Critical Mass Business Talk Show | Orange County’s Longest-Running Business Talk Show

Susan Howington is the CEO and Founder of the outplacement and executive coaching firm called Power Connections Career Services, Inc, and equity owner of Career Partners International. She is a sought-after expert in the career management field due to her experiences as a career consultant, executive coach, author, and speaker. Her life-long goal is to help professionals manage and advance their careers through effective work relationships and strategic management growth, which ultimately leads to greater success for them and the companies for which they work.

Susan made her mark in the industry throughout her executive tenure with the firm of Lee Hecht Harrison, a global player in outplacement and executive coaching services. Under Susan’s leadership as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Southern California region, the company was branded as the premier Executive Coaching service in Orange County, California. She received Lee Hecht Harrison’s Global Leadership Consulting Award and participated as a member of the Company’s Executive Strategic Planning Committee.

Widely recognized, Susan was profiled by OC Metro Magazine as one of “15 Orange County Women Who Inspire Others”. She has appeared in national and regional media outlets that include the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal. She is the author of the book on Amazon.com called “How Smart People Sabotage Their Job Search: 10 Mistakes Executives Make and How to Fix Them.”

Susan is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC)™ through the International Coaching Federation. Her experience includes coaching C-level executives and key senior management.

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

As founder of OC Growth Advisors, Marla works with business owners and their employees to improve focus and processes for growth and greater profitability. She has run several successful organizations, including one she sold in 2015 for 15 times EBITDA. Marla has served on multiple non-profit boards as well as two for-profit Boards. She is also a chapter chair for WPO, Women Presidents’ Organization, which is an international organization of women business owners.

Marla’s clients range from service industries to construction to manufacturing, in the $2 million to $50 million range. Her clients say she helps keep them focused on the business, versus working in the business. Her 14 years in Vistage and 11 years in WPO have trained her to be continuously looking for tools to help the businesses run more efficiently. She wants her clients to enjoy their business until they wish to sell or transition the business to employees or children.

Marla is a CPA and an MBA and has taught at Chapman University and UCI. In addition, Marla volunteers to help new or developing businesses succeed.

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Drawing on years of hospitality industry expertise, Ms. Almada excels as the Chief Executive Officer of DKN Hotels. Since joining the organization in 1998, she has held various roles, including Vice President, Regional Director, General Manager, and Assistant General Manager. In this current capacity, she oversees all personnel, ensuring they have what they need to reach their goals. Additionally, Ms. Almada conducts site visits, manages growth strategies, and collaborates with team members to motivate and inspire them.

An expert in her field, Ms. Almada earned a bachelor's degree in tourism and hotel management from Universidade Anhembi Morumbi before joining DKN Hotels as a front desk clerk. Subsequently, she expanded her professional knowledge by completing an MBA with emphasis in leadership and management from the University of San Diego. In conjunction with her work, she is aligned with Vistage Worldwide, Inc., a chief executive officer coaching and peer advisory organization through which she has dedicated herself to continued improvement and mentorship since 2009. Likewise, Ms. Almada has dedicated herself to her community through the Girl Scouts from a young age and the Woman's Leadership Council.

In light of her professional achievements, Ms. Almada has received numerous awards and nominations for her dedication to industry excellence. Most recently Ana has been recognized as one of HOTEL MANAGEMENT Magazine's 2025 Forty Over 40! This distinction celebrates exceptional leaders who exemplify dedication, innovation, and influence within the hospitality industry. Ana's unwavering commitment and passion continue to inspire us all, shaping a legacy of excellence here at DKN Hotels.  DKN Hotels was also named the Best Place to Work in Orange County in 2017 and received the Nation's Top Workplaces through USA Today in 2024. While her career has been filled with highlights, she takes the most pride in developing DKN Hotels' company culture and establishing new hotels.

Though hard work and dedication have brought her far in her career, she credits her success to the collective efforts of everyone she works with. Her team generously gives their time, knowledge, and patience to fulfill the company's desire to make a difference. She also notes that education, research, and drive have kept her on the path to success.

Looking toward the future, Ms. Almada intends to ensure that DKN continues to develop and manage their portfolio of hotels, expands the business, extend its management services to other hoteliers, and inspire and develop more passionate individuals in the hospitality industry.

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Brandon is the Founder and CEO of AURA, a firm specializing in providing fractional controllers and CFO services to marketing agencies. With over 15 years of professional experience, Brandon helps marketing agencies scale and become more profitable by understanding the value of accurate data around their decision-making process. AURA has had several clients successfully sell with eight figure exits, and their professional experience eclipses nine figure businesses.

Brandon is the treasurer of the Newport Beach Police Foundation, along with a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization where he serves on the Strategic Alliance Partners committee. In his spare time, Brandon loves to spend time with his three rambunctious young boys, as they drive the coast in search of a new park to explore.

