

    John Hock - Building Opportunity, Leadership and Legacy

    What happens when you look at an old or underutilized building and see not what it is—but what it could become? In this episode of Forged by Design, we sit down with John Hock, President of Hock Development Company, to explore the entrepreneurial mindset behind decades of industrial real estate development in the Augusta and CSRA region. John shares the story behind his journey into business and real estate, what it takes to recognize opportunity where others may see obstacles, and how calculated risk, resilience, and long-term thinking have shaped his leadership. Hock Development has spent more than four decades developing, owning, managing, renovating, and providing industrial space for businesses throughout the region. The company’s work includes manufacturing and distribution facilities, redevelopment opportunities, and build-to-suit projects designed around the operational needs of its customers. But this conversation goes far beyond buildings. John discusses the importance of understanding your customer, developing people, leading through uncertainty, recognizing opportunity, and defining success beyond financial achievement. We also explore the growth of the Augusta/CSRA business community and the opportunities available to entrepreneurs and future leaders who are willing to think differently and build with purpose. Message Us! Support the show

  5. Sep 15

    McKenzie Beech - Habitat for Humanity

    What if a house is not just a place to live—but a foundation for a better future? In this episode of Forged by Design, we sit down with McKenzie Beech, Vice President of Mission and Community Impact at Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity, (www.augustahabitat.org) for a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose, community, and the transformational power of affordable housing. Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity has been serving the community since 1986, with a vision to build “strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.” But as McKenzie helps us understand, Habitat is building far more than houses. It is helping families build stability, pursue homeownership, develop financial knowledge, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for a better future. In our conversation, McKenzie shares what it means to lead with purpose, the lessons he has learned from families pursuing homeownership, and why meaningful community transformation requires something bigger than any one organization. It requires partnership. Volunteers, churches, businesses, donors, homeowners, community leaders, and neighbors all have a role to play. Through that collective effort, Habitat is helping transform the idea of a house into something much greater—a foundation for hope, dignity, stability, opportunity, and generational impact. And Habitat's work extends beyond construction. Through its Community Engagement Center, the organization provides residents with access to resources and educational opportunities, including financial literacy, digital literacy, healthcare information, and other community services. Its ReStore also helps support the mission while providing affordable home-improvement and household materials to the community. Perhaps one of the most powerful messages from our conversation is that doing good and doing business well are not opposing ideas. Leaders can learn from the nonprofit world about purpose, service, collaboration, and resourcefulness—and nonprofits can learn from business leaders about strategy, accountability, innovation, and execution. Message Us! Support the show

  6. Sep 1

    Chuck McKee, founder of TrustVault®

    In this episode of the Forged by Design Podcast, Daniel Badillo sits down with Chuck McKee, founder of TrustVault®, for a meaningful conversation about trust, integrity, leadership, accountability, and the importance of proving who you are—not simply telling people who you are. Chuck brings a unique perspective shaped by more than 30 years of experience in finance, investigation, and leadership. For 20 years, he served as a Special Agent with the FBI, based out of the Atlanta Field Office in Augusta, Georgia. During his career, he led investigations involving public corruption, civil rights violations, identity theft, financial crimes, mortgage fraud, white-collar fraud, human trafficking, bank robberies, and counterintelligence. He also served on the Financial Crimes Response Team and led the Evidence Response Team. Before the FBI, Chuck spent a decade in corporate accounting, including working as a fractional CFO for small and mid-sized businesses and holding financial positions in public and private companies. His experience in financial systems and investigations helped shape his understanding of how critical credibility and trust are—especially when the stakes are high. From Investigation to TrustVault® In 2025, Chuck founded TrustVault® with a simple but powerful mission: to help people demonstrate that they are trustworthy through professional verification. TrustVault® goes beyond a traditional background check. Individuals begin with an online application and provide information and documentation supporting their personal and professional history, including references, education, employment, and other relevant background information. Once submitted, the information undergoes a comprehensive investigation conducted by licensed private investigators and often retired FBI agents. Using professional investigative tools and methods, the process is designed to create a more complete and accurate picture of an individual's background and credibility. Following the investigation, a formal adjudication process determines whether the applicant meets the criteria for certification. Those who qualify receive a TrustVault® Private Sector Clearance, which remains under the individual's control regarding how and when it is used. TrustVault® also offers different levels of credentialing based on the depth of investigation and the level of trust required. As professionals advance in their careers and assume greater responsibility, they can pursue higher levels of credentialing. Trust That Can Be Verified One of the central ideas discussed during the interview is that trust should be more than a claim—it should be something that can be demonstrated. Through TrustVault® Access, members can securely share selected portions of their verified investigative information with authorized third parties. This may include verified references, education, employment history, or other professional validations. The member determines what information is shared and with whom, while access is temporary and read-only. For professionals, this creates another way to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. A résumé communicates what a person says about their experience. A TrustVault® credential is intended to provide evidence that certain aspects of their background have been independently investigated and verified. Building a Culture of Trust TrustVault® is also designed for businesses. Through TrustVault® Certified Businesses, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to high ethical standards and trustworthy hiring practices. Certified businesses can publicly highlight their designation while providing opportunities and benefits to TrustVault® members. The vision is to create a broader network where trust becomes an asset rather than an assumption—benefiting individuals, employers, clients, and professional relationships. Chuck's story also connects directly to the leadership principles explored on Forged by Design. His career demonstrates that leadership is not simply about position or authority. It is about integrity, accountability, credibility, responsibility, and the ability to make the right decisions when circumstances are difficult. The Bigger Message At the heart of this conversation is a message that extends beyond TrustVault®: trust is earned through what we do, not simply what we say. Chuck McKee's journey—from corporate accounting to FBI Special Agent, investigator, leader, and entrepreneur—illustrates how decades of experience can ultimately lead to a greater purpose. TrustVault® represents his effort to bring the lessons learned in high-stakes investigative environments into the private sector and establish a higher standard for personal and professional credibility. Message Us! Support the show

