Business Decoded

Business Decoded

By Ronnie SpellmanBusinessEntrepreneurship
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Business Decoded episodes

  • 035 - Service to Success: James Rodriguez's Journey From The Projects to U.S. Department of Labor

    In this episode of Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman interviews James
    Rodriguez, the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor,
    focusing on veteran employment and training services. James, a 21-year
    Marine veteran, shares his journey from a humble background in Texas to
    becoming a key figure in national policy. He highlights the value
    veterans bring to the private sector, emphasizing their leadership
    skills, discipline, and ability to manage risk. James discusses the
    challenges of underemployment for veterans and military spouses, and the
    importance of connecting them with the right resources, and employers.
    He stresses the need for companies to look beyond resumes to see the
    potential veterans offer, which will ultimately lead to their business
    success.
    For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast
    Produced by www.andycostafilms.com


    32 min
  • 034 - The Lioness Within: Graciela's Unstoppable Journey to Boxing World Champion and Pioneering Business

    In this episode of Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman interviews Graciela
    Casillas, a former undefeated world champion in boxing and kickboxing,
    and a true pioneer in women's combat sports. Graciela shares her
    unconventional journey, beginning with martial arts training in the
    Catholic church and moving into the professional fighting world at a
    time when women were rarely involved. She discusses how her rigorous
    training, driven by a passion for self-improvement and teaching led her
    to find success, not only in the ring but also in education and her own
    martial arts studio, where she now focuses on empowering women through
    self-defense. The conversation highlights how Graciela’s dedication,
    confidence building, and trailblazing spirit led to her breaking
    barriers to finally be recognized and inducted into the International
    Boxing Hall of Fame.
    For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast
    Produced by www.andycostafilms.com


    31 min
  • 033 - Thriving on Hope | From Cuban Immigrant and Car Wash worker to Owner of a Gasoline Empire

    In this episode of "Business Decoded," Ronnie Spellman interviews Max
    Alvarez, the founder of Sunshine Gasoline, to discuss his journey from
    being a Cuban refugee to a successful businessman. Max details his early
    life, including being sent away from Cuba as a child, losing his
    brother shortly after, and being placed in a program for unaccompanied
    minors under the care of Monsignor Brian Walsh. He emphasizes the
    importance of family values instilled by his parents and the Catholic
    education, as well as hard work, resilience, and a drive to be the best.
    He shares his experiences in various jobs before his career in Oil and
    Gas, which led him to create his own company, and build a family
    environment with his staff. Throughout the interview, Max highlights the
    influence of Monsignor Walsh’s selfless actions and how it shaped him.
    He encourages listeners to overcome fear and focus on working hard to
    achieve excellence, as well as the importance of gratitude and loyalty
    as foundations for success. He expresses concern over changing values
    and the need for future generations to understand the principles that
    made America great.
    For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast
    Produced by www.andycostafilms.com


    58 min
  • 032 - From Waiting Tables to Influencing International Politics | Business Decoded Podcast

    In a captivating interview, Riva Levinson, President and CEO of

    KRL International, shares her remarkable journey from a young intern with no political connections to a major international power broker. She recounts her early experiences working for the controversial firm, Black, Manafort, Stone and Kelly, and her transition into international advocacy. She details her work across Africa, especially her pivotal role in supporting Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s rise to the presidency of Liberia and her own journey of building her own successful consulting firm with purpose and passion, not based on political power, but on delivering real results. Levinson stresses the importance of ground-level experience, the power of storytelling, and staying true to one's values amidst complicated situations, drawing inspiration from her family’s Holocaust survival and her commitment to making a difference in the world.


    In a recent Article K. Riva Levinson talks about a new meaning for courage.

