Episodes

  • Inside IBM Think 2025: AI Breakthroughs That Will Reshape Your Business

    Inside IBM Think 2025: AI Breakthroughs That Will Reshape Your Business
    May 15 2025
    Ep. 6 Fresh off the floor at IBM's Think 2025 Global Conference, RJ Williams sits down with Cody Henehan, CEO of ROC AI and Silveray.AI for a rapid-fire recap of the future of artificial intelligence. 🚀 Cody shares what it was like networking with the best minds in tech, learning about the next wave of AI innovation—from agentic AI and small language models to quantum computing and photonics. Discover how IBM and its global partners are prioritizing collaboration, not competition, to close the technology gap for small businesses. 💡 Learn how AI is already transforming industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing—and what your business can do today to stay ahead. Whether you’re ready to integrate AI or still figuring it out, this episode breaks down complex topics into real-world impact. 🔗 Plus, Cody reveals how ROC AI is leveling the playing field with free tools, enterprise discounts, and the world’s first AI-powered GPO. 👉 Tap in to hear: How AI is driving 220% gains in business efficiency The shift from generative to predictive and agentic AI What “hybrid cloud” means for your data and budget Why small language models are a game-changer for SMEs How ROC AI is helping companies access affordable AI solutions 📲 Follow ROC AI on LinkedIn or explore AIGPO.com for free resources and savings. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Cody Henehan returns from IBM Think 2025 01:07 - Highlights from IBM Think Conference 02:12 - New AI tools: Salesforce agents & efficiency savings 03:02 - Quantum computing and the future of AI 03:54 - AI in construction and procurement 04:19 - Untapped enterprise data and AI potential 05:45 - Predictive and agentic AI 06:15 - 3 major AI shifts: Productivity, Hybrid Cloud, Quantum 07:48 - Hybrid models and cost efficiency 09:03 - Small language models & edge computing 10:12 - Projected 1 billion AI apps by 2028 10:53 - Use case: AI automating Toyota’s assembly line 11:40 - AI partnerships: IBM, Meta, Salesforce, more 12:28 - The need for inclusive AI adoption 13:08 - Educating the public about AI developments 14:08 - ROC AI and Silver Ray AI platforms 14:44 - Introducing the world’s first AI GPO 15:19 - GPO offerings across industries 16:00 - Closing thoughts and what’s next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • Protect Your Biz from Tax & HR Violations with Paychex Solutions for Small Business

    Protect Your Biz from Tax & HR Violations with Paychex Solutions for Small Business
    May 1 2025
    Ep. 4 Are you unknowingly setting your business up for costly mistakes?From missing tax deadlines to hiring the wrong way, many small business owners don’t realize what they don’t know until it’s too late. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise, Jazzy T + RJ WIlliams sit down with Albert Rivera, a seasoned Business Consultant at Paychex, to uncover how entrepreneurs can build a strong, compliant, and scalable foundation from day one. With over 15 years of experience in business consulting and small business lending, Albert shares actionable strategies to help you: ✅ Set up payroll and HR systems that grow with your business 🧾 Avoid penalties with proper quarterly tax filings 🤖 Use AI-powered tools to recruit smarter and onboard faster 📚 Tap into free resources like updated employee handbooks, training modules, and live webinars. Resources: Paychex: Paychex Business Soultions WebsitePaychex Recruiting Co-Pilot Paychex Flex Overview English Paychex Flex Overview Spanish Albert Rivera Email: Arivera6@paychex.com Small Business Development Center: SBDC Website SCORE Greater Rochester: Score Website Enterprise Center at Pathstone: Pathstone Website Access $300k in Small Business Funding Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling to a small team, this episode will help you protect your business and focus on what you do best — not paperwork. 📍 About the Guest: Albert Rivera is a Business Consultant at Paychex, specializing in human capital management for small businesses. With deep roots in business lending and consulting at Pathstone, Albert helps founders build sustainable operations through personalized support and practical solutions. Originally from New York City, and with professional experience driven by diverse cultural insights from having lived in Puerto Rico, Albert offers a formidable blend of professional acumen and personal commitment to aiding enterprises in their growth trajectories. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro + The Hidden Cost of DIY HR 01:38 – Albert Rivera: Business Startup Expert at Paychex. 03:15 – From New York to Puerto Rico: A Personal Business Journey 06:45 – Coming to Rochester & Making the Leap to Paychex 10:30 – The First Step for Every Startup: market research, business plan. 14:55 – Free Business Planning Resources in Rochester 16:40 – Paychex: More Than Just Payroll 19:22 – What Happens in a Business Consultation? 21:25 – Serving Spanish-Speaking Entrepreneurs 22:40 – Why businesses get fined — and how Paychex prevents it 26:15 – I-9 audits, employee handbooks, and OSHA safety manuals — 29:00 – Why outsourcing HR is a growth strategy, not an expense. 30:45 – Officer-Only Payroll for LLCs Filing as S-Corps 33:10 – HR Pro & Real-Time Handbook Updates 35:05 – AI Recruiting with Paychex Co-Pilot 36:37 – Key Takeaways with Jazzy T Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Before You Swipe That Business Loan… A Funding Masterclass with Enterprise Center at Pathstone

