Professionally Speaking

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In this powerful follow-up, Beth sits down again with Nathan Baar, founder of Health Baar, to explore how his innovative model is transforming access to care by strengthening the human connections at the heart of healthcare.

Nathan shares real-world stories of how his approach—blending holistic insight with traditional systems—has streamlined care pathways, improved early intervention, and even saved lives using this type of care in local businesses. By elevating nurses as connectors and centering on being fully present, his team is helping patients get the right care, at the right time, in the right way.

At the core of it all is Nathan’s belief that relationships—not just systems—drive results. Tune in to hear how Health Baar is redefining what healthcare can look like when connection comes first.

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.

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 In this episode, Tammy Campbell Director of  West Michigan Ele's Place tells our listeners about her career journey and discusses the organization's mission to provide peer-to-peer grief support for children and teens who have experienced loss, emphasizing their age-appropriate groups and safe, home-like environment where all feelings are accepted. She highlighted the challenges of community awareness and the importance of fundraising, while also offering advice on how to support grieving individuals by listening and acknowledging their loss. Tammy announced Ele's Place's first annual Healing Hearts 5K event on June 8th to raise awareness and funds for their services.

Listener's can sign up for the race here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Walker/HealingHeartRunWalk

And learn more about Ele's Place and help our community connect here:https://elesplace.org/branch-locations/west-michigan/about

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.

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Compensation! It's a powerful tool for attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent. In this episode of Professionally Speaking, Beth Batts talks with Aaron Ambrose, founder of AA Comp Answers, about the key strategies companies need to build effective and competitive compensation structures.

From pay transparency and market benchmarking to total rewards and retention strategies, Aaron shares expert insights that help businesses navigate the complexities of compensation with confidence. Whether you’re an HR leader, business owner, or manager, this episode will give you the knowledge to make compensation a strategic advantage in your organization.

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.

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Welcome to this empowering episode of Professionally Speaking! We are thrilled to sit down with Amirika Richardson, T3 Education Officer for Capital Area Michigan Works! Amirika is making waves in the Greater Lansing area by challenging traditional perceptions of employment pipelines and creating new pathways for youth to explore their potential—starting while they’re still in high school.  
Through her work with the Career Education and Advisory Council, Amirika is breaking down stereotypes, lifting up the trades, and helping young people embrace self-recognition as they chart their paths toward growth and meaningful careers.  

 "So what you're doing is incredible. You're starting the thought process out with, 'Where are you, and what can you do to help yourself develop?' And it's incredible. So when people think of a pipeline for employment, there seems to be a perception that it begins after someone has finished some sort of post-secondary education, and… so you are challenging that."* – Beth Batts  

Join us as we dive into this important discussion about reshaping career development, empowering youth, and the transformative impact of embracing alternative paths to success.  

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.

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In this episode of Professionally Speaking, we sit down with Christy Buck from the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan to discuss the *be nice.* program—a proactive approach to mental health awareness in both schools and workplaces. We dive into how we can Notice, Invite, Challenge, and Empower (N.I.C.E.) to create action plans that support mental well-being, build a culture of kindness, and promote a safe environment for everyone. Tune in to learn how these actionable steps make a difference in recognizing mental health needs and empowering others to speak up and support one another.

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.

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We recognize that our personal lives and the supports we have—or lack—can impact our professional journeys. In this episode of “Professionally Speaking”, Beth sits down with Vonnie Woodrick, author, podcast host, life coach, and social change agent whose loss of her husband Rob in 2003, lead her to challenge the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness. Through her organization, i understand, she advocates for open conversations, better resources, and a stigma-free society. Join us as we talk about how small steps like changing the words we use can be supportive, as well as shed light on a resource for those who have experienced loss of a loved one or know someone who has.

Important Content Note: This episode touches on a subject that  may evoke strong emotions for our listeners.

Visit the I Understand Love Heals website at:
https://www.iunderstandloveheals.org

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.