    In a World Turned Upside Down, Courage Has New Meaning for Me

    Recent USA Today Article about K. Riva Levinson

    Her ancestors left in chains. She came back as a guest of the president

    For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com


    56 min
  • 031 - Serving Up Success: The Customer-Centric Philosophy of a Renowned Chef | Business Decoded Podcast

    Chef John Coletta, founder of Quatrino Restaurant, shares his journey
    from a young apprentice at the Waldorf Astoria to a renowned chef with a
    passion for authentic Italian cuisine. He emphasizes the importance of
    high-quality ingredients, sourced both locally and from Italy, and the
    vital role of empowered staff in creating memorable dining experiences.
    Coletta champions a customer-centric approach, valuing flexibility and
    personalization, rather than rigid traditionalism. He believes in the
    long-term game, fostering a culture where customers become advocates by
    enjoying value for money with the best possible seasonal ingredients.
    Coletta highlights the nutritional value and farming standards in food
    production, drawing comparisons with European methods, and underscores
    the idea of providing a transportive experience where guests are treated
    like honored guests in their own home.
    For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast
    Produced by www.andycostafilms.com


    36 min
  • 030 - Industry Disruptor : How Milli Brown Revolutionized Book Publishing | Business Decoded Podcast

    Milli Brown, CEO of Brown Books Publishing Group, shares her
    unconventional journey into the publishing world on the Business Decoded
    podcast hosted by Ronnie Spellman. Beginning with her family history
    business, "Personal Profiles," she transitioned into publishing after
    identifying the unfair practices of traditional publishing contracts.
    Brown created her publishing company to offer authors fair contracts,
    allowing them to retain rights and receive a larger share of profits.
    She emphasizes the importance of working closely with authors and
    ensuring quality over quantity. She also shares stories of her early
    career in corporate America and provides invaluable insights for
    entrepreneurs. Her journey demonstrates how passion, persistence, and a
    unique perspective can disrupt an industry.
    For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast
    Produced by www.andycostafilms.com


    38 min
  • 029 - Myspace to Magic : Tips for Breaking into the Entertainment Industry | Business Decoded

    Jennifer Hutchins, founder of allentertainmentbusiness.com, shares her
    remarkable journey through the entertainment industry on the Business
    Decoded podcast. From her early days using Myspace to promote events to
    her work on Criss Angel Mindfreak and other notable projects, Jennifer
    highlights the importance of networking, building trust, and taking
    risks. She emphasizes the value of starting at the bottom and
    proactively seeking opportunities to learn and grow, even if it means
    working for free initially. Her career is a testament to the power of
    hard work, adaptability, and a genuine passion for the creative process.
    For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast
    Produced by www.andycostafilms.com


    37 min
  • 028 - Part II - Ambushed by the Cartel: A Harrowing Tale of Survival and Recovery to Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman continues his
    conversation with Victor Avila, a retired Homeland Security special
    agent. Victor provides a chillingly detailed account of the ambush he
    and his partner suffered in Mexico in 2011, highlighting the events
    leading up to the attack, the harrowing moments of the shooting itself,
    and the fear and uncertainty of the aftermath. He discusses the
    challenges he faced with both the Mexican government and his own agency,
    his family's ordeal, and his eventual transition into a new career in
    real estate. Victor also offers valuable advice for those considering a
    career in law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of planning and
    adaptability. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human
    spirit and the ability to rebuild a life after facing unimaginable
    adversity.
    For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast
    Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

    35 min
  • 006 - The Art of Balance: Juggling Work, Life, and AI

    Heather Capps, CEO of HCK2 Marketing, shares valuable insights on building and sustaining a successful business. She emphasizes the importance of strong operational foundations, hiring the right talent, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Capps also discusses the impact of AI on the marketing industry and the need for human creativity and authenticity. She shares practical tips on balancing work and life, including setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and practicing mindfulness. By combining strategic thinking, operational excellence, and a passion for innovation, Capps has built a thriving business that has stood the test of time.

    34 min
  • 005 - Beyond the Bottom Line: Building a Successful Business with Heart

    Heather Capps, CEO of HCK2, shares her insights on building a successful business. She emphasizes the importance of company culture, client relationships, and personal growth. Capps discusses the 37-hour workweek, continuing education stipends, and charitable initiatives. She also highlights the value of authenticity, transparency, and exceeding client expectations. By understanding clients' businesses and industries, HCK2 has built a strong reputation and a loyal client base. Capps' journey from a young professional to a successful business owner serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.

    34 min

About Business Decoded

From the publisher's feed

Ronnie Spellman, host of Business Decoded, is a captivating podcast that dives deep into the journeys of business moguls. Each episode offers a unique blend of candid conversations and insightful…