Mission CTRL

Peralta Design
  • 5.0 (11)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their story and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 187 AI, Automation & the Human Advantage: Inside the PD Flight Crew Conversation

    What happens when artificial intelligence stops being a future concept and becomes an everyday business reality? For the crew at Peralta Design, it’s less about replacement - and more about adaptation, efficiency, and keeping the human edge. This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Jorge Pezo-Candelario (Director of Web Development), Kevin Atterbury (Senior Back-End Developer), and Kaed Gonzalez (Interactive Designer) for an honest conversation about where AI is headed - and what it actually means for businesses today. From the fear of being replaced to the divide between AI adopters and skeptics, the team discusses why “resistance is futile” and how every major technological shift in history has ultimately created opportunity. Drawing parallels to the Industrial Revolution, the Flight Crew explores why this moment feels different - with AI impacting not just manual labor, but cognitive work - and why soft skills, creativity, and human judgment matter more than ever. They share real-world insights from an AI conference in Boston, discuss the rise of AI agents and automation in CRMs, and explain how tools like custom GPTs, process documentation, and smart integrations can act as an extension of your team. Whether you’re a business owner, creative, developer, or leader navigating the future of work, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at how to adopt AI without losing the human touch that sets great companies apart.

    37 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    Ep. 186 Unlearning to Lead with Shirley Skyers-Thomas

    What if leadership growth starts with confronting the story you’ve been carrying your entire life? This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Shirley Skyers-Thomas — attorney, Deputy Commissioner of the State of Connecticut, executive coach, and author of UnLEARNEDed: Honor Your Story, Release Restraints, and Embrace Your Power. Raised in Bridgeport by Jamaican parents and shaped by faith, family, and service, Shirley shares how her journey - from pastor’s kid to government employee - informs the way she leads and advocates today. In this conversation, Shirley breaks down why personal development and leadership development can’t be separated, especially for small and micro-business owners who often lack access to formal training. She challenges leaders to recognize their own narratives, unpack limiting beliefs formed early in life, and understand how those stories quietly show up in delegation, trust, and team dynamics. She also opens up about writing UnLEARNEDed during the pandemic - a deeply vulnerable process sparked by turning 40 and realizing that professional success had become a façade. The book, and her work today, invite leaders to interrupt old thought patterns, embrace continuous growth, and lead with authenticity. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or leader navigating change, this episode is a powerful reminder that honoring your story is the first step toward sustainable leadership and lasting impact.

    39 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Ep. 185 Fueling a Life of Wellness: The Vibrant Health Journey with Paige & Ted Parker

    What happens when a personal health crisis, an unexpected love story, and a shared belief in holistic wellness collide? For Paige and Ted Parker, co-owners and co-presidents of Vibrant Health, it led to a thriving company, a rebrand decades in the making, and a marriage strengthened through both challenge and choice. This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Ted and Paige to explore the real, unfiltered journey behind one of the most award-winning brands in the natural health space. From navigating 25 years of marriage and 17 years of co-ownership, to balancing their opposite personalities, the Parkers open up about the work it takes to build both a business and a partnership that lasts. Paige reflects on her battle with chronic illness and how an elimination diet led her to open her first health food store - and eventually bump into Ted at her aunt’s restaurant. Ted recalls how a single supplement, Green Vibrance, transformed his health after years of an unhealthy lifestyle… and how his enthusiasm for that product eventually changed the entire trajectory of their lives. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a couple in business together, or someone passionate about wellness, this episode delivers honest insight into partnership dynamics, purpose-driven growth, and what it really takes to build something extraordinary - together. • • • Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

    39 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Ep. 184 Finding Your Neech: Youth Development, Confidence & Community with Mike “Neech” Cannici

    What happens when a generation of kids is searching for confidence, connection, and a place to belong - while youth programs everywhere face budget cuts and shifting priorities? For Mike “Neech” Cannici, longtime Program Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club of the Naugatuck Valley, the answer is simple: you keep showing up for them, no matter what. This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Neech, who has spent nearly 30 years helping young people discover who they are and what they can become. From the game room where he first started in 1995 to the life-changing programs he oversees today, Neech has seen firsthand how youth development transforms kids - and whole communities. He shares powerful stories: children who once lacked confidence becoming “Youth of the Year,” older kids embracing younger ones like family, and entire generations returning to the Club because of the impact it had on their lives. Neech opens up about his own struggles with confidence growing up, the mentors who changed his path, and why programs like Torch Club and Keystone are so essential in building dedication, leadership, and belonging. As services are being slashed and community priorities shift, Neech reminds us why investing in youth is everyone’s responsibility - including the business community. Because behind every “tough” kid is someone searching for guidance, connection, and someone who cares enough not to give up. Whether you’re a parent, educator, leader, or anyone who believes in the power of community, this episode is a moving look at the heart and hope of youth development - and a reminder to never stop dreaming, no matter your age.