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On this episode of Professionally Speaking, Beth talks with Dr. Scott Russo a physician, surgeon, entrepreneur and life coach.  Dr. Russo shares with us how his own health struggles as well as his own experiences as a surgeon helped him recognize some gaps in patient support within the healthcare system, inspiring him to found Recover Health, a company dedicated to empowering patients with comprehensive, holistic preparation for surgery.  Dr. Russo and Beth discuss his transformative journey from a practicing surgeon to a visionary entrepreneur, reshaping how patients gear up for medical procedures with well-being at the forefront.  This is one episode you do not want to miss.  To learn more about Dr. Scott Russo:

Recover Health (Website)
NutriFuel Nutrition (Website)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-s-russo-61110253/

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.

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On this episode of Professionally Speaking, Beth welcomes Sarah Rose, the Founder & Owner of Fresh Rise Group located in Grand Rapids, MI.  In an era where overworking is often seen as a badge of honor,  Beth and Sarah unravel the concept of work-life harmony over balance.  Sarah provides us with information on how to recognize the early-signs of burnout within ourselves and our teams, and boldly challenge the glorification of the "Go, Go, Go" mentality.  Sarah teaches us how to lead with a wellness-first approach, transforming pressure into productivity without compromise.  You can learn more about Sarah at:

Sarah Rose MA, LPC, ACC
Founder/Owner, Fresh Rise Group
Owner, ReEnergizeHer: A  Female Leadership Program

Website:  http://www.freshrisegroup.com/
Website II:  https://freshrisecoaching.com/
Email:  [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRiseCoaching
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-rose-fresh-rise/
Phone: (616) 745-3146

Resources:
Current Priorities of the Surgeon General: Workplace Well-Being

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.

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In this spicy Episode of Professionally Speaking, Beth welcomes Lois Wilkins, Director Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, IL.  With  over 30- years of experience supporting C-suite leaders across diverse industries, Lois offers invaluable insights into the evolution and significance of the administrative professionals role.  Beth and Lois explore the pivotal role of administrative professionals in the modern workplace, in this spicy conversation with a seasoned expert .

From traditional administrative tasks to strategic support functions, this no-holds-barred discussion highlights the dynamic nature of admin responsibilities and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Highlighting the diverse skill set of admins, emphasizing their role as drivers of organizational success beyond traditional duties, Lois and Beth touch on some of the inside scoop from the desk of an administrative professional.

Listen in to gain practical advice on fostering collaborative relationships with C-suite leaders and maximizing efficiency within teams. Lois and Beth discuss valuable tips for aspiring admins, drawing from combined experience and passion for empowering those around them.  You can learn more about Lois at:

Lois Wilkins, Director
Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlislois/
Email:  [email protected]

RESOURCES:

19 Essential Executive Assistant Skills for 2024 (teambuilding.com)
10 Important Skills For An Executive Assistant | Pocketbook Agency

Transferable Admin Skills to Help You Change a Career Path (monster.com)

Career transitions for Executive Assistants - Practically Perfect PA

The administrative profession history — Exceptional Admins

The Executive Assistant Career Path- A guide to becoming an EA (howigotjob.com)

The Evolution of the Executive Assistant: How the role has changed in the digital age. | by Michelle Penczak | SquaredAway | Medium

The Case for Executive Assistants (hbr.org)

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.

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Get ready for an eye-opening episode of Professionally Speaking, where your host, Beth Batts, welcomes the insightful Heidi O'Connor, current Manager/Caretaker at Farrell Lodge B&B who’s professional journey began with teaching in the public school classroom. Together, they'll discuss this path and delve deep into the essence of professionalism in the realms of education and hospitality. Listen in as they discuss the pivotal role of passion and an ownership mentality in transcending the ordinary.  Together they'll address the unseen respect gap and stereotypes affecting educators and hospitality workers and will also share real-life examples that illuminate these disparities. This conversation is set to challenge, inspire, and elevate the occupations of educators and those in the hospitality industry. 

Find out more about host Beth Batts and Batts & Associates here: https://www.batts-associates.com if you are interested on being a guest, let us know at: [email protected]
The Professionally Speaking intro/exit recording provided by Brian Derry. www.brianderry.com.

The music used for this podcast was provided by: In the Moment by Sascha Ende at: https://filmmusic.io/u/SaschaEnde . License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.