RAW Spotlight

Sindhu Srivastava is the CEO of We Crush Events, a full-service event planning and production company. Under Sindhu's leadership, We Crush Events has grown to serve a diverse clientele, offering services such as meetings, conferences, incentive trips, and seasonal parties. She also founded Meaningful Data in 2022 and leads it as CEO. Before entrepreneurship, she held senior roles in business analytics and insights at GitLab and Intuit.

In today's fast-changing business world, data and technology are essential, but they're not enough on their own. True innovation happens when strategy and analytics work hand in hand with empathy and emotional intelligence. How can leaders build organizations that are both smarter and more human?

According to Sindhu Srivastava, a data and AI strategist turned business leader, it begins with uniting the left and right brain of business: balancing hard data with human connection. She highlights how emotional awareness fuels better decisions, stronger cultures, and measurable results. By combining analytics, AI, and empathy, Sindhu shows that companies can achieve growth without losing their humanity. Her approach demonstrates that trust, transparency, and understanding are just as vital as strategy and metrics.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, host Emily Au sits down with Sindhu Srivastava, CEO of We Crush Events, to discuss how to build smarter, more human businesses. They explore how emotion and data can coexist in leadership, why authentic connection drives scalable success, and what it takes to build a data-first culture rooted in empathy. Sindhu also shares her approach to leading change with trust, goodwill, and integrity.

Mei Tang is the Founder and CEO of Two Trees Consulting, a firm that helps pharmacies, medical groups, and other healthcare organizations achieve accreditation, improve operations, and grow sustainably. Before founding her company, she led operations and pharmacy strategy roles at Fortune 500 companies and specialty pharmacy firms. Her expertise spans accreditation, compliance, and business development, with a focus on building scalable systems that support long-term growth. Through her work, she equips healthcare organizations with the tools to streamline processes, strengthen compliance, and achieve measurable success.

Scaling a pharmacy today requires more than filling prescriptions. From compliance demands to operational inefficiencies, many pharmacies struggle to grow while maintaining quality patient care. How can they streamline processes, stay compliant, and prepare for the future of healthcare?

According to Mei Tang, a seasoned pharmacy leader with deep expertise across retail, specialty, infusion, and managed care, the key lies in accreditation and efficiency as the foundation for sustainable growth. She highlights how accreditation not only proves competency but also opens access to payer networks and limited distribution drugs. By combining streamlined processes with the innovative use of technology, pharmacies can shorten turnaround times, improve patient safety, and create a scalable framework for expansion. Mei also emphasizes embracing AI tools and new models like ambulatory infusion centers as pivotal to staying competitive in this rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, Victor Huynh sits down with Mei Tang, Founder and CEO of Two Trees Consulting, to talk about how pharmacies can scale through accreditation, efficiency, and AI. They discuss the biggest compliance hurdles pharmacies face, how to streamline operations to reduce turnaround time, and the role of accreditation in unlocking growth. Mei also shares her leadership principles and passion for women's health and longevity.

Victor Huynh is the CEO and Head of Digital Strategy at Ready Artwork, a digital marketing agency dedicated to B2B services. Born in San Diego, California, to an immigrant family, Victor embodies the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in him from a young age. He holds a background in graphic design, which propelled him into a marketing manager role early in his career and ultimately led to the creation of Ready Artwork over two decades ago. Throughout his professional journey, Victor has proven to be a versatile leader, serving as the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce President during the pandemic and advocating for local businesses.

Michael Chan is a Senior Web Developer at Ready Artwork. He designs, builds, and optimizes websites across platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and AEM to deliver high-impact digital experiences. Michael has been with Ready Artwork since 2012 and combines analytical insight with creative development to produce accessible, ADA-compliant solutions for clients such as Adobe and Southwest Water Company.

