The independent workforce continues to grow, with professionals increasingly choosing solo and fractional paths over traditional employment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that independent contractors now represent 11.9 million workers, or about 7.4% of total U.S. employment. Without the structural guardrails of traditional roles, independent professionals must define scope, success, and boundaries themselves—often in real time. As a result, unclear scope and shifting expectations pose increasing risks to both profitability and well-being.

So how can solopreneurs protect their time, value their expertise, and still build strong client relationships? More pointedly: how do you set scope in a way that saves your sanity—without sacrificing revenue or goodwill?

Welcome to Crafted Journey. The latest episode brings together Suzy DeLine and Linda Mathiasen, the founder of Okapi Strategy, for a conversation on why scope-setting is not just a business skill, but an act of kindness—to yourself and your clients. Drawing on nearly two decades as a solopreneur and a background in Lean Six Sigma and executive marketing leadership, Mathiasen shares a practical, human-centered framework for creating clarity before, during, and after client engagements.

Top insights from the talk…

• Why “all revenue isn’t good revenue,” and how misaligned projects quietly drain energy and profitability.
• The red flags that signal scope creep—and the exact language to address them without damaging trust.
• How clearly defined deliverables, roles, and revision limits create better outcomes and repeat business.

Linda Mathiasen is a strategic communications and marketing leader with 25+ years of entrepreneurial and executive experience, specializing in executive branding, change communications, and cross-sector strategy across private, public, and nonprofit organizations. A longtime solopreneur and founder of Okapi Strategy, she has secured over $10.6 million in state, federal, and philanthropic funding, led economic recovery efforts during COVID, and scaled business and nonprofit performance statewide. Her background includes senior leadership in economic development, public relations, and governance, complemented by Lean Six Sigma expertise and certifications in entrepreneurship, sustainable operations, and professional training.

Sales enablement is having a moment—and for good reason. As organizations grow more global, product portfolios expand through acquisition, and AI tools flood the market, sales teams are under pressure to ramp faster, stay consistent, and sell smarter. Effective sales enablement can improve win rates and shorten sales cycles, yet many companies still struggle to align content, messaging, and tools across regions. The stakes are high: without a strong enablement foundation, even the best products can stall in the market.

So what does modern sales enablement actually look like today—and how do leaders build programs that scale without losing clarity or consistency?

Welcome to Crafted Journey. In the latest episode, host Suzy DeLine sits down with Rhett Livengood, Sales Enablement leader at Keyfactor, to unpack what it really takes to master sales enablement in 2026 and beyond. Drawing on decades of experience spanning engineering, manufacturing, software, cybersecurity, and internal startups, Rhett shares practical insights on how enablement has evolved, where AI fits (and where it doesn’t), and why the fundamentals still matter.

What you’ll learn…

• Content, messaging, and assets are the foundation of sales enablement. Rhett explains that despite new tools and trends, these three pillars remain essential for ensuring sales teams deliver consistent value propositions at every stage of the buyer’s journey.

• Sales enablement now lives under intense time pressure. With global teams, higher employee turnover, and AI entering the workflow, onboarding and ramp time have become critical competitive advantages for modern sales organizations.

• AI only works as well as the data and discipline behind it. Rhett cautions that without clean data, clear value propositions, and well-structured playbooks, automation becomes noise rather than a true productivity multiplier.

Rhett Livengood is a sales enablement and partner marketing leader with more than a decade of experience driving revenue growth at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology. He spent over 12 years at Intel, where he built global sales and security Centers of Excellence, accelerated partner readiness, reduced sales prep time, and enabled thousands of customers and partners through scalable training and certification programs. Currently at Keyfactor, Rhett leads global sales enablement initiatives that integrate acquired cybersecurity portfolios, accelerate pipeline development, and equip sales and solution engineers with the tools needed to drive digital trust.

As AI adoption accelerates across industries, leaders are under growing pressure to “do something” with data—often before they’re sure what meaningful action looks like. Research shows that while a majority of executives believe AI will transform their business, far fewer feel confident in their organization’s data readiness or governance to support it responsibly. This gap is especially acute for small and mid-market organizations that lack the resources of large enterprises but face the same competitive and regulatory stakes.

So, how should organizations cut through the hype and move forward with AI and data in a way that actually drives value—without overspending or introducing unnecessary risk?

That question is at the heart of this episode of Crafted Journey. Host Suzy DeLine sits down with Arvind Mozumdar, Founder and Principal of CDO On-Demand, to unpack what it really means to craft a pragmatic, business-aligned AI and data strategy. Together, they explore why mid-market companies are at a critical inflection point, how leaders should think about AI beyond buzzwords, and what practical do’s and don’ts can guide action today.

