Culture Matters

Ovidilio (Ovi) Vazquez is originally from Guatemala and is now a popular motivational speaker who speaks primarily at K12 School Systems around the country. He and Ricardo discuss his journey from Guatemala to the United States, landing in a Mexican jail, crossing the border, his culture shock in the American school system, learning English, Guatemala, DACA, and the present state of Gen Z in our schools. This is one of the most fascinating cultural conversations you'll ever hear to so we hope you enjoy it.

Chris N. West is the President of LR Training Solutions, is a professional member of the National Speakers Association and formerly worked with Google as a marketing specialist. He and Ricardo discuss the dynamics of multicultural marketing, marketing to Hispanics, marketing to African-Americans, and also his own mixed-ethnic African heritage. This is an engaging conversation and great for anyone interested in marketing to multicultural audiences.

Adrian Bazemore is the Director of International Restaurant Training at Chick-Fil-A. He and Ricardo discuss his upbringing in a multicultural neighborhood, his international travels, the keys to succeeding in a new culture, and also Chick-Fil-A's organizational culture. Adrian brings great wisdom to Culture Matters and this is a great opportunity to learn from a master teacher with high levels of international experience.

Rosanmarys Petrillo Rivera is the manager of equity, inclusion, and diversity for the Georgia Region at Kaiser Permanente. She and Ricardo discuss her transition from Puerto Rico to the United States, her dad's influence in her life as a medical missionary who traveled to multiple countries, her own physical challenges and have a broad-ranging conversation about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This is a must-listen for those interested in understanding the diversity and inclusion movement.

Duane Cummings is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and leader. He is the author of The Sensational Leader and The Sensational Salesman. He is the former CEO of Leadercast, and a Hall of Fame Soccer Coach. Duane and Ricardo discuss his time in South Korea, Millenials and socialism in the United States, creating a winning team with international players, and the recent NBA firestorm with China. This is a must-listen if you are at all interested in multi-cultural leadership.

Phil Gerbyshak is a speaker, author, and sales trainer. He speaks on mastering LinkedIN, leveraging technology in sales and more. In this fascinating and captivating discussing, Phil and Ricardo discuss how technology impacts culture, the impact of deep fake on culture, how the Gutenberg press changed culture, how emojis are simply hieroglyphics come full circle, the weakening of symbols in society, and more. You will truly enjoy this episode!

William Lee Jr. is an author, entrepreneur, and publisher. He is the author of Breaking the Mold, a book about a young African-American man's journey to break the mold from the streets to success. He and Ricardo discuss the African-American experience in America, the black family, and fatherhood, getting past color, and ways to do business with the African-American community. This is a heartfelt and honest conversation that everyone should hear.

John Allgood is an experienced sport executive who is the Academic Director of the Executive Master of Science of Sport Business at Temple University. John and Ricardo discuss the culture of sport, the cultural challenges that the NBA is facing with China, Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, the impact of sports on American culture, and more. If you love sports, or want to more deeply understand how sports influence our culture, this is a must-listen.

Steve Akinboro is originally from Nigeria and emerged from an economically distressed background to become one of the most respected worldwide leaders in both McDonald's and Dominos. He started cleaning floors at a McDonald's in London and has now come full circle to owning several McDonald's franchises in Atlanta. Ricardo and Steve discuss Nigerian culture, C-Suite culture, South African culture where Steve was opened McDonald's and more. This is a captivating and content-rich conversation.

Steve Cockram is the co-founder of GIANT Worldwide, the co-author of 5 Gears, 5 Voices, and 100X Leader. He is from Great Britain and he and Ricardo talk in-depth about British culture, colonization, British relationships with America and India, how Cricket reveals British influence in the world, and even the influence of the Royal Family. They also talk about how the concept of 5 Gears can be contextualized for people of any culture. This is a truly smart and fascinating conversation.