    Before You Swipe That Business Loan… A Funding Masterclass with Enterprise Center at Pathstone
    Apr 24 2025
    Ep. 3 💳 Thinking about taking out a business loan? Hit pause—because this episode might save you from making an expensive mistake. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise Jazzy T + RJ catch up with Yahaira Zapata, Deputy Director of Economic Development at the Enterprise Center at Pathstone in Rochester, NY, who shares insider tips every MWBE and small business owner should know before signing on the dotted line. From accessing your share of $300,000 in new SBA funding, to rebuilding your credit after the pandemic, Yahaira drops gems on how to fund smart, avoid predatory pitfalls, and grow with strategy. 💸 From micro-loans to pitch competitions, and credit rebuilding to relationship-building—this episode will show you how access + education = elevation. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why “how much can I get?” is the wrong question to ask ✅ How to make your business funding-ready—even with shaky credit ✅ Free technical assistance and training programs that give you a competitive edge ✅ What lenders actually want to see in your projections and business plan 📌 Resources Mentioned: 🏢 Enterprise Center at Pathstone: TheEnterpriseCenterInc.org 📆 National Small Business Week Events (May 4–10): NSBWROC.com Chapters: 0:00 – Fueling Dreams: How Microloans + Education Empower Entrepreneurs 2:51 – Funding Our Future: Resources for Diverse & Underserved Founders 6:02 – Facing Credit Hurdles? Here's Why You're Not Alone 7:59 – Bounce Back Better: Rebuilding Business Credit After the Pandemic 9:50 – From Confused to Confident: Free Business Education That Works 16:03 – Why Smart Entrepreneurs Show Up for Free Programs 19:45 – Money on Your Terms: How Flexible Loans Can Help You Grow 22:22 – Fund Smart, Not Fast: Strategies to Secure the Right Support 26:35 – Relationships Over Rejections: How to Stay Top of Mind and Get Funded 30:15 – Your Playbook: 3 Must-Do Moves to Get Funding-Ready Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • From Scratch: How Create A Pizza Outlasted the Competition in Fast Casual Dining

    From Scratch: How Create A Pizza Outlasted the Competition in Fast Casual Dining
    Apr 20 2025
    Ep. 2 🍕Create A Pizza is the last fast-casual pizza shop still standing in Rochester. So what did they do right that others didn’t—and how can you follow their lead? This episode of Elevating Enterprise is your behind-the-counter blueprint for navigating the real world of food service entrepreneurship. We sat down on location with owners Katelyn and John to unpack how they launched their pizza shop without startup capital, survived a pandemic, and built loyal customer trust while others shut their doors. 🎯 You’ll learn: 🔹 Why sweat equity can open more doors than startup capital 🔹 The hidden cost of delivery apps like Grubhub 🔹 How zoning laws can make or break your restaurant dreams 🔹 How consistency and an owner-operator model can outlast competition 🔹 What most first-time business owners wish they knew about leases and location Whether you're still tossing dough in the back or sketching out your dream restaurant, this episode gives you the real talk and proven strategies to help you build smarter—and stay in business. Create A Pizza's Social Media and Website: Instagram: @createapizza585 Facebook: Create A Pizza Website Create A Pizza - Rochester, NY - 766 Monroe Ave Chapters: 0:00 Starting and Sustaining a Successful Pizza Business 7:21 Resilience and Networking in Building a Business 12:19 Negotiating Commercial Leases and Location Importance 16:00 Consistency and Local Sourcing Define Create a Pizza's Success 21:26 Adapting a Pizza Business During Covid Challenges 26:12 Building Community Connections Through Pizza and Business Innovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • The Rise of ROC AI: What’s Next for Business Tech Integration in Rochester

    The Rise of ROC AI: What’s Next for Business Tech Integration in Rochester
    Apr 10 2025
    Ep. 1 What if Rochester is on the brink of another tech revolution—and your business could be part of it? In this premiere episode of Elevating Enterprise, hosts Jazzy T and RJ Williams sit down with ROC AI co-founders Cody Henehan and Brendon Frazer, two Rochester natives building powerful AI solutions for businesses like yours. With support from Microsoft and a mission rooted in community and innovation, ROC AI is helping businesses integrate Artificial Intelligence to streamline operations, secure bigger contracts, and grow with confidence. From working with local governments to partnering with global giants, this conversation proves that the next wave of tech leadership is happening right here in Western New York. "2025 is the Year of the AI Agent" and with partners like ROC AI your SME can be ahead of the curve of the business tech revolution. 🎯 Action Steps from This Episode: Get in the room – Attend conferences and meetups where innovation is happening. Invest in relationships – Building community opens doors to major partnerships. Think enterprise, act local – Position your business to scale by thinking bigger while staying rooted in community. Take your time – Quality data builds quality tools—don’t rush the process. 💡 AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot can streamline your business operations—start small but think big. Resources: ROC AI Website: https://rocai.us/ Cody Henehan – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-henehan-bbab13271/ Brendon Frazer – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendon-frazer/ 🎧 Listen now and learn how to scale with intention—because success isn’t overnight, it’s strategic. AI, enterprise, innovation, automation, networking, AI conference, enterprise growth, local innovation, strategic investments, AI models, how to reduce AI bias, importance of networking in business, building AI solutions in Rochester, strategies for enterprise success, 2025 AI agent trends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Don’t Get Left Behind—It’s Time to Elevate Your Enterprise!

    Don’t Get Left Behind—It’s Time to Elevate Your Enterprise!
    Mar 31 2025
    Are you a Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) ready to level up? Elevating Enterprise is here to equip you with the strategies you need to stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing tech and policy landscape. In our trailer, we’re giving you a sneak peek of what’s to come—including actionable insights from the founders of ROC AI on navigating these shifts. This podcast is your go-to resource for growth, with real advice on leveraging your M/WBE status, securing bigger contracts, and scaling up smarter and faster. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and get ready to scale! #ElevatingEnterprise #WBE #ScaleSmarter #TechSavvy #PolicyReady #AI #DEI #SME #MWBE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 mins