The NoVA Business Podcast

In this episode, we interview https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericadwoods/ (Erica Woods), who is Manager of State Policy for https://www.facebook.com/ (Facebook). Her goal in this role is simple, which is to build trust, integrity, and community – even serving the local community in Northern Virginia.

Erica’s early professional career began as an attorney practicing in the areas of Banking and Real Estate Law - before later serving as counsel for the House of Representative Committee on Homeland Security, as well as later overseeing DHS as a political appointee under the Obama administration. Her journey led her toward an exciting path where she could apply her skills in the tech world with the exciting opportunity to join Facebook.

Today, she’s responsible for legislative tracking and policy recommendations across all 50 U.S. states, while also leading exciting initiatives to manage outreach on the state and local level for many Facebook initiatives, including those aimed to helping both individuals, but also businesses.

Facebook as certainly seen plenty of attention in the past year. Erica helps to outline the various programs, initiatives, and efforts that Facebook is leading today – including:

https://about.fb.com/news/2017/11/facebook-community-boost/ (Facebook Community Boost) – which focuses on helping to upskill individuals, but also advise entrepreneurs on how to get the most out of the internet – with the aim of helping to maximize opportunities to grow the local economy.

Initiatives to help make Facebook a resource of authoritative information – including an increased investment in Fact Checking

Facebook’s efforts to support their users with resources and information related to COVID-19, vaccinations, and more with their https://www.facebook.com/coronavirus_info/ (COVID-19 Information Center).

An ongoing commitment to data privacy, creating a safe and open platform, but also increased transparency – including comments on https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-socialmedia-congress-idUSKBN2BG29D (internet reform).

Businesses looking to get in touch, or take advantage of these resources, can visit the https://www.facebook.com/business (Facebook for Business) home page to start to connect.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-eisiminger-002b546/ (Bob Eisiminger) founded https://www.linkedin.com/company/knight-point-systems/ (Knight Point Systems), an IT service provider to U.S. government agencies, in 2005, after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a stint in the United States Army as an officer and a turn at a Fortune 500 company as a corporate executive. In the Army, Bob learned how to lead people. By the time he sold Knight Point 15 years later, for $250 million dollars, he had about 500 employees invested in the Knight Point culture and embedded in various U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security projects, often at the highest clearance levels.

Since the acquisition of Knight Point, Bob spends his time giving back to the entrepreneurial community. He serves on the Board of Experts for The Birthing of Giants Fellowship Program, an educational program for owners of growing companies. He also serves on the Board for Patriapps Software Venture Studio, https://diversitypop.com/ (diversitypop), EXB solutions, Inc, https://www.linkedin.com/company/reservoire/ (Reservoire Health), SignId, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, and serves as a co-chair for the Veterans and Military Business Council for the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Highlights of this episode:

Leadership skills learned from West Point

Investing in employees through training

The importance of finding employees with ‘grit’

Lessons learned from the Knight Point Systems acquisition

Paying it forward through mentorship and sharing knowledge

Dr. Sarbari Gupta is responsible for establishing corporate strategy and vision, shaping corporate culture and cultivating business relationships to enable https://www.electrosoft-inc.com/who-we-are/sarbari-gupta#:~:text=and%20private%20sectors.-,Dr.,management%2C%20privacy%20and%20cryptographic%20solutions.andtext=She%20has%20co%2Dauthored%20several,She%20received%20M.S.%20and%20Ph. (Electrosoft) to thrive. She also serves as the focal point for assuring quality and customer satisfaction. Her extensive background spans software development and professional services serving both public and private sectors. Dr. Gupta has a broad base of knowledge and experience in the areas of cybersecurity, risk management, privacy, and cryptographic solutions.

Dr. Gupta has authored over twenty technical papers/presentations in refereed conferences/journals and four chapters in two cybersecurity books. She holds four patents in areas of cryptography. She has co-authored several NIST Special Publications in the areas of Electronic Authentication, Security Configuration Management and Mobile Credentials. She received M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and a B.Tech. degree in Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. She holds CISSP and CISA certifications.

