Industry Edge

Charles Scott is an executive mentor who helps individuals achieve ambitious goals while crafting meaningful lives. After a 14-year career at Intel Corporation, he co-founded the non-profit Team See Possibilities, which offers scholarships and mentoring to college students with vision impairment. Charles also developed an executive workshop titled "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?," which he delivered to thousands of CEOs and senior executives across North America. His endurance challenges have been featured in media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, FOX News, National Geographic, and Outside Magazine.

Many high-achieving professionals struggle with maintaining their physical and emotional health while reaching new heights. They often sacrifice family time, vitality, and well-being to pursue career goals, only to find themselves burned out and disconnected. How can you merge personal fulfillment with professional achievement?

Executive mentor and endurance adventurer Charles Scott encourages professionals to shift from striving for a work-life balance to achieving a work-life blend. This involves investing in multiple forms of wealth, including material, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Understanding this concept isn't the same as implementing it, so Charles suggests leveraging mentors, peer groups, and consistent practice to bridge the gap between knowledge and behavior.

In today's episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely sits down with executive mentor Charles Scott to talk about building a purpose-driven life without sacrificing professional goals. Charles explains the parallels between endurance challenges and leadership, how to integrate intentional living and stress management practices into your daily life, and how to shift your mindset on rest and productivity.

Justin Kelly is the Owner of Fifth & Broad, a media production company. He is also the Deacon of Audio Visual at Edgefield Church. Before founding Fifth & Broad, Justin was an Audio Technician at Bryan College and Westwood Baptist Church and the Director of Visual Content at South Street Co.

In industries like manufacturing, construction, and distribution, standing out in a crowded market can feel impossible, especially when your work isn't flashy or glamorous. Websites and brochures alone often fall short of building the kind of trust that closes deals and attracts talent. How can businesses in gritty, hands-on industries showcase their value in a way that's authentic and compelling?

As an expert in high-end video and photography, Justin Kelly advises leveraging visual storytelling to create emotional connections. Showcasing real people — like technicians, line workers, or supervisors — on camera helps humanize a brand and makes it more relatable. Rather than producing stock footage, Justin encourages businesses to invest in short, intentional video segments that highlight team members, work environments, and company values. A well-guided, low-stress production process can help even the most camera-shy individuals shine on screen.

In today's episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely interviews Justin Kelly, the Owner of Fifth & Broad, about using video to build trust and drive business results. Justin shares how authentic storytelling can transform brand perception, discusses common video marketing mistakes, and why every business has a story worth conveying.

Reggie D. Ford is the Founder and President of RoseCrete Wealth Management, a financial services company for high-net-worth clients. He is also a Wellness and Resilience Architect at RoseCrete Wellness Company, where he works with corporate teams, educational institutions, and sports organizations to foster cultures of mental wellness and peak performance. As an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and mental health advocate, Reggie is the author of Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction (PTSD), and his insights have been recognized in Nashville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 and Nashville's Top 30 Under 30.

Many people appear to have it all together — successful careers, stable relationships, and a seemingly perfect life — yet behind closed doors, they silently struggle with mental health challenges. Unresolved trauma, stress, and emotional burdens can lead to breaking points that aren't always visible to others. How can you navigate these hidden struggles and find support without feeling isolated or ashamed?

As a fierce advocate for mental health, Reggie D. Ford maintains that individuals must express vulnerability and seek support to overcome adversity. Rather than suppressing your emotions, developing resilience requires processing them in a healthy way. Reggie suggests beginning by identifying a trusted person — whether a friend, family member, or professional — to open up about your challenges. Professionals in leadership roles should foster workplace cultures that go beyond mental health awareness and actively support employees through policies that encourage psychological safety, open dialogue, and genuine empathy.

Join Danielle Neely in this episode of Industry Edge as she interviews Reggie D. Ford, the Founder and President of RoseCrete Wealth Management, about prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being. Reggie talks about the role of trauma-informed care in leadership, how to cultivate psychologically safe environments, and actions you can take to begin your healing journey.

Jason Sain is the Founder of 1 Degree Consulting, a consulting company for the construction industry. Through 1 Degree Consulting, he implements small, incremental changes that lead to significant improvements in the lives of individuals within the construction sector. With 25 years of experience in construction leadership, Jason has served as Executive Vice President, VP, and COO of various construction firms, managing projects ranging from $1 million to $250 million.

Navigating the construction industry requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands strong leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement. How can construction leaders balance innovation with consistency while keeping their teams engaged and motivated?