At WordCamp 2025 in Portland, Day 3 wrapped up the conference with a forward-looking conversation on AI, accessibility, and how businesses can future-proof their WordPress strategy. From discussions about AI agents shopping on behalf of customers to new ways of building multisite environments and improving performance, the final day highlighted the need for both technical readiness and strategic thinking. How can brands and agencies stay ahead in an AI-driven web?

Victor Huynh underscores that AI is no longer a distant trend but a present reality. Businesses must learn how to integrate it into marketing, operations, and website strategy or risk falling behind. Michael Chan expands on this by describing the surge of AI-powered plugins, the maturing of the Gutenberg block editor, and the growing expectation that accessibility is a baseline requirement for every site. Their insights reveal that success in the next phase of WordPress requires both embracing emerging AI tools and ensuring sites are built for speed, accessibility, and scalability.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, Emily Au and Victor Huynh sit down with Michael Chan, Senior Web Developer at Ready Artwork, to share their top takeaways from WordCamp 2025 Day 3. They discuss how AI is reshaping e-commerce, why accessibility and performance are key to both human and machine audiences, and how thoughtful planning — especially when migrating to WordPress — can help businesses build smarter, more resilient websites for the AI era.

Victor Huynh is the CEO and Head of Digital Strategy at Ready Artwork, a digital marketing agency dedicated to B2B services. Born in San Diego, California, to an immigrant family, Victor embodies the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in him from a young age. He holds a background in graphic design, which propelled him into a marketing manager role early in his career and ultimately led to the creation of Ready Artwork over two decades ago. Throughout his professional journey, Victor has proven to be a versatile leader, serving as the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce President during the pandemic and advocating for local businesses.

Michael Chan is a Senior Web Developer at Ready Artwork. He designs, builds, and optimizes websites across platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and AEM to deliver high-impact digital experiences. Michael has been with Ready Artwork since 2012 and combines analytical insight with creative development to produce accessible, ADA-compliant solutions for clients such as Adobe and Southwest Water Company.

At WordCamp 2025 in Portland, Day 2 delivered fresh insights on AI, SEO, and the next wave of WordPress innovation. From Google's evolving approach to search to cutting-edge tools for developers and agencies, the event showcased how quickly the digital landscape is shifting. How can businesses and creators stay ahead of these changes?

According to Victor Huynh, the key to staying ahead is understanding how AI is transforming both search and site development while keeping control of your digital assets. He points to Danny Sullivan's keynote as proof that Google's push toward AI-powered search and generative engine optimization is reshaping how users find and engage with content. Michael Chan adds that WordPress is meeting this challenge by introducing core AI features and using the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to let plugins and AI agents securely exchange data. Together, they show that agencies and B2B leaders can embrace these advancements and stay competitive if they balance rapid innovation with ownership and control.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, Emily Au and Victor Huynh are joined by Michael Chan, Senior Web Developer at Ready Artwork, to unpack their biggest takeaways from WordCamp 2025 Day 2. They explore how Google, WordPress, and leading plugin providers are pushing the boundaries of AI and SEO, what these changes mean for agencies and B2B leaders, and how to leverage new tools without sacrificing reliability or control.

Victor Huynh is the CEO and Head of Digital Strategy at Ready Artwork, a digital marketing agency dedicated to B2B services. Born in San Diego, California, to an immigrant family, Victor embodies the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in him from a young age. He holds a background in graphic design, which propelled him into a marketing manager role early in his career and ultimately led to the creation of Ready Artwork over two decades ago. Throughout his professional journey, Victor has proven to be a versatile leader, serving as the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce President during the pandemic and advocating for local businesses.

Michael Chan is a Senior Web Developer at Ready Artwork. He designs, builds, and optimizes websites across platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and AEM to deliver high-impact digital experiences. Michael has been with Ready Artwork since 2012 and combines analytical insight with creative development to produce accessible, ADA-compliant solutions for clients such as Adobe and Southwest Water Company.

What happens when the world's biggest open source community gathers to share the future of web development? At WordCamp 2025 in Portland, new conversations around AI, accessibility, and digital innovation revealed how quickly the landscape is evolving. How should agencies and B2B leaders adapt to these changes?

