In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Jason Mazzoni, co-founder and COO of XA³ (pronounced “ExaCube”), a consultancy focused on helping organizations realize real value from the enterprise technology they invest in. Jason breaks down why so many companies struggle to get their systems to work together effectively, and how his firm helps bridge the gap between technology implementation and actual business outcomes by improving how people interact with tools across customer, partner, and employee experiences.

Throughout the conversation, Jason explains how modern enterprises are often running hundreds of disconnected platforms—from CRM to HCM systems—creating fragmented workflows and inefficient user experiences. He emphasizes that the problem is rarely the technology itself, but rather how it is adopted, connected, and used across an organization. As AI becomes more embedded in these systems, Jason highlights that its effectiveness is entirely dependent on the quality of underlying data and workflows, making operational clarity more important than ever. His insights reveal how organizations can move beyond simply deploying tools to truly integrating them into the way work gets done.

Jason also dives into the services XA³ provides, outlining their lifecycle approach to digital transformation: engage, expand, empower, and elevate. He shares how the company differentiates itself by focusing not just on delivering scoped work, but on ensuring measurable business outcomes that persist long after implementation. Later in the conversation, Jason reflects on his time at the Naval Academy and in military service, discussing how it shaped his leadership philosophy around ownership, accountability, and the importance of strong teams. He connects these lessons to how he builds and scales his company today, especially through hiring and developing veteran talent.

The episode also explores Jason’s personal interests, including amateur radio, sailing, golf, and his appreciation for puzzles and problem-solving. He shares a meaningful story about continuing his family’s connection to amateur radio through his grandfather’s equipment and call sign. Jason closes with reflections on mentorship, relationship-building, and the importance of stepping into rooms before you feel fully ready—emphasizing that career growth often comes from connections that compound over time.

This conversation explores:
Jason Mazzoni’s perspective on why enterprise technology often fails to deliver expected business outcomes
How XA³ helps organizations improve adoption and usability across complex technology ecosystems
The role of AI in enterprise systems and why data quality and workflow design are critical
XA³’s “engage, expand, empower, elevate” framework for digital transformation
Lessons from Jason’s Naval Academy and military service on leadership, ownership, and teamwork
The importance of hiring and developing veteran talent within an organization
How relationships and mentorship accelerate career growth and open unexpected opportunities
Personal stories about amateur radio, family legacy, and lifelong curiosity

Learn how Jason Mazzoni and XA³ are helping organizations move beyond software implementation to create technology experiences that actually work for the people using them.

For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com.
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In this episode of the Marquis Masters Podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Scott Fanatico, owner of the Financial Services Center and a seasoned financial professional specializing in wealth management, retirement planning, and long-term financial strategy. Drawing on a career that spans military service, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship, Scott shares how his experiences have shaped his approach to helping clients navigate some of life's most important financial decisions. He explains why successful financial planning is about much more than numbers and investments—it's about understanding people, managing emotions, and creating a clear vision for the future.

Throughout the conversation, Scott discusses the challenges individuals and families face when balancing today's financial responsibilities with tomorrow's goals. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, thoughtful spending habits, and having a realistic understanding of personal expenses. Scott explains how financial success begins with defining what matters most, whether that's providing opportunities for children, traveling in retirement, or maintaining a desired lifestyle. By helping clients clarify their goals, he can create customized strategies that align financial decisions with the life they want to build.

Scott also reflects on the personal values that have guided his career, including leadership, faith, family, and service. He shares lessons learned from his upbringing, his time in the U.S. Army, and his experiences as a business owner over the past decade. The conversation explores how technology and artificial intelligence are beginning to influence the financial services industry, while reinforcing the timeless importance of communication, trust, and human connection. Through personal stories and practical advice, Scott offers listeners valuable insights into achieving long-term financial stability and staying focused on what truly matters.

This conversation explores:

• Why emotions often have the biggest impact on financial decision-making

• Common financial mistakes individuals and families make when planning for retirement

• The importance of understanding spending habits and creating realistic financial goals

• How leadership, military service, and entrepreneurship shaped Scott's professional philosophy

• The growing role of artificial intelligence and technology in financial services

Learn how clear goals, disciplined habits, and thoughtful planning can help create greater financial confidence and long-term success.

For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com.