With decades of experience in the construction industry, Jason Sain has developed a system for guiding businesses toward operational excellence. The four p's framework — people, processes, projects, and profits — offers a structured approach to identifying inefficiencies and driving meaningful change. Jason maintains that building trust with employees fosters effective transformation and innovation; leaders must engage their teams, communicate openly, and demonstrate that changes are in their best interest. By streamlining processes, aligning employees with optimal roles, optimizing projects for efficiency, and maintaining a clear focus on profitability, construction companies can foster sustainable growth and create a positive impact on their workforce.

In this episode of Industry Edge, Michelle Keckler hosts Jason Sain, the Founder of 1 Degree Consulting, to discuss catalyzing incremental changes in construction organizations. Jason explains why he calls himself a "Construction Sherpa," the importance of developing core values for your company, and the technology and innovation challenges he faced while in executive roles.

Duane Murray is the Principal Chair of C12, a leading peer advisory forum for Christian CEOs and business owners. Before joining C12, he served as an Executive Pastor at Thompson Station Church, where he led local development, international missions, and church planting efforts. Duane began his career in the healthcare space, serving as the CEO of a 12-physician orthopedic surgery group, driving profitability, expansion, and the development of a physician-owned surgery center.

Many Christian entrepreneurs and business leaders are hesitant to integrate faith into the workplace. They fear a faith-based approach may create conflicts, alienate team members, or negatively impact company culture. How can faith-driven leadership strengthen organizations, improve employee well-being, and drive business outcomes?

Faith-driven business advisor Duane Murray explains that integrating faith into business starts with authenticity and a commitment to serving others. Christian-based operational approaches strengthen organizations by fostering a culture of trust, care, and purpose. By embedding faith-oriented values into company mission statements, offering chaplaincy programs, and encouraging open yet respectful discussions about faith, leaders can create workplaces where employees feel valued beyond their job roles. Duane also notes that businesses prioritizing faith-driven leadership often see higher employee retention, as team members are more engaged, supported, and connected to a greater purpose.

In today's episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely sits down with Duane Murray, the Principal Chair of C12, to talk about how business leaders can authentically integrate faith into their workplaces. He discusses how to balance faith with corporate policies, leveraging strategic planning to enhance ministry and business goals, and real-life examples of companies thriving through faith-based leadership.

Mark Hiddleson is the Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, Inc., a nationwide logistics company with industry-leading warehouse storage solutions. The company provides clients with innovative products, facility layouts, and designs to optimize their logistics operations. With several decades of service experience in the warehousing and logistics industry, Mark has held leadership roles in several professional industry organizations. Using a holistic approach, he also has experience in equipment material handling, operations management, supply chain optimization, professional development, and public speaking.

Many businesses struggle with optimizing their warehouse and logistics operations, often facing inefficiencies that increase costs and limit growth. Without strategic planning, businesses may waste space, compromise safety, and reduce overall productivity. How can companies improve warehouse layouts and streamline operations to enhance efficiency and profitability?

As a logistics expert, Mark Hiddleson emphasizes the importance of collaboration between warehouse managers and industry experts to create functional layouts that maximize space utilization. He notes that large retailers like Home Depot and Costco don't just place racks and shelving arbitrarily; instead, they use precise measurements and data-driven decisions to optimize every square foot for efficiency. Smaller businesses can apply this by carefully analyzing their warehouse flow, reducing unnecessary movement, and placing frequently accessed inventory in high-traffic areas.

In this episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely sits down with Mark Hiddleson, Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, Inc., to discuss optimizing warehouse operations for efficiency and growth. Mark shares his approach to servant leadership, his process for writing his upcoming book, and how strategic networking fuels business growth.

Michele Herlein is the Founder and CEO of CultureMax, a firm aligning organizational strategy and culture to drive exceptional financial results. In 2015, she co-founded Impact100 Nashville, a women's giving circle that has awarded over $1 million in grants to local nonprofits and served as its President from 2018 to 2021, doubling membership to over 200 members. Before her current ventures, Michele served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Barge Design Solutions, Inc., where she aligned organizational culture with the firm's strategic direction.

Workplace culture plays a crucial role in employee engagement, retention, and business success. Many organizations struggle to implement meaningful cultural initiatives, often limiting their efforts to mission statements rather than creating a lived experience for employees. How can leaders foster a culture that not only attracts top talent but also drives financial growth?

According to culture builder Michele Herlein, impactful workplace cultures rely on three key elements: clarity, alignment, and collective values. Companies must define their priorities, ensure leadership consistency, and embed cultural values into daily operations. Workplace environments impact employees personally and professionally, so fostering an environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued improves retention and enhances the organization's bottom line. Michele also says companies can maintain strong cultures in remote and hybrid work settings by shifting from time-based performance metrics to results-driven outcomes.