What you’ll learn…

• Why AI and data should be treated as enablers—not end goals—and grounded in clear business strategy.

• The importance of balancing innovation with governance, security, and compliance as AI use expands across teams.

• How culture and change management can make or break AI adoption, from employee trust to responsible usage.

Arvind Mozumdar is an AI and data leader with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering end-to-end data science and digital transformation initiatives across industries. He has built and led large global analytics teams, established enterprise AI practices, and partnered closely with C-suite leaders to drive governance, strategy, and measurable business value. As Founder and Principal of CDO On-Demand, he now serves mid-market organizations as a fractional technology and data executive, helping them adopt AI pragmatically and at scale.

As companies push to decarbonize, modernize infrastructure, and bring new technologies to market, the leaders who stand out aren’t always the ones who followed a straight career path. Increasingly, it’s the people with the zigzags—the folks who’ve worked across different industries, adapted to new environments, and learned to make decisions under pressure—who bring the clarity these complex challenges demand. Their so-called “uncrafted” careers turn out not to be detours at all, but preparation: years spent building range, resilience, and the ability to translate big ideas into real-world impact.

So the question becomes: how do you craft a meaningful leadership career when the journey is anything but linear?

That’s the story explored in this episode of Crafted Journey, hosted by Suzy DeLine. Suzy sits down with Karen Alter, Chief Marketing Officer at NineDot Energy, whose path runs from Harvard to Wall Street, through the inner circle of Intel’s microprocessor business, and ultimately into urban clean energy and battery storage. Together, they unpack how a generalist, self-described “learning creature” can navigate multiple industries, stay human in high-pressure environments, and help build the grid of the future.

Top insights…

• An “uncrafted” path across industries

How Karen went from a Harvard government major intending to pursue law and international relations, to a Wall Street investment banking analyst, to a senior leader inside Intel’s core microprocessor business—discovering along the way that her real through-line was learning, team sport–style collaboration, and solving complex problems with other people.

• Building brands and teams in the heart of Silicon Valley

Karen reflects on joining Intel just as it shifted from industrial supplier to consumer-facing brand—helping launch and defend the Pentium brand, working closely with leaders like Dennis Carter and Andy Grove, and experiencing Intel as a true “team sport” where global collaboration, not individual heroics, defined success.

• Leading with humanity in the clean energy transition

Now as CMO of NineDot Energy, a New York–based developer of community-scale battery storage, Karen talks about being one of the few team members based outside New York, commuting regularly from Palo Alto, and using her “translator” superpower to connect complex technology, policy, and grid constraints with the needs of customers, communities, and investors—while also championing the importance of unplugging from devices and being fully present in the real world.

Karen Alter is a marketing and operations leader with deep expertise in scaling innovative technologies across energy storage, renewable energy, hardware, software, and enterprise services. She has overseen global organizations of hundreds and multibillion-dollar portfolios at Intel, and has led growth, go-to-market, and turnaround efforts at multiple venture-backed startups in clean energy, digital content, and consumer hardware. Across her career, she’s built high-performing teams, driven product and revenue strategy, and advised numerous organizations as a board member, consultant, and strategic operator.

In a business landscape where AI and automation are reshaping how brands understand consumers, the craft of human-centered innovation is becoming both rarer and more valuable. Companies are seeking leaders who blend strong analytical thinking with an interest in real human behavior, helping them make sense of new trends and create products that connect with their audience. As research firms note, the global innovation consulting market continues its rapid growth, driven by organizations seeking to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

How do today’s innovators merge data, anthropology, and instinct to create ideas that resonate? And more importantly—what does it take to build a career at the intersection of creativity and strategy?

The latest episode of Crafted Journey features host Suzy DeLine and guest host Alexa Low in conversation with Kim Lopez-Walters, consultant, contractor, and fractional leader at KLW Marketing & Innovation Consulting, for a conversation spanning career pivots, product breakthroughs, personal reinvention, and the art of asking better questions.

Key highlights from the conversation…

• How Kim evolved from accounting at PepsiCo to becoming a global product innovator, leading work on major launches including Nestlé’s packaging transformation and Starbucks’ worldwide Frappuccino expansion.

• Why curiosity—and sometimes being “the one who asks too many questions”—became her superpower and opened doors into new product development, consumer anthropology, and trend analysis.

• The pivotal mentors and leadership lessons that shaped her journey, from early guidance at PepsiCo to collaborative consulting partnerships later in her career.

Kim Lopez-Walters is a senior innovation and marketing leader with deep expertise in the food and beverage and broader CPG industries, specializing in consumer insights, trend analysis, and product strategy. She has spent more than 15 years running her own consulting practice, where she has built product pipelines, developed new products, and guided brands ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Known for blending corporate discipline with an entrepreneurial mindset, Kim helps companies translate emerging trends into successful, market-ready innovations.