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In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Dr. Tracey Scherban, a retired engineer, professor, and advocate for women in STEM. Drawing from her decades-long career in engineering, research, education, and scientific outreach, Dr. Scherban shares her passion for making science more accessible to young women and highlights the impact of mentorship, curiosity, and lifelong learning. She discusses her leadership with the American Chemical Society and the Women in Science Symposium she organized to connect students with accomplished professionals and inspire future generations of scientists.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Scherban introduces listeners to the stories of two remarkable women whose work has left lasting marks on science and society. She reflects on her conversations with Dr. Camille Schrier, pharmacist, science communicator, and former Miss America, who captured national attention by performing a chemistry demonstration during the Miss America competition. Dr. Scherban also explores the extraordinary career of Dr. Arlene Blum, a renowned chemist, mountaineer, and environmental advocate whose research contributed to public safety reforms and whose leadership broke barriers in high-altitude climbing. Together, their stories demonstrate how scientific curiosity can lead to meaningful change both inside and outside the laboratory.

Dr. Scherban also reflects on her own journey, from studying chemistry at Reed College and conducting groundbreaking research on protonic conductors to managing engineering teams at Intel and later dedicating herself to education and community outreach. She discusses the mentors who shaped her career, the challenges of balancing professional ambitions with family life, and the importance of encouraging young people to see science as a pathway to endless opportunity. From climate science education to international conversations about women in STEM at the United Nations, Dr. Scherban offers a compelling perspective on how science can be used to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create a better future.

This conversation explores:

• Dr. Tracey Scherban’s career as an engineer, professor, researcher, and STEM advocate.
• The inspiring stories and accomplishments of Dr. Camille Schrier and Dr. Arlene Blum.
• The importance of mentorship, role models, and representation in science.
• Efforts to encourage more women and girls to pursue STEM education and careers.
• Scientific outreach initiatives, including Women in Science Symposiums and climate science education programs.
• Insights from the International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly at the United Nations.
• Lessons on balancing career, family, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Discover how curiosity, mentorship, and perseverance can empower the next generation of women in science and create lasting impact across industries and communities.

For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders, innovators, and changemakers making a difference in the world.

In this episode of Marquis Masters, host Nick Franck welcomes Dr. Jewel Smay, a distinguished anesthesiologist and the CEO of Montgomery Anesthesia Service. Dr. Smay recounts her inspiring journey, beginning with her initial discovery of anesthesiology during medical school. She describes how her passion for the field grew, ultimately leading her to establish a successful business in a highly competitive industry. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Smay emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership, sharing how staying true to her values has guided her decisions. She also highlights the significance of delegation, explaining that empowering her team has been instrumental in the growth and sustainability of her practice.

Beyond her medical career, Dr. Smay discusses her entrepreneurial ventures, including the launch of her new longevity supplement line, Beacon. She explains the science and motivation behind Beacon, aiming to help people lead healthier, longer lives through evidence-based supplements. The conversation then shifts to her creative pursuits, as Dr. Smay introduces her upcoming sci-fi book series, *Imago*. The series delves into complex ethical questions surrounding crime prevention technology, blending her medical expertise with imaginative storytelling. She shares her excitement about exploring moral dilemmas and the impact of technology on society through her writing.

Dr. Smay also reflects on the personal aspects of her life, discussing the importance of family and her active involvement in the community. She speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of balancing her professional ambitions with personal growth and meaningful relationships. When asked about her ideal lunch companion, Dr. Smay reveals she would choose Beyoncé, citing the singer's artistry, resilience, and influence as sources of inspiration. Through her multifaceted career and personal reflections, Dr. Smay offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and living a purpose-driven life.

This conversation explores:

• The challenges of balancing a medical career with entrepreneurship.

• Differences between medical school and starting a business.

• The importance of leadership, authenticity, and delegation in business.

• Dr. Smay's new longevity product line, Beacon.

• The process and inspiration behind writing a sci-fi book series titled "Imago."

In this episode, discover how Dr. Jewel Smay blends medical leadership, entrepreneurship, and creativity while sharing insights on authenticity, innovation, and personal growth.

For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Meryl Fury, the president and CEO of the Plant Based Nutrition Movement, for an insightful conversation about the power of plant-based eating. Meryl recounts her personal journey into plant-based nutrition, which began at the young age of 15, and describes how her experiences as a public health nurse profoundly influenced her mission to improve community health. She explains how witnessing the health challenges faced by her patients inspired her to advocate for dietary changes that could prevent chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.

During the interview, Meryl addresses the alarming trends in childhood health, particularly the rise in obesity and diabetes among young people. She emphasizes a startling statistic: 97% of children do not consume enough dietary fiber, a deficiency that contributes to many preventable health issues. To combat these problems, Meryl discusses her nonprofit’s innovative programs, *6 Million Seeds* and *More Plants on Plates*, which are designed to educate children and their families about the benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into their diets. These initiatives aim to make healthy eating accessible, engaging, and sustainable for kids from all backgrounds.