Highlights of the episode:

Dr. Gupta’s path from Kolkata, India to leading one of the fastest growing cybersecurity companies in the Northern Virginia region

Finding the balance between user experience and security

Electrosoft’s role in securing our nation against cybersecurity attacks

The use of biometric data and the potential of blockchain

Learn more about Dr. Gupta:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarbari-gupta/ (LinkedIn)

https://www.electrosoft-inc.com/ (Electrosoft)

Tamika Tremaglio is the Deloitte Managing Principal for the Greater Washington area which has approximately 10,000 practitioners. She has served as the East Regional Leader for Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory, and on the firm’s Board Counsel, Next Generation of Leaders and US Nominating committee, in which Deloitte US named its first female CEO – the first of the Big 4! Tamika has led our Chief Legal Officer program in the US for the last four years, is on the DTBA Board and was the former Dean for our Next Generation of CLOs Academy. Tamika has significant experience in global forensic accounting investigations and corporate governance matters in a number of industries. She has been involved in US SEC and US Department of Justice investigations where issues surrounding executive conduct and whistleblower allegations have been called into question.

Kevin DeSanto is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of https://kippsdesanto.com/ (KippsDeSanto and Co)., a premier investment banking firm headquartered in metropolitan Washington, DC.

Mr. DeSanto has a broad base of experience in providing corporate transaction advisory services. He has been personally involved in advising shareholders, boards of directors and management teams of over 100 companies in connection with strategic alternatives assessments, acquisitions, sales and divestitures, going-private transactions, raising of private debt and equity financing, fairness opinions, solvency opinions and general corporate planning.

In 2012, Mr. DeSanto was recognized as a finalist at the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Awards (Emerging Influential of the Year) and as a “40 under 40” award winner by The MandA Advisor. He was recognized in 2011 on Washington Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list of outstanding regional business leaders and as the Dealmaker of the Year – Investment Banker by the Association for Corporate Growth’s National Capital Chapter.

Throughout his career, Mr. DeSanto has been instrumental in transaction execution, business development, operational and recruiting efforts. Mr. DeSanto received a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in finance from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. He has remained engaged in campus activities, including participating in the Alumni Admissions Program, MSB Young Alumni Mentor program and serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Hoyas Unlimited and the Baseball program. In addition, Mr. DeSanto is a member of the Fundraising Committee for the non-profit NextStep Fitness.

Overview of episode:

DeSanto’s path to the D.C. region

The impact of 9/11 on aerospace and defense government contractors

Impact of the pandemic on mergers and acquisitions

The importance of technology vs talent when analyzing an organization

What does a ‘personality’ mean within a company?

Connect with Kevin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-desanto/ (LinkedIn)

https://kippsdesanto.com/contact/ (KippsDeSanto)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenforkas/ (Len Forkas) has over 20 years of experience leading businesses across Northern Virginia. His early rise in Real Estate Development led him to Wireless Communications – but he’s also an author, a passionate philanthropist, and https://www.lenforkas.com/speaking (motivational speaker).

In 2001, Len founded https://milestonetowers.com/ (Milestone Towers), a Wireless Tower Company that specializes in developing partnerships with Schools, Municipalities, and Utility Providers across the Mid-Atlantic. Milestone helps to bridge wireless gaps by helping to create value for property owners through creative solutions in order to merge wireless communications into existing spaces, thus expanding wireless coverage, boosting profitability, and more.

Len is also a published author, leadership speaker, and endurance athlete. He has climbed Vinson, Elbrus, and Kilamanjaro - but also in 2012 he competed in the http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/about.html (Race Across America), an endurance cycling event where he traveled over 3,000 miles in less than 12 days. This experience served as inspiration for his book, https://www.amazon.com/What-Spins-Wheel-Leadership-Lessons/dp/0996096906#:~:text=What%20Spins%20the%20Wheel%20is,his%20own%20life%20changed%20forever. (What Spins The Wheel). In his book, Len covers his journey in Race Across America – but also as a determined father, and entrepreneur - helping to apply the lessons to life, business, and more.