Burnout among faith leaders has surged in recent years, fueled by heavier workloads, complex community needs, and the quiet exhaustion many pastors carry—sparking urgent conversations about resilience, calling, and sustainable leadership. A survey found that roughly four in ten pastors considered leaving full-time ministry in a single year, citing reasons like stress and loneliness—making guidance from those who’ve walked the same paths especially timely. Against this backdrop, today’s episode turns toward the intersection of vocation, wellbeing, and purpose.

How does someone maintain passion, presence, and spiritual grounding while serving others—often during their hardest moments? And what does it look like to craft a meaningful, sustainable life when your callings are many?

Welcome to Crafted Journey, brought to you by Digital Artisans. In the latest episode, host Suzy DeLine sits down with Arthur James, author, speaker, and Lead Pastor of The Transparent Church. Their conversation spans Arthur’s early beginnings in hospitality, his evolution into ministry and education, his journey through adversity, and the new chapter he’s ushering in as a mentor to other bivocational pastors.

The main topics of conversation…

• A lifelong foundation in service: From growing up as child #9 of 10 to entering Skyline High School’s groundbreaking hospitality magnet program, Arthur shares how serving others became his DNA and shaped decades of work in hotels, ministry, and education.

• Leading through adversity: Arthur discusses writing his book, Preaching Through Pain, after navigating divorce while pastoring, outlining the framework that helped him continue showing up with “polish, power, and presence.”

• A new mission for a new season: Now focused on helping bivocational pastors avoid burnout, Arthur explains why leaders need sustainable systems—and how community, mentorship, and even AI tools can support modern ministry.

Arthur James is a bivocational pastor, speaker, and author based in the Dallas area. Raised in Dallas, he began his career in hospitality before earning his degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of North Texas and later a master’s degree from Texas Tech University. He spent over 30 years in service-oriented roles, including a decade as a hospitality professor and later as a dean overseeing multiple community college campuses. Presently, he is the author of Preaching Through Pain, an Amazon bestseller in church administration, and the founder of King Arthur Public Speaking, a public-speaking and coaching practice supporting bivocational pastors in sustaining their ministry without burnout.

As the business landscape grows faster and more unpredictable, marketing leaders who can balance the discipline of big-company strategy with the scrappiness of startups are redefining what modern leadership looks like. Brian Fravel’s journey from global tech giant Intel to high-growth SaaS and cybersecurity companies highlights how adaptability, curiosity, and hands-on execution drive success across any environment. His path offers a look at how seasoned leaders translate corporate lessons into startup momentum — and how that blend of experience fuels innovation and growth.

How does a marketing executive transition from global brands to growth-stage startups — and find their “sweet spot” in between?

Welcome to Crafted Journey, brought to you by Digital Artisans. In the latest episode, host Suzy DeLine sits down with Brian Fravel, Vice President of Marketing at AskNicely, to talk about his evolution from early IT roots to leading go-to-market strategy for fast-moving SaaS companies. Together, they unpack the art of scaling brands, the power of networking, and the joy of mentoring the next generation of talent.

Key takeaways from the conversation…

• From Intel to Innovation: Brian reflects on his 17-year career at Intel, including the backstory behind the now-iconic Thunderbolt name — a branding moment influenced by Steve Jobs himself.

• Startup Synergy: After years in corporate life, Brian shares how he found fulfillment in startup environments where agility, creativity, and grit drive success.

• Mentorship as a Superpower: As both a marketing leader and youth sports coach, Brian draws parallels between leading teams and nurturing growth, describing mentorship as his defining professional trait.

Brian Fravel is a global marketing executive with extensive experience leading B2B SaaS and cybersecurity companies through growth and transformation. He has held senior marketing roles at Intel, Vade, Wing Security, and AskNicely, driving brand strategy, demand generation, and digital transformation initiatives that delivered measurable revenue growth and successful exits. Known for his data-driven, hands-on leadership, Fravel specializes in scaling marketing teams, repositioning brands, and executing go-to-market strategies for both startups and enterprise organizations.

Silicon Valley’s story has always been about people as much as technology — the engineers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who turn abstract science into world-changing innovations. Now, as the semiconductor industry drives a new wave of growth through renewable energy and AI, its roots in human ingenuity are more relevant than ever. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, America’s chip resurgence has surpassed $600 billion in announced supply-chain investments across 28 states over the past five years — fueling more than half a million U.S. jobs and marking one of the most significant manufacturing revivals in modern history.