Meryl also shares practical advice for parents who struggle with picky eaters, offering strategies to introduce new foods and foster a positive relationship with healthy eating. She reflects on her lifelong dedication to community health, underscoring the importance of early intervention and education in shaping lifelong habits. Throughout the episode, Meryl’s passion for empowering families and transforming public health through nutrition shines through, leaving listeners with actionable tips and a renewed sense of hope for the future of children’s health.

This conversation explores:

• Connection between diet and public health, particularly in children

• Role of fiber and plant-based foods in preventing chronic diseases

• Educational programs aimed at improving child nutrition

• Strategies for encouraging children to eat more vegetables

• The impact of socioeconomic factors on dietary choices

Discover how Meryl Fury empowers families to combat childhood obesity and diabetes through plant-based nutrition, practical tips for picky eaters, and innovative nonprofit programs.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• https://pbnm.org/

• https://www.moreplantsonplatesusa.org/

• https://marquiswhoswho.com/

For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Michael Covitt, the chairman and CEO of multiple organizations and the author of the upcoming book, “Double Agenda.” Michael introduces listeners to his SAT framework — Situation, Action, and Timing — which he credits as the cornerstone of his decision-making and leadership philosophy. He explains how this framework has guided him through the complexities of managing several companies simultaneously, allowing him to prioritize effectively and make strategic choices that drive sustained growth.

Throughout the conversation, Michael delves into the inspiration behind his new book, “Double Agenda,” revealing how his experiences in the business world shaped its core themes. He emphasizes the importance of staying loyal to long-term goals, even when faced with short-term setbacks or distractions. Michael shares practical advice on balancing competing priorities, fostering a culture of accountability, and maintaining clarity of vision in high-pressure environments. His insights offer valuable guidance for leaders seeking to navigate the challenges of modern business with integrity and purpose.

Michael also reflects on his formative years, recounting stories from his upbringing and early encounters with influential figures such as Jackie Robinson. These experiences, he explains, instilled in him a deep appreciation for ambition, mentorship, and the true cost of time. He discusses the lessons he learned from mentors who encouraged him to pursue excellence while remaining grounded in his values. By weaving together personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Michael provides listeners with a compelling blueprint for achieving success without losing sight of what truly matters.

This conversation explores:

• Michael Covitt's philosophy on SAT (Situation, Action, Timing) as a framework for decision-making and leadership.

• Insights on managing multiple leadership roles across different organizations.

• The inspiration and motivation behind writing the book "Double Agenda."

• Life lessons regarding timing, ambition, and the cost of time.

• The importance of loyalty to one's goals and long-term thinking.

Learn how Michael Covitt’s SAT framework powers decision-making, leadership, and long-term success in business and life.

For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Joan Sugerman, a dynamic filmmaker and transformational consultant. Joan begins by reflecting on her formative years, describing how growing up on a horse farm instilled in her a deep sense of discipline and connection to nature. She also recounts the influence of her father, a CEO, whose business dinners exposed her early on to the world of leadership and high-level decision-making. Alongside these experiences, Joan nurtured her artistic talents, which would later become a cornerstone of her multifaceted career.

Joan goes on to detail her professional journey, which began in the world of media production. She started by producing commercials and corporate videos, honing her storytelling skills and learning the intricacies of visual communication. Over time, Joan’s path evolved as she discovered a passion for helping others unlock their potential. This led her to become a transformational consultant, where she now coaches executives through profound leadership transformations. Joan shares insights into how her creative background informs her coaching, allowing her to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the business world.

Looking to the present, Joan reveals some of her current film projects, including documentaries that explore complex topics such as US-China relations and the Challenger disaster. She explains how these projects allow her to merge her interests in storytelling, history, and social impact. Throughout the conversation, Joan emphasizes that integrity, creativity, and a desire to make a meaningful impact have consistently guided both her professional endeavors and personal choices. Her story serves as an inspiring example of how diverse experiences and values can come together to shape a fulfilling and influential career.

This conversation explores:

• Early experiences in video production and commercials.

• The concept and methodology of transformational consulting.

• The process of coaching executives to achieve paradigm shifts in leadership.

• The impact of storytelling and drama in both film and consulting work.

• The importance of mentorship in Joan's career development.

