Presentation Hell

Episode #101 featuring Dr. Bryce Seliger and Dr. Tiffany Cox, two influential figures in the world of music education. Dr. Bryce Seliger has spent over a decade shaping arts administration and music education, including her role as Associate Professor of Music at Pacific University and as the Founder and Music Director of the Pacific Philharmonic. Known for her innovative approaches to community engagement, Dr. Seliger has also conducted numerous orchestras in Florida and Oregon and gained national recognition for her work in contemporary music.

Dr. Tiffany Cox, a local band director at Lake Worth Community High School, brings her passion for music education to the forefront. With a PhD from Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Cox’s background includes music therapy and jazz trombone from Florida State University. Since 2017, she has inspired students at Lake Worth High School and is committed to her role as band director for years to come.

Listen to Alexanndra Ontra as she explores their journeys in music education, the challenges and innovations in the field, and their visions for the future of arts and orchestral performance.

This Podcast is sponsored by Shufflrr. Shufflrr is AI for Presentations.

For the milestone 100th episode of Presentation Hell, we are thrilled to feature Lakshmi Shenoy, CEO of Embarc Collective, where Presentation Hell was brought to life. Under her leadership, Embarc Collective has become a dynamic hub for startups, driving Tampa’s growth as a key entrepreneurial ecosystem. Prior to this, Lakshmi made waves in Chicago as Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at 1871, the world’s #1 university-affiliated business incubator.

With an MBA from Harvard Business School and a background that spans Procter & Gamble, Time Inc., and Prophet Brand Strategy, Lakshmi is a recognized expert in growth strategy. Join us as she shares her journey, insights, and vision for the future of startups and innovation.

This Podcast is Sponsored by Shufflrr, Shufflrr is AI for Presentations

Episode #99 featuring William Holms, an American author celebrated for his award-winning thriller series, The Killing of Faith. Holms also spent much time as a trial and divorce attorney with nearly three decades of experience, Holms draws on his legal background and deep understanding of the human condition to craft suspenseful narratives that resonate with readers. His debut novel, The Killing of Faith, earned him prestigious accolades, including the American Bookfest Award, the National Indie Excellence Award, and the Reader's Favorite Award, establishing him as a prominent figure in the thriller genre.

Listen to James Ontra and William Holms talk about what made Holms make such a career switch and learn about why his novels are known for their psychological depth, intense suspense, and complex characters. 

This Podcast is sponsored by Shufflrr, Shufflrr is AI for Presentations

Episode #98 features Hunter McKinley, the Co-Founder & CEO of Yac, a voice messaging platform designed for remote teams, and Backtrack, the world’s first AI booth sales assistant that helps exhibitors close deals through backward recording and automation. Under Hunter's leadership, Yac raised $7.5M in Series A funding. His innovative approach to communication and sales technology has earned him recognition in top publications like Business Insider Tech, Forbes, TechCrunch, and Fast Company.

Listen to James Ontra and Hunter McKinley discuss what has made Hunter a respected leader and problem-solver in the tech industry.

This podcast is sponsored by Shufflrr, AI for presentations.

Episode #97 featuring Tom Stanton, Partner at Bochner Law. Bochner is an Intellectual Property Advisory and Consulting Law firm. After spending 10 years in the IT field, at the age of 35 Tom decided to make a career change and become an attorney. Since then, Tom has become a licensed patent attorney in both New York and Florida with focus on cutting edge computer technologies and related intellectual property protection. 

Listen to James Ontra and Tom Stanton discuss how influential the Tampa community has been towards their careers. With James being an alumni member of Leadership Tampa Bay and Tom being a member of the Tampa Bay Business Journal's 30 Under 30, they share insights on how the Tampa Bay Community continues to inspire and drive their success.

This Podcast is Sponsored by Shufflrr, Shufflrr is AI for Presentations

Episode #96 features Alexander Zambrano, owner of Fabrizio & Sons Marble and Granite Restoration Inc. Fabrizio & Sons is a family-owned business that has been operational since 1999, specializing in the restoration of all types of natural stone countertops, walls, and floors. Alexander's father, Fabrizio, was featured on Presentation Hell episode #48 back in May 2023.

Listen to James Ontra and Alexander Zambrano as they delve into the world of natural stone restoration from a professional's perspective. Alexander, a distinguished member of Tampa Club's 40 Under 40, brings his dedication to quality and craftsmanship to the episode. 

This podcast is sponsored by "Presentation Hell," the book.

Episode #95 featuring Taylor Villegas, founder of Twelve Tables, a next-gen consulting firm fostering collaborations among independent creators and agencies, Taylor brings a unique perspective to problem-solving and strategy execution. Taylors entrepreneurial journey also includes being an active partner of Sunny Collabs, a content-first agency headquartered out of Tampa, Florida - with an impressive portfolio spanning Whiteclaw, Greenlane, Carrabbas, Pinch-a-Penny Pools, and Next Level Brand.

With over a decade of experience, Taylor is a sought-after business strategist, challenging the narrative around constant stress as a precursor to success. Active in community service and mentorship, Taylor is dedicated to inspiring a balanced approach to success in the business landscape.

Tune in with James Ontra and Taylor Villages to and learn how Taylor's career journey has led her to be where she is today!

Episode #94 features Azza Diasti-Kennedy, the Founder & CEO of Pet Harmony. Pet Harmony is a platform for pet owners that offers immediate online access to expert veterinary care. After experiencing the stress of being a vet and witnessing firsthand the nonstop need for veterinary care, Azza built a platform to provide peace of mind for the world's pet owners. With over two decades of veterinary experience, Azza believes in more than just curing ailments; she envisions a world where caregivers, especially women, feel valued and empowered.

Listen to AlexAnndra Ontra and Azza Diasti Kennedy talk about how Azza’s passion for fostering harmony between pets and their human companions led to the creation of Pet Harmony.

This Podcast is Sponsored By Shufflrr. www.Shufflrr.com is AI for Presentations.

Episode #93 featuring CEO Akshay Bhuva and CRO Andrew Collier of Kitchenery. Both are Co-founders of the company. Kitchenery is a Stanley + Techstars wireless kitchen appliance company with a mission of revolutionizing the kitchen space by eliminating the constraints of traditional cooking environments.

Join James Ontra, Andrew Collier, and Akshay Bhuva as they discuss the remarkable progress Kitchenery has made since Andrew's last appearance on Presentation Hell in Episode #39. With a live product demonstration, discover how Kitchenery is still leading the way in kitchen technology and innovation.

This podcast is sponsored by Shufflrr, Shufflrr is AI for Presentations

Episode #92 featuring Joe Steilberg & Parker Klein, Founders of Twos. Twos is your all-in-one hub for notes, reminders, events, ideas, and more. The idea of forgetting things before you’re able to write them down is what birthed Two’s into the go to platform to keep you organized.

Listen to James Ontra & the founders Joe and Parker talk about what gave them this idea and what made Two’s valuable enough to receive 1.7 million dollars in funding from Tampa Bay Ventures.

 This Podcast is Sponsored By Shufflrr, www.Shufflrr.com is AI for Presentations