The funds that he raised for this event were then donated to https://www.hopecam.org/ (HopeCam), Len’s other passion in life. HopeCam was developed after his own nine-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia. HopeCam helps to bring wireless technology and communication to children who are struggling with Pediatric Cancer in order to overcome social isolation and connect with their classmates. Interestingly enough, Len was ahead of his time with HopeCam as we find ourselves in an era of social isolation today.

In this episode, Len shares his story – which covers his background, the role that Milestone plays in wireless, as well as the current environment around broadband - but also his experiences and passions, and powerful stories about perseverance and endurance.

Born into a family of chefs, Stefano Renato Marzano of Fairfax, Virginia, knew that food and beverage was in his blood. He started working at his parents’ restaurant at the age of 12, and by age 15 had made his way into the kitchen as a cook at his family’s fine dining Italian restaurant, https://www.osteriamarzano.com/ (Osteria Marzano). Stefano wasn’t the best employee; in fact, his dad and sister suggested that he should experience other kitchens. He went on to intern at Tosca, working for free for six months, training under their chef, while still working at Osteria Marzano. He then worked at Cities Restaurant, but was fired after only four months. This ended up being a blessing in disguise as it was just the motivation he needed to focus solely on taking MightyMeals to the top!

When he was just 20 years old, MightyMeals was born after meeting his co-founders, Dan Graziano and Alex Lebonitte. Together, they shared a vision of creating a meal prep company that bridged the gap between quality and convenience. But it still took Stefano 18 months to buckle-down, get serious, and lose his ego. He didn’t follow the traditional route; however, he worked extremely hard to turn his passion for food into a successful career.

Stefano is proud that MightyMeals creates consistent, delicious, healthy meals in-house, from scratch. His passion is providing a top-quality product that is affordable and helps people better themselves and their health. Stefano runs the culinary team at MightyMeals, but also enjoys helping direct the marketing and social media side of the business.

Highlights of the episode:

Getting into the food business

Going from ‘rebel kid’ to entrepreneur

Working for https://www.stellinapizzeria.com/team-member/matteo-venini/ (Matteo Venini)

Meeting Dan Graziano and Alex Leonitte, the co-founders of Mighty Meals

Starting Mighty Meals with $5000

Year 1 of hustling in the kitchen—cooking, packaging, and delivering a thousand meals per week

Struggling with fast growth

Using the crisis of the pandemic to give back to the community—https://eatmightymeals.com/mightymovement/ (MightyMovement)

The future of dining

Connect with Stefano Marzano:

https://eatmightymeals.com/founder-spotlight-executive-chef-stefano-marzano/#:~:text=Founder%20Spotlight%3A%20Executive%20Chef%20Stefano%20Marzano (MightyMeals.com)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefano-marzano-482685105/ (LinkedIn)

https://www.instagram.com/chef_steo/ (Instagram)

Kerry Alison Wekelo is Award-Winning Author, Chief Operating Officer at http://www.actualizeconsulting.com/ (Actualize Consulting), Founder of http://www.zendoway.com/ (Zendoway), and Creator of http://www.zendoway.com/store/c6/Cubes.html (Zendoway Cubes).​ She also is author of Culture Infusion, a yoga teacher, and a life coach. Her book and programhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CTKD55/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1 (, Culture Infusion: 9 Principles for Creating and Maintaining a Thriving Organizational Culture), is the impetus behind Actualize Consulting being named Top Company Culture by Entrepreneur Magazine, a Top Workplace by The Washington Post, and Great Place to Work-Certified.

Kerry’s newest book, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089NYDKWY/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 (Gratitude Infusion: Workplace Strategies for a Thriving Organizational Culture), helps business leaders create workplace strategies to develop a culture of gratitude throughout the organization.

Kerry has been featured on ABC, NBC, NPR, The New York Times, Thrive Global, SHRM, Inc., and Forbes. She lives in Reston, Virginia with her two children.

