Ameritocracy

Welcome to our monthly series where we dive into challenging topics, current events, explore faith, and much more. Expect fresh insights from familiar faces and new voices as we engage in candid discussions. Join us for open and honest fellowship, embracing diverse perspectives.

Featured guest: Anne Collier, certified executive coach and CEO of Arudia, a coaching and training firm based in Washington, D.C.

Topics explored in this episode: * Recent FDIC article published in the Wall Street Journal * Psychological safety in the workplace * Work culture * Problem-solving mindset * Leadership

Wall Street Journal article 'FDIC Investigation Finds Culture Rife with Sexual Harassment, Discrimination' can be found here.

Anne Collier's article 'Amplify Engagement with Safety' can be found here.

Register for Arudia's upcoming events 'Upgrade Your Personal Operating Systems' here and 'Build Your Executive Presence' here.

For more coaching and training resources such as events and webinars: https://arudia.com/arudia-calendar/

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week, host Troy Edgar met with Surf City USA's City Attorney Michael Gates, in our L.A. studio. Michael was elected to City Attorney in 2014 and has been a recognized force in his community and across California on key issues of local control and voter ID.

In this episode, Michael delves into his career trajectory and aspirations, contemplating a potential future shift toward the federal judiciary. He candidly voices concerns about California's leadership direction, particularly in addressing pressing issues like homelessness and crime. Emphasizing the necessity for robust law enforcement and a reevaluation of priorities to serve communities better, Gates advocates for stronger adherence to existing laws.

Reflecting on his tenure since 2014, he outlines the pivotal divisions within his office—civil litigation, community prosecution, and research and advisory—underscoring the significance of local control for fostering accountability and democracy. Despite the challenges, Gates remains optimistic about California's future.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week, host Troy Edgar meets with former California State Senator John Moorlach, in our L.A. studio. John served from 1995 to 2021 as the Orange County Treasurer, County Supervisor and State Senator. John rose to prominence in 1994, when he noticed the county's financial problems and tried to warn officials but was largely ignored until later that year Orange County, CA declared bankruptcy. At that time, the largest municipality to fail in U.S. history.

John was an accountant for 19 years prior to his 25 years of public service and discusses his ongoing efforts to improve financial management in California. John closed on his thoughts for the future of California and the need for a more balanced approach to budgeting and spending.

Los Angeles Times article by George Skelton can be found here.

John Moorlach's latest articles for California Policy Center can be found here.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week, host Troy Edgar had the opportunity to sit down with Chip Fulghum, CEO of Endeavors and former Deputy Under Secretary of Management and Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Homeland Security at the Ameritocracy L.A. studio.

Following his 28-year U.S. Air Force career, including 3 Pentagon tours, Chip retired as Colonel before transitioning into leadership roles within DHS.

Troy and Chip's conversation centered on their shared experiences in the DHS CFO role, emphasizing the significance of the DHS Under Secretary of Management position and the challenges associated with filling Senate-confirmed roles in the government. With many vacancies in crucial roles, they contemplated whether the 13 federal department CFO roles should remain as Senate-confirmed positions?

In this episode, Chip shared his servant leadership philosophy and the importance of prioritizing the needs of those you lead. Additionally, he talked about his work as the CEO of Endeavors, highlighting the nonprofit's mission for aiding communities in crisis and their veteran programs and partnership with the Cohen Veterans Network.

A great follow-up episode is E43: U.S. Customs & Border Protection CFO Jeff Caine on Trust, Relationships, and Communication. Jeff, with 37 years of federal service, offers valuable insight into the benefits of having a political CFO at the Department level. He also urges young individuals to consider a career in government, highlighting the opportunity to effect change and the stability and perks that federal service offers.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week, host Troy Edgar took the show on the road to Huntsville, Alabama, and met with Becky Hurt, Vice President of Administration for YKTA, a $1.6 billion joint venture of Toyota and Mazda. Troy and Becky first met in 2016 during Toyota's consolidation of their North America manufacturing and sales headquarters.

During their discussion, Becky shares insights into her career and explained that not all moves were exactly what she wanted. At times, she said yes to career opportunities for fear of saying "no" may stop her career progression.

They also discuss industry issues within the automotive space such as Supply Chain dynamics, plant capacity management, and sustainability practices. This is a great episode of navigating change while prioritizing authenticity.

A great follow-up episode is E38: Toyota IT Executive Jason Ballard on Improving the Employee Experience, AI, and Leadership. Jason shared his insights that highlight the importance of staying connected, thinking like a CEO, and embracing new technologies in the automotive industry.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

Welcome to our monthly series where we dive into challenging topics, current events, explore faith, and much more. Expect fresh insights from familiar faces and new voices as we engage in candid discussions. Join us for open and honest fellowship, embracing diverse perspectives.