    34 min

  5. 11/05/2025

    Ep. 183 Community Action in Crisis: Leadership and Legacy with Michelle James

    What happens when the very programs meant to fight poverty are on the brink of disappearing? For Michelle James, Executive Director of the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut (CAAWC), that question isn’t hypothetical - it’s her daily reality. This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Michelle to unpack the vital role of Community Action in our nation’s social safety net. CAAWC helps individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency - offering a hand up, not just a handout. From heating assistance and food pantries to job readiness and ESL programs, Michelle and her team serve over a thousand people each month, connecting them with the resources they need to survive and thrive. But with federal funding for critical programs like the Community Services Block Grant and the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program “zeroed out” of the federal budget, the agency faces an uncertain future. Michelle opens up about the sleepless nights of running a nonprofit like a business - forecasting, adapting, and fighting for every dollar to keep her team and programs afloat. As CAAWC celebrates 60 years of service, Michelle reflects on resilience, reinvention, and what it truly means to lead through uncertainty. Whether you’re a changemaker, community advocate, or entrepreneur navigating tough times, this episode is a masterclass in transformational leadership, persistence, and purpose. • • • Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

    36 min

  6. 10/22/2025

    Ep. 182 Bucka Fogey Sports: Family, Friends, and Fairways with Dr. Al B. Quarles Jr.

    What do family, friends, and a missed putt have in common? For Dr. Al B. Quarles Jr., they’re the foundation of Bucka Fogey Sports - a lifestyle brand born from friendship, golf, and a desire to look good while doing what you love. This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Dr. Quarles, Founder and CEO of Bucka Fogey, to explore how a single moment on the green turned into a growing apparel and manufacturing company that blends faith, fashion, and fun. From humble beginnings making shirts and hats for his golf trips with friends, to running full-scale events like the Bucka Fogey Family & Friends Trip, Mancation, and BFF Weekend, Dr. Quarles shares how passion and persistence turned a grassroots idea into a thriving brand. He opens up about the challenges of manufacturing high-quality gear, the importance of photography and branding in apparel, and how word-of-mouth and authentic community support helped Bucka Fogey grow - especially during COVID. The conversation dives into his design process, his innovation team (including ideas from his college-athlete daughter), and how staying true to his values helped the company evolve beyond just clothing to become a lifestyle movement. From creating limited-edition drops to expanding into women’s apparel and strengthening ties with the Sifford family, Dr. Quarles proves that building a brand is far from “set it and forget it.” It’s about learning from mistakes, celebrating wins, and keeping your vision aligned with your purpose. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a creative entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great origin story, this episode is packed with insights on growth, grit, and the grind behind great branding.

    36 min

  7. 10/08/2025

    Ep. 181 Ruth’s House: Perseverance, Redemption, and Refuge with Jeanne Korman

    What do seven years of setbacks, a calling rooted in faith, and the story of Ruth from the Bible have in common? They’re all part of the journey behind Ruth’s House, founded by Jeanne Korman to provide loving homes for single moms and their children. This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jeanne to explore how her own experience as a single mom of five - and the hardships, loneliness, and redemption that came with it - inspired her to create a refuge for women in crisis. Wanting to quit more often than continuing but finding strength in God through each obstacle, Jeanne shares the perseverance it took to move Ruth’s House from an idea to a thriving nonprofit with a waitlist of moms seeking stability and hope. Jeanne opens up about the early days of balancing teaching with moonlighting at Ruth’s House, why patience and timing matter in building a sustainable mission, and how a strong board and community partners helped bring her vision to life without government funding. She also shares moving stories of transformation, like the first resident who went from escaping abuse to building a new life as a college student and mom. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or simply someone who believes in redemption and second chances, this conversation is full of lessons on resilience, faith, and the power of community. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn personal struggle into a mission that helps others build safe, independent lives, this episode is for you. • • • Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

    27 min

  8. 09/24/2025

    Ep. 180 ACCESS, STEM, and Community Impact with Gwen Brantley

    What do Upward Bound Saturdays, a grandmother’s wisdom, and a suitcase full of robotics kits have in common? They’re all part of the story behind ACCESS Educational Services, founded by Gwen Brantley to expose underrepresented students to meaningful STEM opportunities. This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Gwen to explore how her journey from HR professional to nonprofit founder has empowered thousands of students over the past 20 years. From moonlighting on lunch breaks to taking the leap full-time in 2017, Gwen shares how personal loss, faith, and the drive to give her son opportunities shaped her mission to build confidence and career pathways for underserved youth. Gwen opens up about chartering the first NSBE Jr. chapter in Bridgeport, partnering with organizations like NASCAR and FIRST Robotics, and why teaching by doing - through coding, robotics, eSports, and more - is the key to unlocking student potential. She also reflects on the realities of funding a nonprofit, the importance of accountability to donors, and why representation in STEM careers matters as much as exposure. Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or just someone who believes in the transformative power of opportunity, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, vision, and community. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a side hustle into a 20-year movement that changes lives, this episode is for you. • • • Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their story and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Information

  • Creator
    Peralta Design
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    186
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Peralta Design
  • Show Website
    Mission CTRL