This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jamilah Prince-Stewart, CEO, and Duanecia Clark, Chief Strategy & Communications Officer of FaithActs for Education, for a powerful conversation about organized people, organized power, and what business leaders can learn from community-based organizing.

From vaccine clinics and food distribution during the pandemic to housing initiatives and education advocacy, Jamilah and Duanecia share how they’ve built scalable systems rooted in relationships, accountability, and measurable outcomes. They reflect on their personal journeys from Harlem, the Bronx, New Haven, and Bridgeport, and how those experiences shaped their leadership philosophy and approach to driving change at scale.

Together, they unpack how FaithActs mobilizes networks, develops leaders, and influences public policy — including helping move $150 million toward more equitable school funding in Connecticut and building a base of thousands of highly engaged voters. At its core, this is a conversation about strategy: how to align mission with action, build trust-based partnerships, and turn vision into tangible results.

Whether you’re a business owner, executive, or emerging leader, this episode offers a masterclass in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and the power of organized people to move systems — proving that sustainable impact, in any sector, requires both conviction and execution.

•

•

•

Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

This past weekend, the biggest stage in the world became a mirror for culture, identity, and brand purpose.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon Peralta is joined by the Peralta Design team - Jorge Pezo-Candelario, Maggie Kruse, and Kaed Gonzalez - for a Super Bowl 60 breakdown that goes far beyond the final score. While the game itself may have lacked fireworks, the halftime show and commercials sparked conversations about representation, legacy, hyper-targeted marketing, and the future of creativity in an AI-driven world.

The team unpacks Bad Bunny’s historic halftime performance as a historic moment - not just for Puerto Rico, but for Latinos across generations - highlighting the symbolism, Easter eggs, and unapologetic authenticity that resonated with millions of Americans of all backgrounds with a patriotic message of unity and love.

On the advertising side, the conversation dives into standout campaigns from brands like Lay’s, Budweiser, Google, Dove, Uber Eats, and more - examining why emotion, specificity, and continuity matter more than ever. The group explores how hyper-targeted ads outperform “for everyone” messaging, how brands are navigating AI, and why knowing who you’re for is the real competitive advantage.

Whether you’re a marketer, founder, creative, or brand leader, this episode is a reminder that culture drives connection, clarity beats broadness, and there is a lane for you - if you’re brave enough to own it.

•

•

•

Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What if the key to better business results isn’t strategy or systems - but how you show up for your people?

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Dora Thagouras, Founder and CEO of Clarity 13, leadership coach, HR executive, and Energy Leadership Master Practitioner. From growing up in her family’s Greek diner to spending over two decades in corporate leadership at brands like Nine West and Yves Saint Laurent, Dora shares how early lessons in human connection shaped her belief that culture is created through behavior - not buzzwords.

In this conversation, Dora breaks down why companies can’t deliver exceptional customer experiences without first creating exceptional employee experiences. She challenges outdated, top-down leadership models and explains why care, consistency, and communication are the real drivers of engagement, retention, and performance - especially for small and mid-sized businesses.

Dora also introduces the concept of Energy Leadership, exploring how mindset, belief systems, and stress responses directly impact team dynamics, decision-making, and workplace culture. Through real-world examples and a powerful client success story, she shows how leaders can shift from reactive, burnout-driven environments to cultures rooted in trust, clarity, and accountability.

Whether you’re a business owner, executive, or emerging leader, this episode is a compelling reminder that leadership isn’t about being perfect - it’s about being present, and that taking care of your people is both the right thing to do and good business.

•

•

•

Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge are joined by Doug Rawady, Business Development Director at Sandler Training and Founder of Business Concierge Solutions, for a timely conversation on leadership, collaboration, and navigating uncertainty in today’s business landscape.

Doug shares the story behind the Peer-to-Peer Council, a mastermind-style group launched with BRBC that brings together 8–10 upper-level business owners from different industries for monthly, no-fluff conversations focused on real challenges and shared problem-solving. With only one person per vertical, the group creates a level of insight and synergy that leaders can’t find within their own industries alone.

The conversation also explores the realities businesses are facing - from budget cuts and layoffs to rising costs and increased pressure on nonprofits - and why “staying flat” has become the new baseline. Doug, Ramon, and Jorge discuss how AI and automation can help businesses increase efficiency and effectiveness without replacing people, emphasizing that human + AI will always outperform AI alone.

If you’re a business owner navigating change, exploring AI, or looking for smarter ways to grow without adding overhead, this episode offers grounded insight, real-world perspective, and a fresh way to think about leadership in today’s economy.

•

•

•

Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What happens when artificial intelligence stops being a future concept and becomes an everyday business reality? For the crew at Peralta Design, it’s less about replacement - and more about adaptation, efficiency, and keeping the human edge.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Jorge Pezo-Candelario (Director of Web Development), Kevin Atterbury (Senior Back-End Developer), and Kaed Gonzalez (Interactive Designer) for an honest conversation about where AI is headed - and what it actually means for businesses today. From the fear of being replaced to the divide between AI adopters and skeptics, the team discusses why “resistance is futile” and how every major technological shift in history has ultimately created opportunity.

Drawing parallels to the Industrial Revolution, the Flight Crew explores why this moment feels different - with AI impacting not just manual labor, but cognitive work - and why soft skills, creativity, and human judgment matter more than ever. They share real-world insights from an AI conference in Boston, discuss the rise of AI agents and automation in CRMs, and explain how tools like custom GPTs, process documentation, and smart integrations can act as an extension of your team.

Whether you’re a business owner, creative, developer, or leader navigating the future of work, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at how to adopt AI without losing the human touch that sets great companies apart.