Featured guest: Rev. Barry Richards is a dear friend and mentor. He currently serves the Pentecostal City Mission Church in Los Angeles, California.

Topics explored in this episode: * Time management * The concept of time in the Bible * Living in a state of readiness for leadership opportunities * Servant leadership * Maintaining strong relationships

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week, host Troy Edgar meets with Stephanie Hoaglin, U.S. Army, Director of Organic Industrial Base (OIB) Modernization in Huntsville, Alabama. She discusses her career path and the importance of modernizing the Army and the challenges of securing funding for the $16 billion, 15-year Modernization Plan.

The Organic Industrial Base, or known within the Defense Community as the OIB, consists of 23 arsenals, depots, and ammunition plants that provide essential maintenance and repair capabilities for the Army's equipment and systems.

Stephanie started her career in one of those arsenals as a physical scientist at the Army's Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC), in Rock Island, Illinois. She then advanced to the Joint Munitions Command (JMC) and then eventually to her current role within the Army Materiel Command in Huntsville.

Stephanie has had great mentors and shares how these Army leaders have helped guide and inspire her through her incredible career. This is a great episode for anyone who may also be considering serving our country in the military or as a civilian.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week, host Troy Edgar meets with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Vice President of Global Still Photography, Chrissy Quesada at the Ameritocracy L.A. studio. Chrissy's journey in the movie industry began over 30 years ago at Carolco Pictures, where she supported the release of Terminator 2. Troy and Chrissy reminisced about the early days, including her time at 20th Century Fox prior to Disney's $72B acquisition.

In this episode, Chrissy provides an overview of her organization's role in movie production, promotion, and premieres. She explains the process of becoming an Academy member and Troy shares his unbelievable experience attending the 2001 Academy Awards.

Lastly, they talk about the current state of the movie business including streaming, the resurrection of the theatrical release of movies, and the impact of AI, digital photography, and technology on her industry.

Empire Magazine's Ghostbusters cover can be found here.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week, Troy met with Executive Coach and Author, Les Whitney in the Ameritocracy L.A. studio. Les has had an incredible career as an entrepreneur and business leader and spent the last 20 years as a Vistage Master Chair, coaching CEOs on leadership, design thinking, achieving results, and sustainable growth.

In 2019, Les was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung and brain cancer and was provided with a 5% chance of survival over the next 5 years. At that critical inflection point, Les turned his passion into writing the hit book called, "Cancer's Gifts, A Loving Journey Toward the Final Chapter."

In his book, he emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and open communication in dealing with cancer and other challenges. In this interview, he shares his philosophy of living in the present moment and not fearing the future or dwelling on the past. He hopes to reach a million people with his message and has received positive feedback from readers who have found hope and inspiration in his book.

Stay updated on Les's travel adventures and medical journey as documented on his blog.

More information on Mohammad Khan can be found here.

Two great follow-up episodes are E9: D.C. Executive Coach Anne Collier on Empowering Others to Succeed. In this episode, Anne shares insights into her coaching approach and the tools she uses to support individuals in their professional development by unlocking their full potential to achieve their goals. In E31: Dante Valve CEO Lisa Dante Papini on Promoting the U.S. Navy Defense Industrial Base, Lisa discusses the crucial role of the U.S. defense industry in safeguarding national security and highlighting the resilience needed in navigating personal and professional challenges.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week, host Troy Edgar meets with Jeff Caine, the Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), at the Prospect House in Washington, D.C.

CBP is the nation's largest law enforcement agency, overseeing border security, customs, immigration enforcement, and trade facilitation. Jeff manages a $19.5B budget that employs a workforce of over 65,000.

Troy and Jeff have an interesting discussion on the differences between political and career CFO roles in federal agencies. Amidst talks recently in Washington, D.C. about decreasing the number of presidential appointments due to Senate confirmation challenges, the focus has shifted to evaluate roles including the 16 Department level CFOs. Positions mandated by legislation to require Senate confirmation. This requirement often leaves many Federal departments without a CFO for extended periods.

With 37 years of federal service, Jeff provides great insight into this issue and his view of the benefits of the political CFO at the Department level.

Lastly, Jeff also encourages young people to consider a career in government emphasizing the ability to make a difference and the stability and benefits that federal service provides.

Two great follow-up episodes that deep dive into the role of Federal CFO are Ameritocracy E33: U.S. Secret Service CFO Stephen Roncone on Finance in Law Enforcement and E23: Former TSA CFO Pat Rose on Federal Funding and Technology Modernization.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.