Symplicity Conversations

Join us on this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we dive into the world of conversational intelligence with Chris Adomaitis, a key player at Omilia and a leading voice in AI engineering. Discover how AI and automation are transforming customer experiences and hear Chris share insights from his journey in the industry. Learn about the balance between AI-driven automation and the human touch, and explore how businesses can leverage data to enhance efficiency and create new opportunities. Whether you're a business leader or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the future of AI in customer service. Don't miss out—subscribe now for more insights from industry leaders shaping the future of business!

Chapters

(00:00) The Power of Voice in Customer Experience
(00:15) Data Readiness: The Key to Successful AI Implementation

Join us for an exciting episode of Symplicity Conversations as we dive into the whirlwind of events that have shaped our recent months, including Tech Week, ArtPrize, and our feature on the national stage with Advancements with Ted Danson. Joined by Symplicity's Director of Marketing, Doug Seites, we explore the power of preparation, creativity, and community engagement. Discover how we navigated a busy season, embraced unexpected opportunities, and celebrated the spirit of innovation. From captivating events to inspiring collaborations, this episode is packed with insights and stories that highlight the importance of taking the leap and letting things unfold. Don’t miss out—subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping the future of business and technology!

Chapters

(00:00) Embracing the Slide: Overcoming Overthinking
(00:47) Navigating Office Dynamics and Communication

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations we are joined by Andrew Griffiths from Outsource Consultants. Discover how Andrew's diverse career journey led him to redefine the BPO and outsourcing marketplace in the age of AI, automation, and cloud platforms.

Explore the evolving landscape of customer experience, the strategic importance of outsourcing, and how businesses can harness technology and human resources to bridge the experience chasm.

Tune in for insights on leveraging AI to enhance business outcomes and learn why aligning values with clients can create magical partnerships. Don't miss this chance to hear from a leader transforming the way businesses operate and thrive. Subscribe now for more inspiring conversations!

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Welcome
(00:38) Guest Background and Career Journey
(02:10) Early Leadership Lessons and Growth
(04:45) Building Teams and Developing People
(07:22) Overcoming Challenges in Business and Mindset
(10:15) The Power of Emotional Intelligence at Work
(13:04) Balancing Ambition with Self-Awareness
(16:20) Lessons on Resilience and Adaptability
(19:33) The Importance of Mentorship and Influence
(22:15) Creating Impact Through Leadership and Vision
(25:40) Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways

Join us on this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we chat with Patrick Hayes, Chief Strategy Officer at Third Wave Innovations.
Dive into Patrick's intriguing career journey from telecom to cybersecurity and discover how Third Wave's groundbreaking approach is helping businesses combat evolving digital threats.
Learn why cybersecurity is more than just a technical challenge and explore how organizations can effectively manage risk to support strategic growth. Plus, gain insights into the role of AI in modern cybersecurity and the importance of continuous assessment.
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Introduction of Patrick Hayes, Third Wave Innovations
 (01:00) Patrick’s Journey from Telecom to Cybersecurity Leadership
 (04:30) Cybersecurity as a Business Problem, Not a Technical One
 (08:00) The Mission of Third Wave Innovations & C4 Intelligence Platform
 (13:30) Risk, Compliance, and the Importance of Security Assessments
 (18:00) Why Cyber Insurance Isn’t Enough for Businesses
 (22:00) AI Agents, Advanced Threats, and the Future of Cybersecurity
 (27:00) Using AI for Risk Intelligence and Governance (GRC)
 (30:00) Emerging Trends: Supply Chain Attacks and Shadow AI
 (36:00) The Importance of Budgeting for Cybersecurity in Small Business
 (41:00) Breaking Down Silos with Integrated Assurance
(47:00) Advice for Companies: Why Assessments Should Be Annual
(50:00) Closing Thoughts on Building Trust in Security Partnerships

Don't miss this engaging conversation on the future of technology, security, and business. Subscribe now and visit us at TheSymplePodcast.com!

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, join us as we chat with Jon Butler, Chief Revenue Officer at Kyros Digital and founder of Ideaventory.
We explore Jon's career journey and how he’s leveraging AI to revolutionize the world of custom software. Discover how emerging technologies are reshaping business landscapes, sparking creativity, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike. 
Tune in for insights on navigating the complexities of AI and learn how you, too, can harness its power for innovation and success. 

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Introduction to Jon Butler of Kyros Digital
(01:12) AI as the Buzzword in Business Today
(03:01) Jon’s Career Journey from Sales to Tech Leadership
(05:36) Overcoming Content Creation Challenges with AI Tools
(08:07) Discovering Cursor and the Rise of Vibe Coding
(11:02) Kyros Digital’s Approach to Custom Software Development
(13:20) Business Leaders, AI Fears, and Human Advantages
(16:00) Why Data Governance Matters in AI Adoption
(19:30) AI as a Promotion Engine, Not a Job Killer
(22:45) The Problem of Vaporware and AI Builders
(25:00) How Technical Blueprints Solve AI Builder Limitations
(28:20) Launching Ideaventory: Software as a Side Hustle (SaaSH)
(33:40) Preventing Convergence in AI Ideas (The Girl on a Swing Theory)
(37:00) Building a Venture Studio Inside Ideaventory
(41:00) AI’s Accuracy Problems and Hallucinations in Research
(45:00) The Future of AI, Compliance, and Business Risks
(48:00) Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Connect with Jon Butler

Don't miss this exciting conversation about the future of technology and business!

Customer experience is more than technology—it’s about people.

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, hosts Catherine Ripley and Doug Seites sit down with Erin Stewart, Senior Sales Director at Symplicity Communications, to explore how automation and empathy go hand in hand to create smarter customer experiences.