In today's episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely welcomes Michele Herlein, the Founder and CEO of CultureMax, to discuss the tangible impact of workplace culture on employee satisfaction and business performance. Michele shares insights from her upcoming book, explains how to improve your workplace culture, and offers strategies for leaders to create high-performing work environments.

Becky Sharpe is the Owner and CEO of International Scholarship & Tuition Services (ISTS), a women-owned organization that manages scholarships and tuition assistance programs. Under her leadership, ISTS has expanded its services to manage educational assistance programs globally. Becky is also the Co-owner and CEO of Collegiate Sports Data, which connects high school athletes with college sports programs, and a Partner at WatchGameFilm, a sports video analysis platform. As a coach and mentor, she leads A Sharper You, where she provides corporate workshops for professionals and business owners.

Pivots and transitions are often necessary for those in leadership positions. Entrepreneurs who acquire an existing company must navigate new growth channels, sustain an existing company culture, and develop succession plans. What can you learn from a leader who built a thriving business while preparing for the next generation to take the reins?

Entrepreneur and CEO Becky Sharpe never imagined she would own a company after joining as CEO in 2002. Through a sweat equity deal, she doubled the business within a year and ultimately acquired full ownership. Over time, she realized that true leadership isn't just about growing a company; it's about fostering trust, delegating effectively, and ensuring long-term sustainability beyond one individual. Becky promotes emotional resilience and encourages leaders and teams to respond to challenges with ongoing optimism.

In this week's Industry Edge episode, Danielle Neely hosts Becky Sharpe, the Owner and CEO of International Scholarship & Tuition Services (ISTS), to discuss building a lasting business, developing a strong leadership team, and transitioning out of day-to-day operations. Becky shares her strategies for succession planning, her approach to employee development, and how personal well-being influences professional performance.

Dr. Jeremy Weisz is the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that helps B2B business owners connect with their ideal prospects, referral partners, and strategic partners through a done-for-you podcast service. Jeremy has been involved in podcasting for 14 years and was a senior producer for early business podcasts. He helped put all of their systems in place and helped them add volume, feature, and edify various business leaders.

Jeremy has been running his podcast, Inspired Insider, since 2011. He has featured top entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs of companies such as P90X, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, and the Orlando Magic. He continues to run his chiropractic and massage facility in downtown Chicago and is the founder of a nutritional supplement business.

In B2B marketing, relationship-building is essential for business growth. Podcasting has emerged as a powerful tool to connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and strategic partners. How can B2B professionals leverage podcasts to grow their businesses?

Podcast veteran and relationship-builder Dr. Jeremy Weisz has developed the Dream 200 strategy, which allows companies to identify and engage with their top 200 ideal clients, referral partners, and industry influencers. By featuring these key relationships on a podcast, businesses can provide value, strengthen partnerships, and capitalize on new opportunities. This method shifts the focus from direct selling to building long-term, high-value connections that drive sustained business growth.

In this week's episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely invites Dr. Jeremy Weisz, the Co-founder of Rise25, to discuss podcasting and relationship-building strategies for B2B businesses. Jeremy talks about generating ROI through podcasting, companies who have connected with ideal partners and clients using a podcast, and how to launch your first podcast.

Ken Huffman is the VP of Operations at Toyota Material Handling Midsouth, a premier provider of material handling equipment, warehouse solutions, rentals, parts, and services. In his role, he leads the organization's operations in its Western territories. With a background in engineering and operational leadership, Ken specializes in process optimization and service delivery.

In large industrial companies where technicians drive operational efficiency, creating a culture that prioritizes employee well-being is a difficult balance. Yet, with burnout on the rise, organizations must accommodate employee needs to ensure optimal performance. How can industrial businesses put their employees first?

Operations manager and employee advocate Ken Huffman has implemented a four-day workweek entitled BOLD (Bettering Our Lives Daily). This gives employees a day for self-care or personal enrichment, allowing them time to recharge. Ken also partners with Corporate Chaplains of America to support employees struggling with mental health issues or addiction. These initiatives boost employee retention, loyalty, and productivity, leading to greater operational efficiency within organizations.

On today's episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely speaks with Ken Huffman, the VP of Operations at Toyota Material Handling Midsouth, about building an employee-first culture. Ken shares how various employee initiatives impact company operations, his transition from mining to material handling, and advice for growing your career in material handling.