Highlights of the episode:

Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley

Following your passion vs obtaining skills

Changing the culture of a company

Thinking of gratitude as a gift

The impact of COVID-19 on the workplace

Solving Mental Health in the workplace

Connect with Kerry:

http://www.kerryalison.com/ (Kerryalison.com)

http://www.zendoway.com/ (Zendoway.com)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryelam (LinkedIn)

https://twitter.com/kerrywekelo?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Twitter)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUnjEo5_jeek_qLowVqYVZw (YouTube)

https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/ (Senator Mark Warner) was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2008 and reelected to a third term in November 2020. He serves on the Senate Finance, Banking, Budget, and Rules Committees as well as the Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the Chairman. During his time in the Senate, Senator Warner has established himself as a bipartisan leader who has worked with Republicans and Democrats alike to cut red tape, increase government performance and accountability, and promote private sector innovation and job creation. Senator Warner has been recognized as a national leader in fighting for our military men and women and veterans, and in working to find bipartisan, balanced solutions to address our country's debt and deficit.

From 2002 to 2006, he served as Governor of Virginia. When he left office in 2006, Virginia was ranked as the best state for business, the best managed state, and the best state in which to receive a public education.

The first in his family to graduate from college, Mark Warner spent 20 years as a successful technology and business leader in Virginia before entering public office. An early investor in the cellular telephone business, he co-founded the company that became Nextel and invested in hundreds of start-up technology companies that created tens of thousands of jobs.

Senator Warner and his wife Lisa Collis live in Alexandria, Virginia. They have three daughters.

Highlights of the episode:

Senator Warner’s history as a venture capitalist

Advice for business owners and entrepreneurs

The pandemic impact on small businesses

The expansion of the digital economy

Creating a business and people friendly state

The affordability of housing, healthcare, and education

The future of the gig economy

Portable employee benefits

Connect with Senator Warner:

https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/officeinformation (Office Information)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrwarner/ (LinkedIn), https://www.facebook.com/MarkRWarner (Facebook), https://twitter.com/MarkWarner (Twitter)

Chief Planologist, Courtenay Shipley, has a diverse background in the retirement plan industry providing a unique foundation for her clients in the areas of fiduciary responsibility, investment analysis, and participant education. During her career she has provided institutional investment consulting to qualified retirement plans, developed business strategy for a boutique third party administrator and recordkeeper, conducted over 9,000 education meetings to groups and individual employees, and served the nonprofit market.

Courtenay is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, and is licensed as an investment advisor representative (Series 66). She holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ (AIF®) designation through the Center for Fiduciary Studies, the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS) designation from the American College of Financial Planning, the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) from National Association of Plan Advisors, and the Certified Health Savings Advisor (CHSA) designation. Since 2015 she has been featured in the Financial Times Top 401 Retirement Plan Advisors annual list, named a Top Women Advisor All-Star by the National Association of Plan Advisors (2015, 2017-2019), and named a 2018 NAPA Young Gun: Top 75 under 40.

Highlights of the episode

Top money mistakes for employers and employees

What does a financial wellness program consist of?

What do employees want in a retirement program?

Indexed funds vs actively managed funds

Tesla, Bitcoin, and the outlook for ‘hot’ stocks

Fintech—where is it at and where is it going?

Financial Resources for companies and employees

Get in touch with Courtenay:

Retirement Planology on LinkedIn

Courtenay’s LinkedIn

Websites mentioned on episode:

Mr Money Mustache

Mad Fientist- The path to Financial Independence

Financial Mentor

YouNeedABudget

The value of investments may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Views contained herein are not to be taken as advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. The podcast does not contain sufficient information to make an informed investment decision and should not be relied upon for making investment decisions. Any forecasts, figures, opinions, investment techniques or strategies set out are for informational purposes only, based on assumptions and current market conditions, and are subject to change without prior notice. All information herein is assumed to be accurate at the time of production.