You’ll learn:
✔️ What customer experience really is (and what it isn’t)
✔️ How empathy strengthens automation and technology
✔️ Why leadership matters in building customer trust
✔️ Practical ways to design smarter systems for growth

Learn more about Symplicity Communications at thesymplepodcast.com
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Chapters
(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations with Catherine Ripley
(00:14) Guest Intro: Erin Stewart, Senior Sales Director at Symplicity
(01:06) What Customer Experience Is (and Isn’t)
(03:21) Why Empathy + Automation Must Work Together
(07:12) Building Smarter Systems That Support People
(12:28) Leadership Lessons in Customer Connection
(18:47) Future of Customer Experience at Symplicity
(23:33) Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, join us for an engaging discussion with Angela James, a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning international borders and industries. Angela shares her unique experiences working in the criminal justice system, managing teams, and navigating personal challenges. We dive into topics like leadership, self-care, and the importance of genuine friendships. Angela and Catherine explore the complexities of relationships, the journey of self-discovery, and the evolving role of women in business and society. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that emphasizes resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of personal and professional success. Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of women shaping business and culture worldwide!

Chapters
(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations
(00:59) The Power of Connections
(06:56) Career Journeys and Pivotal Moments
(13:50) Navigating Government Contracting
(19:53) Challenges and Opportunities in Government Work
(26:01) Trends Shaping the Future of Technology
(30:12) Leadership, Mentorship, and Encouraging Women in Tech
(36:03) The Future of Government and Technology

What happens when a Boeing IT veteran becomes a full-time artist?

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley and Doug Seites sit down with Ted Loomis to explore his unique journey from aerospace to art. Ted shares how creativity, technology, and curiosity intersect to drive innovation and growth.

They discuss:

• How 17 years at Boeing IT shaped his creative process
• The connections between technology and art
• Why reinvention is vital for leaders and entrepreneurs
• The role of curiosity in career and personal growth

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations
 (00:52) Guest Intro: Ted Loomis, From Aerospace to Art
 (03:15) Lessons From 17 Years at Boeing IT
 (06:22) How Technology and Creativity Merge in Art
 (10:19) Reinventing Yourself Through Creativity
 (14:45) The Role of Curiosity in Growth
 (18:52) Leadership Lessons from Reinvention
 (22:36) Closing Thoughts: Innovation at the Intersection of Business and Art

👉 Subscribe and learn more at thesymplepodcast.com

Join us on this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we talk about technology and innovation in the trucking industry. In this episode, Catherine is joined by Mark Shafer, IT Director at M&K Truck, and Brittany Hayden, Inside Technical Account Manager at Symplicity, to explore their long-standing partnership and the transformative journey of M&K's technology systems.

Discover how M&K Truck has expanded from just four locations 35, thanks to forward-thinking technology strategies. Learn about the importance of building a solid infrastructure, the challenges of upgrading core communications, and how customer service is central to ensuring seamless operations during rapid growth.

Mark and Brittany share their experiences tackling technology deployment challenges, the benefits of moving to SD-WAN and RingCentral, and the significant savings from innovative mobility management. They also discuss the next steps in optimizing data and analytics for enhanced customer interactions.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how M&K keeps their IT team and end users aligned amid constant change and growth. Tune in and be inspired by the innovative solutions driving M&K Truck forward!

 Subscribe to Symplicity Conversations for more stories on technology, leadership, and innovation in business

Chapters:
(00:00) Building Relationships Beyond Commissions

(03:02) The Evolution of M & K Truck's Technology

(05:58) Navigating Challenges in IT Management

(08:55) The Importance of Customer-Centric IT Solutions

(11:47) Transforming Communication Infrastructure

(14:55) Leveraging Data for Business Growth

(17:59) The Role of IT in Business Operations

(20:49) Future Innovations in Technology

(23:42) Maintaining Productive Vendor Relationships

(26:58) The Impact of Technology on Revenue

(29:49) Personal Insights and Fun Facts

Join us on Symplicity Conversations as we dive into the excitement of Grand Rapids Tech Week with Jen Wangler, Vice President of Technology at The Right Place.

Discover how West Michigan is emerging as a technology and innovation powerhouse in the Midwest and hear about the exciting events planned, including a keynote by Steve Wozniak, and multiple events with the Symplicity team.

We’ll explore the significance of innovation, community collaboration, and the empowering role of women in tech.

Tune in for inspiring stories and insights on how Grand Rapids is shaping its tech future. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation!

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations with Catherine Behrenbrinker
(01:34) Guest Intro: Jen Wangler, VP of Technology at The Right Place
(03:11) How Tech Week Grand Rapids Got Started
(05:27) From 7 Events to 80+: Tech Week’s Rapid Growth
(08:42) Steve Wozniak Keynote and Major 2025 Highlights
(11:36) AI, Data, and Analytics: Disruption Across Industries
(14:18) Coffee Circles and Women in Tech Initiatives
(17:50) How Tech Week Creates Connections That Spark Careers
(21:04) Why Grand Rapids is Becoming Tech Hub 3.0
(24:33) Universities Driving Talent: GVSU, MSU, and More
(27:21) Success Stories: VC Showcase and Startup Momentum
(30:42) Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation in Tech
(34:19) Grand Rapids’ Advantage: Collaboration Over Competition
(37:10) Tech Ecosystem Growth: Healthcare, Defense, and Food Innovation
(41:27) Attracting Talent and Retaining Knowledge Workers in GR
(45:00) The Future of Tech Week: From Midwest to National Stage
(47:39) Closing Thoughts and How to Get Involved

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