What if leadership growth starts with confronting the story you’ve been carrying your entire life?

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Shirley Skyers-Thomas — attorney, Deputy Commissioner of the State of Connecticut, executive coach, and author of UnLEARNEDed: Honor Your Story, Release Restraints, and Embrace Your Power. Raised in Bridgeport by Jamaican parents and shaped by faith, family, and service, Shirley shares how her journey - from pastor’s kid to government employee - informs the way she leads and advocates today.

In this conversation, Shirley breaks down why personal development and leadership development can’t be separated, especially for small and micro-business owners who often lack access to formal training. She challenges leaders to recognize their own narratives, unpack limiting beliefs formed early in life, and understand how those stories quietly show up in delegation, trust, and team dynamics.

She also opens up about writing UnLEARNEDed during the pandemic - a deeply vulnerable process sparked by turning 40 and realizing that professional success had become a façade. The book, and her work today, invite leaders to interrupt old thought patterns, embrace continuous growth, and lead with authenticity.

Whether you’re a founder, executive, or leader navigating change, this episode is a powerful reminder that honoring your story is the first step toward sustainable leadership and lasting impact.

What happens when a personal health crisis, an unexpected love story, and a shared belief in holistic wellness collide? For Paige and Ted Parker, co-owners and co-presidents of Vibrant Health, it led to a thriving company, a rebrand decades in the making, and a marriage strengthened through both challenge and choice.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Ted and Paige to explore the real, unfiltered journey behind one of the most award-winning brands in the natural health space. From navigating 25 years of marriage and 17 years of co-ownership, to balancing their opposite personalities, the Parkers open up about the work it takes to build both a business and a partnership that lasts.

Paige reflects on her battle with chronic illness and how an elimination diet led her to open her first health food store - and eventually bump into Ted at her aunt’s restaurant. Ted recalls how a single supplement, Green Vibrance, transformed his health after years of an unhealthy lifestyle… and how his enthusiasm for that product eventually changed the entire trajectory of their lives.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a couple in business together, or someone passionate about wellness, this episode delivers honest insight into partnership dynamics, purpose-driven growth, and what it really takes to build something extraordinary - together.

•

•

•

Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What happens when a generation of kids is searching for confidence, connection, and a place to belong - while youth programs everywhere face budget cuts and shifting priorities? For Mike “Neech” Cannici, longtime Program Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club of the Naugatuck Valley, the answer is simple: you keep showing up for them, no matter what.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Neech, who has spent nearly 30 years helping young people discover who they are and what they can become. From the game room where he first started in 1995 to the life-changing programs he oversees today, Neech has seen firsthand how youth development transforms kids - and whole communities.

He shares powerful stories: children who once lacked confidence becoming “Youth of the Year,” older kids embracing younger ones like family, and entire generations returning to the Club because of the impact it had on their lives. Neech opens up about his own struggles with confidence growing up, the mentors who changed his path, and why programs like Torch Club and Keystone are so essential in building dedication, leadership, and belonging.

As services are being slashed and community priorities shift, Neech reminds us why investing in youth is everyone’s responsibility - including the business community. Because behind every “tough” kid is someone searching for guidance, connection, and someone who cares enough not to give up.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, leader, or anyone who believes in the power of community, this episode is a moving look at the heart and hope of youth development - and a reminder to never stop dreaming, no matter your age.

What happens when the very programs meant to fight poverty are on the brink of disappearing? For Michelle James, Executive Director of the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut (CAAWC), that question isn’t hypothetical - it’s her daily reality.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Michelle to unpack the vital role of Community Action in our nation’s social safety net. CAAWC helps individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency - offering a hand up, not just a handout. From heating assistance and food pantries to job readiness and ESL programs, Michelle and her team serve over a thousand people each month, connecting them with the resources they need to survive and thrive.

But with federal funding for critical programs like the Community Services Block Grant and the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program “zeroed out” of the federal budget, the agency faces an uncertain future. Michelle opens up about the sleepless nights of running a nonprofit like a business - forecasting, adapting, and fighting for every dollar to keep her team and programs afloat.

As CAAWC celebrates 60 years of service, Michelle reflects on resilience, reinvention, and what it truly means to lead through uncertainty. Whether you’re a changemaker, community advocate, or entrepreneur navigating tough times, this episode is a masterclass in transformational leadership, persistence, and purpose.

•

•

•

Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do family, friends, and a missed putt have in common? For Dr. Al B. Quarles Jr., they’re the foundation of Bucka Fogey Sports - a lifestyle brand born from friendship, golf, and a desire to look good while doing what you love.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Dr. Quarles, Founder and CEO of Bucka Fogey, to explore how a single moment on the green turned into a growing apparel and manufacturing company that blends faith, fashion, and fun. From humble beginnings making shirts and hats for his golf trips with friends, to running full-scale events like the Bucka Fogey Family & Friends Trip, Mancation, and BFF Weekend, Dr. Quarles shares how passion and persistence turned a grassroots idea into a thriving brand.

He opens up about the challenges of manufacturing high-quality gear, the importance of photography and branding in apparel, and how word-of-mouth and authentic community support helped Bucka Fogey grow - especially during COVID. The conversation dives into his design process, his innovation team (including ideas from his college-athlete daughter), and how staying true to his values helped the company evolve beyond just clothing to become a lifestyle movement.

From creating limited-edition drops to expanding into women’s apparel and strengthening ties with the Sifford family, Dr. Quarles proves that building a brand is far from “set it and forget it.” It’s about learning from mistakes, celebrating wins, and keeping your vision aligned with your purpose. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a creative entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great origin story, this episode is packed with insights on growth, grit, and the grind behind great branding.