According to Victor Huynh, the real shift is in how AI is reshaping ownership and risk for businesses. He highlights that relying too heavily on SaaS-based tools can create lock-in and privacy challenges. Michael Chan expands on this by showing how AI can now write and run QA automation code. Together, they stress that the effect is both empowering and cautionary. Leaders can unlock scale and efficiency, but only if they balance innovation with control. Their insights underscore the importance of thought leadership and practical frameworks for building trust in a rapidly changing digital economy.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, Emily Au and Victor Huynh are joined by Michael Chan, Senior Web Developer at Ready Artwork, to talk about WordCamp 2025 Day 1 takeaways. They discuss how WordPress trends are shifting toward AI and accessibility, the risks and opportunities of SaaS reliance, and how AI can streamline QA testing. Victor also shares why thought leadership is critical for building authority in B2B.

Matt Kovacs is the President of Blaze PR, a boutique consumer-focused PR firm that partners with lifestyle and CPG brands to elevate their visibility through creative, tailored storytelling. He brings over two decades of experience in strategic communications, leading award-winning campaigns and blending traditional PR with digital insight to achieve measurable results. Prior to his current role, Matt spent 11 years as Vice President at Formula Public Relations.

Public relations can make or break how a brand is perceived, but many B2B companies still hesitate to invest in it. They often wonder if PR can truly move the needle in industries that seem complex, technical, or even boring. So how can bold storytelling and media strategy help these brands stand out and grow?

According to Matt Kovacs, a nationally recognized PR strategist, the key is building a foundation of credibility before chasing headlines. He highlights that many B2B leaders are shy about telling their story, so PR must start with education, media training, and developing strong narratives tailored for trade and industry outlets. This approach transforms scientific or technical content into compelling stories that resonate with buyers, investors, and the media alike. Matt also emphasizes the role of AI and analytics in making PR strategies smarter, more efficient, and measurable.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, Victor Huynh sits down with Matt Kovacs, President of Blaze PR, to discuss how bold PR strategies elevate B2B brands. They explore why education and media training are critical for executives, how thought leadership fuels credibility, and how AI is reshaping modern PR campaigns. Matt also shares the common mistakes brands make when they start PR efforts too early.

Melissa Holguin is the Staff and Project Director at Arellano Associates, a Southern California consulting firm specializing in public engagement, communications, and technological innovations for public‑sector projects. She brings over 20 years of experience in managing public information programs, strategic planning, and comprehensive outreach, while also overseeing staff development and overall project delivery. In addition to serving as a Senior Project Manager, Melissa leads the firm's in‑house JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) group and helps guide their online engagement and social media strategies.

How do we design transportation systems that don't just move people, but truly serve communities? Across cities, marginalized groups often face barriers in access, representation, and decision-making. Can large-scale infrastructure projects be built with equity at the core?

According to Melissa Holguin, a respected leader in transportation and community engagement, equity must be intentionally woven into every phase of planning and execution. She highlights how successful projects hinge on giving historically underrepresented communities a real seat at the table, ensuring their voices influence outcomes. The result is more inclusive systems that strengthen trust and improve quality of life. Melissa also points to innovation and digital tools as game changers in bridging gaps and expanding access.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, host Victor Huynh sits down with Melissa Holguin, Staff and Project Director at Arellano Associates, to discuss building equitable transportation systems through community engagement. They explore how equity and inclusion shape public transit projects, the challenges of engaging marginalized communities, and the role of digital tools in outreach. Melissa also shares advice for young professionals entering the industry.

Liz Frost is the Owner and Founder of Intentional Spaces Psychotherapy, a trauma-informed telehealth practice based in Washington. She specializes in helping clients heal from complex trauma, religious harm, and identity-related struggles. With over a decade of clinical experience, Liz integrates EMDR, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. She is dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community and fostering a supportive, inclusive practice for both clients and clinicians.