Discover how Joan Sugerman’s unique upbringing and creative journey shaped her dual career in filmmaking and transformational consulting, and learn how integrity, creativity, and impact drive her work.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• https://www.pbs.org/

• https://hbr.org/

• https://marquiswhoswho.com/

For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

Ethan Bryant is an assistant nurse manager at a major academic hospital, leading a 130-person team in a 28-bed Pediatric ICU at a Level 1 trauma and burn center. He also teaches pediatric clinicals at Towson University and still works bedside in a pediatric ER, keeping one foot in leadership and one foot on the front lines.

In this episode, Ethan breaks down what great nurses have in common: relentless learning, curiosity, teamwork, and patient and family advocacy. He shares the real challenges of managing nurses in an understaffed system and how leaders can maintain morale when the work involves loss, grief, and constant pressure.

Ryan and Ethan also dig into COVID’s lasting effects on nursing culture, including the loss of “legacy nurses,” the staffing crisis, and the pediatric “triple pandemic” wave of RSV, flu, and COVID that overwhelmed hospitals after the initial surge.

Ethan shares highlights from his DNP in Healthcare Systems Leadership, including a “buddy system” project pairing senior nurses with new interns and residents to improve confidence, collaboration, and support in high-stress clinical environments. They also explore how AI may reduce charting and documentation burdens, and why bedside nursing will always require the human touch.

The episode wraps with a lightning round featuring Ethan’s love of escape rooms, DC museums, theater trips with his partner, and two dream meetups: Walt Disney and Dolly Parton.

Topics Covered

• Leading a pediatric ICU team of 130 in a Level 1 trauma and burn center
  

• What makes a nurse truly great
  

• The hardest parts of nurse management: staffing, morale, and engagement
  

• COVID’s long shadow on nursing culture and workforce retention
  

• The pediatric “triple pandemic” and why hospitals weren’t ready
  

• Communicating with families as “the patient in the bed” and “the patient outside the bed.”
  

• Ethan’s DNP “buddy system” project to support new residents and interns
  

• AI in healthcare: charting, scribes, virtual nursing, and what won’t be replaced
  

• Leadership lessons: fairness, avoiding favoritism, and learning hospital finance
  

• Life outside the hospital: theater, museums, Broadway trips, and pets (Piper + Lilo)

For more inspiring conversations with distinguished leaders and innovators, explore the Marquis Masters Podcast and visit marquiswhoswho.com. 

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

In this inspiring episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with entrepreneur and philanthropist Elsa Brown, owner and president of Bondtech Corporation. Elsa shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Guatemala to becoming a successful business leader in the United States.

Elsa opens up about the influence of her hardworking aunt, the cultural adjustments she faced as a first-generation immigrant, and the pivotal auction moment that launched her career in the autoclave industry. She reflects on building an international business rooted in fairness, faith, and long-term relationships.

The conversation also explores Elsa’s humanitarian work through the Somerset Foundation, where she works to provide education, healthcare, and opportunity to underserved communities around the world. From Romania to Guatemala to the Dominican Republic, Elsa explains why education is the key to breaking cycles of poverty.

This episode is a powerful discussion about resilience, purpose-driven leadership, global perspective, and the importance of helping others.

In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Linda Franklin-Biggs, an accomplished educator, musician, and the founder of Baby Wisdom. Linda brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, sharing her insights on the transformative power of music and vocal variation in early childhood language development. She explains how simple changes in vocal tone and the integration of music into daily routines can create a stimulating environment that accelerates learning in young children.

Drawing from her extensive background in vocal pedagogy and neuroscience, Linda recounts her personal experiences, particularly with her granddaughter. Through intentional use of musical techniques and varied vocal patterns, she observed remarkable progress—her granddaughter was able to recite the alphabet at just ten months old and was identified as gifted by the age of 24 months. These anecdotes underscore the profound impact that early auditory experiences can have on cognitive and linguistic growth.

Linda also highlights her work with children with Down syndrome and other special needs, emphasizing the importance of the first 24 months as a critical window for brain development. She discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in supporting these children, advocating for greater awareness among parents and caregivers. Linda’s mission is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and practical parental knowledge, empowering families to nurture their children’s potential from the very beginning.

This conversation explores:

• The neuroscience of early brain development, including synapse pruning.

• The role of music and vocal pedagogy in strengthening babies' vocal muscles and cognitive skills.

• Techniques for supporting children with special needs, particularly in communication.

• The importance of early intervention in child development.

• Contributions to bestselling books on parenting and child development.

Discover how varied vocal tones and music can dramatically boost early childhood language development, as Linda Franklin Biggs shares science-backed strategies and real-life results on the Marquis Masters podcast.

For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.