Carl Seidman is a trusted business advisor specializing in financial planning & analysis (FP&A), business strategy, and finance transformation. He advises Fortune 500 corporations and middle-market companies, helping establish effective FP&A practices, processes, and teams.

Carl’s FP&A development methodologies and curriculums have been implemented by leading organizations as part of their financial leadership development programs (FLDPs) for top talent and emerging leaders. More than 13,000 corporate finance professionals globally have attended his training programs, workshops, and seminars.

Carl serves as an Adjunct Professor in data analytics at Rice University and as an FP&A advisor, fractional CFO, and management consultant to entrepreneurial businesses throughout North America and Europe.

Carl is a Microsoft MVP in Excel, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and has earned other professional credentials including the CIRA, CFF, CFE, CGMA, AM (Accredited Member in Business Valuation), CSP (Certified Speaking Professional).

Carl lives in metro Chicago with his wife and twin sons.

Terra L. Fletcher is a fractional CMO and marketing strategist known for helping businesses achieve sustainable growth. With 17 years of experience, she specializes in simplifying complex marketing strategies and empowering organizations to rebrand, scale, and thrive. Terra is the author of Flex Your Marketing and a dynamic speaker who has inspired audiences nationwide with her actionable insights and customer-focused approach.

In Las Vegas, where “you can’t beat the house,” a tiny group of elite players commands respect - and fear. These are the Advantage Players® (APs). Masters of "unbeatable" games like blackjack, they combine superior skill, lightning insight, and razor-sharp instinct to dominate the table, winning when the stakes are highest.

Joel Block, an AP turned venture capitalist and hedge fund manager with over $1 billion in deals, brings this philosophy to the business world. His Advantage Player® Institute equips top leaders with the same mindset and strategies that make winning inevitable. From cage-rattling keynotes to transformational programs, Joel empowers executives to unlock their next level of performance, proving that the ultimate competitive edge isn’t a gamble - it’s a choice.

For over 20 years, Tony Chatman has partnered with some of the most successful organizations in the world—including Chase Bank, the U.S. Secret Service, Phillips 66, Clear Channel, and St. Joseph’s Health. He specializes in bridging differences in perspectives, communication styles, and experiences by addressing the universal need we all share: to feel valued and seen. As a scientist and chemical engineer, as well as a husband, father, and former leader of a nonprofit dedicated to community upliftment, Tony combines intellect with humanity. He is equal parts head and heart. He brings research-based insights into human behavior and leadership while delivering transformative experiences with humor, warmth, and empathy. His keynote presentations captivate audiences, encouraging them to laugh, reflect, and grow together. Tony’s practical, results-driven approach to cultural transformation helps organizations overcome stagnation and leverage the full power of their people.

Kara Kelley is the Founder & CEO of Clinical HR LLC, an HR advisory firm specializing in dental and medical practices, and she is senior certified with both HRCI and SHRM. With over 12 years of experience, Kara has built her career on helping healthcare leaders navigate the complexities of HR compliance, team culture, and employee retention. After discovering her passion for HR during a single college course, she shifted her focus from marketing to human resources, eventually carving out a niche as a strategic HR advisor in the healthcare sector through a combination of serendipity and adaptability. Known for her relatable speaking style and practical insights, Kara empowers practice leaders to build teams that thrive, even in challenging environments. She's turned her expertise into a national brand that helps healthcare practices across the country compete with culture.

Episode Description

In this episode of Crystallize, host Theresa Rose engages in a deep conversation with Elaine Powell, a thought disruptor and keynote speaker. Elaine shares her journey from the UK to Atlanta, her decision to prioritize personal growth over traditional paths, and her passion for empowering young people through public speaking. The discussion delves into the importance of personal development, the impact of calmness and presence in communication, and the significance of forgiveness in relationships. Elaine emphasizes the need for community support and the transformative power of clarity in one's life.

Key Takeaways:

- Elaine made a significant life decision to prioritize her career over personal expectations.

- Personal development is essential for clarity and connection in life.

- Working with young people has been a fulfilling part of Elaine's career.

- Calmness and presence enhance communication and connection with others.

- Forgiveness is crucial for healing relationships and personal growth.

- Women today are breaking barriers and redefining their roles in society.

- Community and support are vital for personal and professional growth.

- Elaine's journey reflects the importance of following one's intuition.

- Personal development can lead to breakthroughs in various aspects of life.

- Clarity in communication stems from inner peace and self-awareness.

Keywords

#Crystallize #ElainePowell #personaldevelopment #publicspeaking #clarity #connections #empowerment #forgiveness #corporatespeaking #youthmentorship

Episode Description

In this episode of Crystallize, host Theresa Rose engages in a deep conversation with leadership consultant Liz Weber. They explore themes of clarity, focus, and the evolution of leadership dynamics, particularly in executive settings. Liz shares her journey from training to consulting, emphasizing the importance of understanding organizational vision and values. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of women in leadership roles and the significance of creating safe, productive environments for group work. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Liz illustrates how her upbringing shaped her approach to leadership and facilitation.

Key Takeaways:

- It's easy to give advice to others but hard to apply it to oneself.

- Focusing on executive leadership has enhanced my business impact.

- Smaller, intimate gatherings are becoming the trend in leadership.

- Consulting offers more influence than training in many cases.

- Understanding the power of a title can shift perceptions.

- Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in organizations.

- Creating a cultural framework is essential for effective teamwork.

- Establishing clear expectations can minimize distractions in group settings.

- Childhood experiences can shape professional skills and insights.

- The importance of being open and vulnerable as a facilitator.

Keywords

#leadership #consulting #strategicplanning #executivecoaching #womeninleadership #boardeffectiveness #personaldevelopment #momentsofclarity #smallgroupdynamics #organizationalculture

Episode Description

In this episode of Crystallize, host Theresa Rose engages in a heartfelt conversation with Trevor Perry, a technologist and keynote storyteller. They explore Trevor's journey from a bullied child to a successful speaker, emphasizing the therapeutic power of improv and the importance of presence and awareness in performance. Trevor shares his mission of helping others recognize their potential as stars, and they discuss the significance of authenticity in speaking and the impact of collaboration. The conversation is filled with insights on personal growth, perspective, and the legacy one leaves behind.

Key Takeaways:

- Trevor Perry emphasizes the importance of storytelling in personal transformation.

- Improv serves as a therapeutic outlet for overcoming bullying and adversity.

- Awareness and presence are crucial for effective performance and connection.

- The concept of 'yes and' in improv is a life lesson for openness and acceptance.

- Seeing the stars can provide perspective on one's place in the universe.

- Trevor's crystal stars serve as reminders for individuals to recognize their own brilliance.

- Authenticity in speaking creates a deeper connection with the audience.

- Collaboration enhances the impact of individual efforts and fosters growth.

- Moments of clarity often come from external perspectives and experiences.

- The journey of personal growth is ongoing and requires openness to change.

Keywords

#Crystallize #TrevorPerry #storytelling #improv #personalgrowth #perspective #authenticity #motivation #clarity #connection