Creating a workplace where people feel seen and supported takes more than good intentions. Too often, leaders aim to provide a "safe space," but what happens when safety alone isn't enough to address deeper challenges, foster trust, and sustain growth? How can organizations move beyond safety to truly empower its people?

According to Liz Frost, a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience in trauma-informed therapy, the answer lies in cultivating brave spaces. She explains that while a safe space implies no harm will occur, a brave space acknowledges that challenges will arise but ensures people can come forward without fear of retaliation. She highlights how unresolved trauma often fuels high performance in unsustainable ways, leading to burnout and isolation. Liz also emphasizes the importance of compassion and clarity as foundations for sustainable leadership.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, host Emily Au sits down with Liz Frost, Owner and Founder of Intentional Spaces Psychotherapy, to talk about building brave, not just safe, workspaces. They discuss the impact of unresolved trauma on workplace culture, strategies to prevent burnout, and how leaders can balance authority with compassion. Liz also shares how virtual teams can foster genuine connection and community.

Victor Huynh is the CEO and Head of Digital Strategy at Ready Artwork, a digital marketing agency dedicated to B2B services. Born in San Diego, California, to an immigrant family, Victor embodies the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in him from a young age. He holds a background in graphic design, which propelled him into a marketing manager role early in his career and ultimately led to the creation of Ready Artwork over two decades ago. Throughout his professional journey, Victor has proven to be a versatile leader, serving as the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce President during the pandemic and advocating for local businesses.

Choosing the right platform for your business can feel overwhelming, especially when the two biggest names dominate the conversation. Both options promise growth, flexibility, and success, but each comes with unique strengths and trade-offs. Which one will help you achieve your business goals faster?

According to Victor Huynh, a seasoned digital strategist with years of experience building high-performing websites, the decision often comes down to your stage of business and technical needs. He explains that Shopify's hosted, all-in-one setup makes it ideal for startups that need to launch quickly without heavy technical involvement. In contrast, WordPress paired with WooCommerce offers greater customization, integration flexibility, and long-term scalability. He highlights that understanding maintenance responsibilities, cost structures, and marketing potential is crucial for avoiding costly missteps. Ultimately, the best choice balances ease of use with the ability to grow and adapt as your business evolves.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, Emily Au and Victor Huynh talk about how to choose between WordPress and Shopify for B2B and e-commerce success. You'll learn about market share and key differences, how customization impacts SEO, and why maintenance strategies matter. Victor also shares his recommendations for email marketing tools tailored to each platform.

Alfredo Mejia is a Principal at CIBA Real Estate, a commercial real estate firm that provides brokerage, property management, leasing, and development services across California's San Gabriel Valley. He co‑founded CIBA in 2004 to deliver professional yet personal service rooted in family values and long‑term client relationships. Alfredo entered real estate in 2002 after managing a family‑owned restaurant and now specializes in acquisitions and dispositions of industrial, retail, multifamily, and land assets.

What does it take to turn real estate into a force for community growth and smarter decision-making? In an industry often driven by transactions, how can brokers go beyond the deal to become trusted advisors who shape neighborhoods and empower business owners?

According to Alfredo Mejia, a seasoned commercial real estate expert in California's San Gabriel Valley, it starts with listening deeply and leveraging both experience and data to guide clients. He highlights the importance of acting as a "real estate Sherpa," helping people avoid costly missteps while uncovering opportunities they may not even know exist. Alfredo also emphasizes the power of AI to uncover unmet community needs and match properties with tenants who will thrive. The result is a more sustainable, thoughtful approach to real estate that benefits both investors and neighborhoods.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, host Victor Huynh sits down with Alfredo Mejia, Principal at CIBA Real Estate, to talk about using real estate as a tool for community impact and smarter decision-making. They discuss why being a true advisor matters, how AI is transforming property analysis, and what brokers should do to guide clients in uncertain markets. Alfredo also shares his passion for connecting with local businesses and walking through neighborhoods to stay inspired.