So what does it take to thrive through decades of relentless change — from managing yield at National Semiconductor, to championing solar innovation, to guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs?

In this episode of Crafted Journeys, brought to you by Digital Artisans, host Suzy DeLine sits down with John Giddings, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University. Together, they trace his unconventional career path — from biomedical engineering to semiconductor manufacturing to founding a startup later acquired by Google. Along the way, Giddings shares insights about mentorship, ethics, and teaching the art of translating between the languages of technology and business.

Top insights…

• Cross-disciplinary fluency as a superpower: How blending engineering with business and communication helped Giddings bridge the gap between technical teams and customers.

• The evolution of Silicon Valley culture: From semiconductor fabs to solar energy startups, Giddings recounts how collaboration, mentorship, and risk-taking shaped his career.

• Teaching entrepreneurship with empathy: Why his classes at Santa Clara University focus on inclusion, curiosity, and learning from real-world innovation across global contexts.

John Giddings is an experienced engineering and business leader with more than 20 years in semiconductor technology, entrepreneurship, and strategic growth. He has served in senior roles at National Semiconductor, Amkor, TSMC, and TeleLumen, driving global business development, product strategy, and high-tech innovation. Now an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University, Giddings shares his blend of technical insight and business acumen to mentor future founders, focusing on the balance between innovation, strategy, and ethics.

As the modern workforce continues to evolve, conversations around balance, fulfillment, and flexibility are taking center stage. With hybrid work redefining expectations and career paths becoming less linear, professionals are asking deeper questions about what “success” really means. According to Gallup’s latest data, only 31% of U.S. employees were engaged at work in 2024, the lowest level in a decade — underscoring how many Americans are reassessing how their careers align with their lives.

So, how can you build a meaningful career while staying adaptable and true to yourself? How do you know when to pivot, when to lead, and when to take a well-deserved step back?

In this episode of Crafted Journey, host Suzy DeLine sits down with Debbie Crouse, Partner at CW Training & Consulting, to trace the arcs of a career built on program management, process improvement, and people-first leadership. Together, they unpack Debbie’s early experiences—from studying international relations at Berkeley to helping factories modernize their systems—and the mentors and moments that shaped her path.

Key takeaways from this episode…

How curiosity and adaptability can turn unexpected opportunities into long-term career success.

The importance of mentorship and human connection in professional growth.

Why following your heart—personally and professionally—leads to more authentic success.

Debbie Crouse is a Partner at CW Training & Consulting, where she specializes in training and skills development. With a background spanning program management, process improvement, and business systems analysis, Debbie has worked with organizations from manufacturing to technology, including notable roles at Webvan and Intuit. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, she holds a degree in International Political Economy. Debbie’s career is defined by her versatility, leadership, and passion for helping teams “get stuff done.”

In an era when artificial intelligence is reshaping entire industries and the pace of software innovation feels almost unmanageable, the question of leadership—what it looks like, how it adapts, and who embodies it—has never been more vital. The technology sector is confronting one of the fastest paradigm shifts in decades, and with that change comes a demand for leaders who can inspire resilience, adaptability, and purpose amid uncertainty.

So, how does a modern leader guide technical teams through seismic transformation without losing sight of human connection?

Welcome to Crafted Journeys, brought to you by Digital Artisans. In the latest episode, host Suzy DeLine sits down with Gregory Gorman, ESEP, Director of Developer Relations at PayPal, to explore a career that spans fighter jets, fintech, and the frontier of AI. Together, they unpack Gorman’s evolution from electrical engineer at McDonnell Douglas to developer advocate and executive leader—revealing the craftsmanship behind decades of technological and personal growth.

Highlights from the conversation…

• Resilience as a leadership skill: Gorman explains why adaptability—honed through decades of change from defense tech to digital payments—is a leader’s greatest tool.

• Engineering precision meets human empathy: From cockpit systems to PayPal’s developer relations, he draws parallels between software reliability and trust in people.

• AI and influence: Gorman shares PayPal’s pioneering efforts to ensure AI systems like ChatGPT accurately represent company data—showing how influence and integrity intertwine in the age of large language models.

Gregory Gorman, ESEP, is a seasoned technology executive and systems engineer with more than three decades of global experience across aerospace, enterprise software, and fintech. As Director of Developer Relations at PayPal, he leads initiatives that connect developers with innovation at scale. Before joining PayPal, Gorman spent 14 years at IBM, where he guided developer ecosystem strategy, oversaw site infrastructure and security, and helped launch the pioneering Watson IoT business unit. His earlier career included leadership roles at Telelogic, Honeywell, and McDonnell Aircraft, where he directed teams building mission-critical software for commercial and defense aviation systems.