  7. Aug 29

    The Brunch House of Augusta - "Family feeding Families"

    The Forged by Design Podcast had the extraordinary opportunity to sit down with Asian Brown, CEO and Owner of The Brunch House of Augusta, alongside his wife, Ashley Brown, for a conversation that went far beyond the story of a restaurant. It was a story about vision, faith, sacrifice, discipline, resilience, and the courage to build something meaningful when the circumstances seem anything but favorable. The Brunch House of Augusta began as a vision to create something different—a place where great Southern food, genuine hospitality, family, and community could come together around the same table. Today, that vision has become a thriving business serving Augusta and preparing to expand into Evans, Georgia. What makes their story particularly remarkable is when they chose to build it. The Browns stepped into entrepreneurship during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when many businesses were fighting simply to survive, they were willing to learn, adapt, sacrifice, and work relentlessly to turn an idea into a sustainable business. During our conversation, Asian and Ashley shared the realities behind entrepreneurship—the long hours, the sacrifices, the lessons learned, and the importance of understanding every aspect of running a restaurant. Their story demonstrates that success is rarely created overnight. It is forged through discipline, persistence, humility, and a willingness to keep learning. Behind that journey was also a strong foundation of family and faith. Asian's parents, Leroy Daniel Brown and Kimberley Brown, supported the family throughout the different seasons of the journey. Their belief that God would provide wisdom, direction, and strength became an important part of the foundation upon which the business continued to grow. Their website describes The Brunch House as a proud Black-owned, family-operated restaurant built on faith, hard work, and Southern hospitality—a place where guests are welcomed, valued, and made to feel at home. Their mission, “Family Feeding Families,” captures the heart of what they have built. And their vision continues to grow. With a new Evans location coming soon, The Brunch House is preparing to bring that same commitment to food, hospitality, and community to even more families. Message Us! Support the show

  8. Aug 4

    Yavia Muñiz, "El Barberito" - Beyond the Barber & Stylist Chair.

    Yavia Muñiz is a CEO, master barber, and successful business owner whose journey is a testament to the power of discipline, humility, and perseverance. His passion for barbering began at just 14 years old, when he started cutting hair and apprenticed for two years, developing both his technical skills and an understanding of customer service, marketing, and business operations. Over the next decade, José Yavia Muñiz refined his craft while working in various barbershops, learning through experience, mentorship, and continuous education. By attending professional seminars and embracing guidance from industry experts, he elevated his skills as a stylist and built a reputation for excellence. His dedication eventually led him to open his own private studio, where he has earned the trust of a diverse clientele, including artists and musicians from both his home state and beyond. Today, Yavia is the founder of "El Barberito", a brand he has successfully grown through strategic marketing, social media, and an unwavering commitment to professionalism. He combines modern technology—including appointment scheduling software, digital payment platforms, and sound financial management—with exceptional customer service to create an experience that motivates and inspires every client who sits in his chair. Beyond building a successful business, Yavia is passionate about investing in the next generation of barbers and stylists. He is developing an industry expo that will bring together barber professionals, cosmetologists, accountants, and other experts to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with practical business knowledge. His message is simple yet powerful: **"Invest to progress."** Through his work, Yavia continues to build a lasting legacy of craftsmanship, leadership, and mentorship while pursuing his vision of expanding "El Barberito" and training future leaders to carry that legacy forward. Message Us! Support the show

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Forged by Design Podcast is more than a conversation—it is a platform where purpose meets leadership, business, and faith. Created for entrepreneurs with bold dreams, unwavering faith, and a calling to make a meaningful impact, each episode delivers practical insights and timeless principles that inspire personal growth, professional excellence, and purposeful leadership. Whether you're launching a business, expanding an organization, developing your career, or answering a greater calling, this podcast is designed to help you align your vision with your values and move forward with clarity, confidence, and conviction. Beyond inspiration, Forged by Design Podcast serves as a bridge between businesses and the audiences they are called to serve. It provides entrepreneurs and organizations with a meaningful platform to showcase their products, services, innovations, and stories while creating authentic connections with current and future customers. We believe that every great business has a story worth telling, and every valuable solution deserves to reach the people it was created to serve. The podcast also offers senior executives, CEOs, founders, and industry leaders a respected voice to share the wisdom gained through years of leadership, success, and adversity. By sharing lessons in ethical leadership, financial stewardship, operational excellence, innovation, and servant leadership, these leaders can equip and inspire the next generation to make wiser business, financial, and ethical decisions that create lasting value for their organizations, communities, and families. At its core, Forged by Design Podcast exists to encourage leaders to build with integrity, lead with purpose, and leave a legacy that extends far beyond business success.

Information

  • Creator
    Daniel Badillo
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Forged By Design
  • Show Website
    Forged By Design