Join us in this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we dive into the impactful world of nonprofit work with Becki Postma, Chief Impact Officer, and Kevin Nelson, Director of Donor Development, from Heart of West Michigan United Way.

Discover their inspiring journeys into the nonprofit sector and how they are leveraging technology to address evolving community challenges. Learn about the transformative programs they lead, such as eviction prevention and the 211 helpline, and how these initiatives are creating meaningful change.

Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or simply understanding more about the nonprofit landscape, this episode is packed with insights on building a better community.

Don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping the future of business, technology, and community.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome to Simplicity Conversations + Quote of the Day
(01:20) Becky’s Journey From Banking to United Way
(03:20) Kevin’s Nonprofit Path and “Right Track” Moments
(05:40) United Way’s Mission, History, and Local Impact
(11:40) Behind-the-Scenes Realities of Nonprofit Work
(15:45) Technology, Data, and AI Powering the Mission
(22:50) Key Programs: 211, Eviction Prevention, VITA, Volunteering
(31:10) Partner Agencies, Impact Areas, and Grassroots Support
(33:30) COVID-era Evolution and United Way as Community Builder
(38:50) How to Get Involved and Make an Impact

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, we dive into the transformative journey of Jaclyn Harrison, a dynamic leader and soon-to-be author. Discover how a chance encounter with a book sparked her creative courage to pursue writing, leading to the development of a captivating fictional series. Jaclyn shares her insights on embracing creativity, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of networking and support. Tune in to explore how simple moments can lead to profound changes and learn about Jaclyn's upcoming book series. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on leaning into creativity and rewriting your story! Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders shaping the future.

Chapters
(00:00) Answering the Creative Call
(00:35) Meet Jacqueline Harrison
(01:10) The Inforum Dinner That Changed Everything
(02:17) Discovering Big Magic & Creative Permission
(06:03) Missed Ideas & Finally Acting on the Spark
(09:46) Inside Jacqueline’s Book: A Teenage Insomniac’s Mission
(15:41) Building an Eight-Book Universe
(17:55) The Power of Women Supporting Women
(23:39) Rethinking Networking & Leading With Value
(26:07) Surrendering to the Story
(32:46) Finding and Nurturing Your Spark
(40:01) Flipping the Record: Choosing a New Path