In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, host Catherine Ripley sits down with Wendy Harmon, Vice President of Channel Marketing at RingCentral, to explore her inspiring journey to the C-suite and the challenges she's faced as a woman in leadership.

Wendy shares valuable insights on innovation, the importance of personal branding, and the strategies she employs to navigate leadership in a global tech firm. We discuss the significance of emotional intelligence, building strong business relationships, and the role of community in driving success.

Join us for an open conversation about leading with purpose and making an impact in the tech industry. Don't miss it! Subscribe now to stay updated with more inspiring stories and actionable insights.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations
(01:28) Wendy Harmon’s Journey to Leadership
(06:03) Navigating Careers in Tech and Marketing
(12:49) Challenges of Leadership in a Public Company
(17:30) Women in Leadership: Opportunities and Barriers
(23:01) The Importance of Personal Brand
(25:51) Innovation and Channel Marketing Trends
(30:03) Supporting Partners and Customers Effectively
(35:18) Emotional Intelligence and Leadership
(39:44) Building Confidence and Asking Questions
(42:57) Advice for Young Women Entering the Workforce
(48:16) Daily Habits for Sustaining Leadership Momentum
(53:18) Final Reflections and Finding Joy Outside Work

Join us for an inspiring episode of Symplicity Conversations as we sit down with Becky Puckett-Wood, Vice President of Business Development at Inforum. Dive into Becky's journey from vendor to mission-driven leader, and discover how Inforum is accelerating leadership for women through strategic connections and community support.

We explore the magic of Inforum's networking, where relationships transform careers and businesses. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or just curious about the power of community, this episode is your guide to leveraging connections for success.

Don't miss out on empowering insights and actionable advice—hit subscribe and join the conversation!

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations
(01:28) Becky Puckett-Wood’s Journey with Inforum
(06:03) Discovering the Power of Networking
(12:49) Strategic Connections and Career Growth
(17:30) Transitioning from Vendor to Mission-Driven Leader
(23:01) Building Confidence Through Inforum
(25:51) Joining Inforum as Staff
(30:03) Inforum’s Mission and Impact
(35:18) Supporting Women and Inclusive Leadership
(39:44) Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Programs
(42:57) Advice for Women Early in Their Careers
(48:16) How to Get Involved with Inforum
(53:18) Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Join host Catherine Ripley and Director of Marketing Doug Seites as they reflect on the first half of 2025 in this special episode of Symplicity Conversations.

Dive into the stories behind their business successes, personal transformations, and the vibrant community connections that have shaped their journey.

Discover how embracing change, celebrating achievements, and prioritizing personal well-being have fueled their growth.

From industry accolades to heartfelt personal stories, this episode offers an authentic glimpse into the dynamic world of Symplicity Conversations. Don't miss out on insights, laughter, and a sneak peek into what's coming next.

Subscribe now to continue exploring the intersection of business, leadership, and community!

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Simplicity Conversations
(01:42) Reflecting on the First Six Months
(03:46) The New Office and Its Impact
(06:06) Community Engagement and Events
(07:34) Personal Growth and Health Journey
(10:40) Work-Life Balance and Employee Support
(12:44) Team Growth and New Hires
(14:40) Navigating Change with Service Providers
(17:14) Highlighting Notable Podcast Episodes
(19:43) Future Topics and Listener Engagement
(23:57) Personal Stories and Inspiration
(27:20) The Importance of Community and Support
(31:23) Authenticity in Conversations
(33:36) Celebrating Achievements and Awards
(36:34) Looking Ahead to Future Episodes

Dive into an inspiring conversation with former Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Monica Steimle-App, Senior VP at Rockford Construction.

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, host Catherine Ripley explores the dynamic journeys of these remarkable woman leaders as they discuss the power of community-centered leadership, the importance of meaningful connections, and the impact of women supporting women in business.

Discover actionable insights on navigating career transitions, the role of intuition in decision-making, and the art of fostering diverse perspectives. Join us for a thoughtful dialogue on how leadership, legacy, and community intersect to drive success.

Subscribe and be part of the conversation that simplifies complexity and inspires change.