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Dr. Sophia Nnenna Ononye, PhD MPH MBA is a Yale-trained Cancer Research Scientist, Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Speaker, Certified Corporate Director, Board Advisor, Women's Health/FemTech Strategist, NMQF 40 under 40 Minority Health Leader, and Mentor. Dr. Ononye has over 15 years of cross-functional experience in the biopharmaceutical industry across drug discovery, medical affairs, strategic marketing, and corporate communications with a specialty training and focus on oncology and women's health.

A contributing writer to several leading outlets including Inc,, Entrepreneur, Life Science Leader, Cell & Gene, MIT Technology Review, and WebMD, Dr. Ononye is a Yale Entrepreneur in Residence, Daré Bioscience Board Advisor and previous Independent Board Director and Member of the Nomination and Corporate Government (NG&C) and Compensation Committees, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network inaugural member, Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network Advisory Council Member, and former President of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) New York Chapter. Dr. Ononye’s list of honors includes a 2023 National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) 40 under 40 Minority Health Leader Award.

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Chandan Shiroy brings over two decades of experience in manufacturing and engineering to his role as Vice President of Sales and Operations at S&D Industrial Tool Supply. Since joining the company in January 2023, he has spearheaded initiatives in digital transformation, talent development, and market expansion, including the implementation of vending solutions for customers. Chandan's strategic vision and leadership are instrumental in positioning S&D for sustained growth in the competitive industrial tool supply market. With over 30 years of experience in machining and sales,

Darren Dives serves as Vice President of Sales at S&D Industrial Tool Supply. His deep understanding of shop floor applications and commitment to customer service have been pivotal in nearly doubling the company's annual sales. Darren has also led the expansion of S&D's product offerings, including MRO supplies, safety equipment, and advanced cutting tools, reinforcing the company's reputation for delivering comprehensive solutions to its clients.

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

As President of the C.W. Driver family of companies, Karl is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of three leading construction firms: C.W. Driver, Driver SPG, and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver was established in 1919 and is the longest-operating contracting firm in Southern California. The firm provides sophisticated preconstruction/estimating and construction services with a focus on technology and innovation. Karl understands that outstanding leadership involves bringing out the unique qualities and abilities each person brings to the company. His vision for the company is to set the "gold standard" for service in the construction industry while also providing a work environment that people enjoy and where they can succeed. C.W. Driver Companies' purpose is "Building Better Communities and Lives Together."  Karl is a catalyst at C.W. Driver Companies, inspiring the team to think big, work hard, and work together.

Karl serves as the Board Vice Chairman on the Executive Committee with Discovery Science Center, Home Aid Orange County Board of Directors, Cal State University Fullerton Center of Leadership Board of Directors, and Cal State Long Beach College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council. He enjoys meeting challenges head-on, overcoming adversity, and succeeding as a team. Karl has found that it doesn't matter whether it's work, coaching, or playing sports; being a great leader means motivating, mentoring, and supporting his team members.  

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Hernan Ricaurte is the President of Ricaurte Precision Inc. (RPI), an Orange County based contract manufacturer specializing in precision (CNC) machining for the aerospace, space, defense, and medical device industries. RPI works with some of the world’s most advanced and demanding OEMs.

Hernan has over 20 years of international experience spanning manufacturing and healthcare including a decade living and working in Japan. His commitment to leveraging advanced technologies, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement has driven RPI’s year-over-year growth of more than 20% for the past three years.

Hernan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University and is certified in advanced Japanese language proficiency.

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Caecilia Gotama earned her Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Fullerton and a Master's in Business Administration from the Graziadio School at Pepperdine University. She is also an LEED-accredited professional due to her passion for sustainable engineering.

Caecilia is a licensed Mechanical Engineer who is a Fellow of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, where she served on the Board of Governors. Ms. Gotama was awarded the “Vision and Visionary” award from California State University, Fullerton, signifying her achievements as a successful business owner in the engineering field, as well as her contribution to her community.

The world needs more engineers, and Caecilia realized that the engineering profession can be much more inclusive in its design approach. Her drive to contribute to her community and her entrepreneurial nature has led her to start BRDG - bridge to connect, a social non-profit organization that provides a bridge program for first generation STEM college students. With the contribution of highly qualified volunteers, this program benefits these young students, as well as the people they will serve in their professional lives.

“The ability to solve problems and create knows no boundaries, class, race or gender. And yet, the training to be able to effectively invent and solve problems is still mostly available to those who know someone in this field. As the world needs more people with critical thinking ability, it becomes the duty of all of us in the technical fields to reach out and open doors for this next generation.” Caecilia Gotama

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Carlo Odicino is the CEO and Founder of One TEAM Partners. He specializes in helping early-stage companies bring their innovations to market without succumbing to the burnout often faced by start-ups. With 24+ years of experience scaling businesses of all sizes, he guides CEOs and leadership teams through complex challenges to achieve extraordinary results.

Carlo holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and directs high school theater in his spare time. He lives in Costa Mesa, CA, with his wife and two sons.

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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.