(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations
(01:28) Exploring Community-Centered Leadership
(06:03) The Ripple Effect of Community Engagement
(12:49) Navigating Career Transitions
(17:30) Building Meaningful Relationships in Business
(23:01) The Importance of Character Over Credentials
(25:51) The Power of Professional Volunteering
(26:45) Navigating Career Changes with Intention
(30:03) The Importance of Honest Feedback in Leadership
(35:18) Supporting Women in Leadership
(39:44) Building Authentic Connections and Community
(42:57) Finding Your Passion and Strengths

Join us as Catherine Ripley and Alex Mead, Chief Technology Officer for City Innovations, dive into the world of AI, debunking myths and exploring its real-world applications. Discover how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation are transforming industries and creating new opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

From practical tips on integrating AI responsibly to insightful discussions on the future of technology in the workplace, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business leader, tune in to learn how AI can simplify complexity and drive success. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!

Find Alex's Substack here: https://mead.substack.com/p/youre-only-using-chatgpt

Subscribe to Symplicity Conversations for more episodes.

Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Join us on the latest Symplicity Conversations as CTO Alex Mead breaks down AI, automation, and the path to smarter business strategies. Get ready to simplify complexity and transform fear into opportunity. Tune in now!

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Simplicity Conversations
(02:00) Understanding AI: A Historical Perspective
(05:53) Defining AI, Machine Learning, and Automation
(11:59) AI in Non-Technical Departments
(17:59) Overcoming Fear and Embracing AI
(24:04) The Role of Company Culture in AI Implementation
(30:08) Building Trust in AI Outputs
(34:56) Future Trends in AI for Business Owners

Join Catherine Ripley as she sits down with Alicia Carlson and Camille Widme from Blue Team Alpha to explore the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Discover how Blue Team Alpha is helping businesses stay ahead of cyber threats with proactive strategies and robust incident response services. From the rise of AI-driven phishing attacks to the importance of fostering a security-conscious culture, this episode unpacks the critical elements every company needs to consider. Tune in to learn how to turn cybersecurity challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience. Don't miss out—subscribe now and transform your approach to security!

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Simplicity Conversations
(01:00) Cybersecurity Landscape Overview
(02:53) The Mission of Blue Team Alpha
(04:12) Proactive Cybersecurity Strategies
(05:44) Founding Story of Blue Team Alpha
(08:36) Differentiation in Cybersecurity Services
(12:36) Recent Accomplishments and Projects
(14:27) Current Cybersecurity Threats
(18:59) Future of Cybersecurity and AI
(22:14) Common Mistakes in Cybersecurity
(23:47) Understanding Human Error in Cybersecurity
(24:41) Current Cyber Threat Landscape
(26:35) Proactive vs Reactive Cybersecurity Measures
(27:56) The Importance of Proactive Services
(29:46) Building a Security Culture in Organizations
(31:28) Leadership Philosophy in Cybersecurity
(32:39) The Role of Real-Life Stories in Cybersecurity Awareness
(35:22) The Importance of a Security Plan
(37:28) The Role of Everyone in Cybersecurity
(40:21) Taking Meaningful Steps Towards Cybersecurity

Join Catherine Ripley on Symplicity Conversations as she sits down with Camron Gnass, founder of Traction Brands, to explore the essence of effective branding. Discover how Traction Brands helps businesses grow with clarity and confidence by challenging conventional thinking and asking the right questions.

Camron shares insights on the importance of positioning in the marketplace, the role of curiosity, and the impact of community involvement.

Whether you're a business owner or a creative thinker, this episode is packed with valuable insights on turning ideas into impactful action. Don't miss this engaging conversation!

Subscribe for more episodes and connect with visionary leaders shaping the future of business and community

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley sits down with Roberta McCarter, the founder of Novus Data Journeys. Together, they take a look at the transformative power of data and the unexpected yet exciting leap into entrepreneurship. Discover how Roberta’s extensive experience with Fortune 100 companies led her to embrace the challenges and rewards of starting her own business. Explore the vital role of data in small and mid-sized businesses and learn how a well-crafted data strategy can propel your company forward.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, resilience, and the importance of community. Don’t miss Roberta’s inspiring journey and her actionable advice on turning challenges into opportunities. Tune in for an engaging conversation that will empower you to make meaningful strides in your business. Subscribe now and join the conversation on how to simplify complexity and make an impact!