Tag: Podcast

The Future of Human Interaction will be Based on Trust with Geoff Hudson-Searle (Ep.26)

The Future of Human Interaction will be Based on Trust with Geoff Hudson-Searle (Ep.26)

Technology has advanced almost to the point of doing our jobs for us. What will happen to human interaction without the human part?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Geoff Hudson-Searle, Independent Digital Non-Executive Director, C-Suite Executive, Serial Business Advisor for Growth-Phase Tech Companies, and best-selling author. Together, they unpack the value of using technology to connect and not separate while detailing technology’s impact on human interaction and communication from a personal and professional perspective. 

Geoff discusses:

  • How technology impacts trust within the workplace
  • Ways the pandemic advanced the use of technology
  • Why going fully digital isn’t a great idea
  • What does Gen Z look for in a business after growing up with technology
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Geoff Hudson-Searle:

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About Our Guest:

Geoff Hudson-Searle is an independent non-executive director across regulation, technology, and internet security, a C-Suite executive on private and listed companies, and a serial business advisor for growth-phase tech companies.

With more than 30 years of experience in international business and management, he is the author of five books and lectures at business forums, conferences, and universities. He has been the focus of TEDx and RT Europe’s business documentaries across various thought leadership topics and his authorisms.

Geoff is a member and fellow of the Institute of Directors, an associate of The International Business Institute of Management,  a co-founder and board member of the Neustar International Security Council (NISC), and a distinguished member of the Advisory Council for The Global Cyber Academy. He holds a master’s degree in business administration.

Does Gold Have a Role in the Future Global Economy? Part 2 with Andy Schectman (Ep.25)

Does Gold Have a Role in the Future Global Economy? Part 2 with Andy Schectman (Ep.25)

The global currency is shifting away from the US dollar and gravitating towards gold and other currencies.

What does it mean for future investment options? Do you know?

In this episode, the President of Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, Andy Schectman, is back with Brent Mekosh to explain how world events impact gold and silver investment options and their future in investment portfolios. 

Andy discusses:

  • Reasons behind countries moving away from the US dollar
  • How BRICS nations influence the market 
  • Digital currency and its transparency factor 
  • The role of gold as a world currency 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andy Schectman:

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About Our Guest:

Before starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andy Schectman became a Licensed Financial Planner specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $5 billion in sales, Andy has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve its clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions, including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.

Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

Gold has been considered a solid investment option by many, having lasted several centuries and survived market rise and fall. 

But is gold still a solid investment in today’s market?  

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the President of Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, Andy Schectman. Andy explains everything you need to know about precious metals, their role in investment planning, and why they have remained a solid long-term investment. Andy also reveals the current state of gold and silver markets and what that means for the future.

Andy discusses:

  • Why do individuals choose alternative investments
  • Where gold and silver fit within investment planning
  • What makes the dollar the world reserve currency
  • How have world events changed the way gold and silver are valued and traded
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andy Schectman:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Before starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andy Schectman became a Licensed Financial Planner specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $5 billion in sales, Andy has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve its clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions, including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.

Some Hard Truths About Law Enforcement with Deon Joseph (Ep.20)

Some Hard Truths About Law Enforcement with Deon Joseph (Ep.20)

Law enforcement plays an essential role in keeping everyone safe. 

But who would want to become a police officer if the entire system is labeled racist?

This week, Brent Mekosh is joined by Deon Joseph, a law enforcement consultant, and an LAPD Officer with over 25 years of experience. Deon shares the changes in public perception of law enforcement due to technology, specific events, and weakened laws.

Deon discusses:

  • How the perception of police officers has changed overnight
  • The fall of belief in law enforcement
  • The difference between police officers and other careers 
  • Ways the law has negatively impacted police officers and their job
  • The lack of future for law enforcement
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Officer Deon Joseph is a law enforcement consultant who has worked for the LAPD for over 25 years, twenty-three of those years in downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row community. From patrolling the streets or providing a shoulder for the community to lean on to meeting with public figures and advocating for change, Deon is all about creating an environment for the homeless and those trying to reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction.

A Conversation on Baby Goods & International Production with Ashley Andrews (Ep.18)

A Conversation on Baby Goods & International Production with Ashley Andrews (Ep.18)

Since the world has reopened shipping routes, the cost of transporting products has dramatically increased. 

In this episode, Ashley Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Tiny Twinkle, joins Brent Mekosh to explore the baby goods industry and her journey as a businesswoman. Ashley details how the pandemic shutdown has impacted supply and transportation costs between China and the US.

Ashley discusses:

  • Her experience as a businesswoman in China
  • How she started in the baby goods industry
  • Why freight costs have increased since 2019
  • Advice she would give to her younger self 
  • And more!

Connect with Ashley Andrews:

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About Our Guest:

Ashley Andrews is the Chief Executive Officer of Tiny Twinkle. A U.S.-based company focused on creating high-quality, safe products for babies and parents. Based in Arizona, Ashley uses her keen sense of business and creative eye for Tiny Twinkle’s silky soft swaddles, silicone bibs, teething products, and dishware for babies.

Looking Back To Predict The Future (Ep.17)

Looking Back To Predict The Future (Ep.17)

Reviewing history reveals consistent trends in why events happen, how long they last, and what starts the upward swing. 

And with this same information, experts can look forward and predict how future events unfold.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh dives into history’s reflection on current events. Brent shares his personal experiences along with some world history to compare our relationship with inflation, money, and the economy.

Brent discusses:

  • How his experience in Zimbabwe changed his perspective on financial markets
  • The limitations of world economies
  • Why certain government solutions have failed to solve inflation 
  • The biggest difference between the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic 
  • And more!

Resources:

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Buying Insurance For A Lifetime of Possibilities with Robyn Haun (Ep.15)

Buying Insurance For A Lifetime of Possibilities with Robyn Haun (Ep.15)

There are many preconceived notions about what insurance can and should cover.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Robertson Ryan and Associates’ Robyn Haun. Robyn explains the details around insurance purchases focusing on specific scenario coverage you may not have thought about. She also provides examples of insurance coverage while sharing tips for first-time insurance buyers.

Robyn discusses:

  • How your location impacts coverage requirements
  • What you as a homeowner are liable for 
  • Exclusions in personal property coverage
  • The latest insurance for digital and identity theft
  • And more!

Connect with Robyn Haun:

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About Our Guest:

Robyn Haun is a Phoenix native who studied elementary education in college. While attending school full time, she had a part-time job filing paperwork at a local insurance agency in Arizona. Upon graduation, Robyn parlayed her love of education into insurance and has since moved up from filing insurance papers. She now educates affluent clients about their personal insurance protection.

Robyn spent 15 years at the 6th largest agency in the nation and most recently worked at the 3rd largest agency in the nation. She understands the diverse needs of highly successful clients. Throughout her 25 years in the industry, Robyn has built strong relationships with premier insurance companies such as Chubb, AIG, Pure, Safeco, Travelers, and Cincinnati. She has earned her CISR designation and is very close to earning her PRIMA certificate.

A Conversation On Global Decision-Making with Sami Chowdhury (Ep.14)

A Conversation On Global Decision-Making with Sami Chowdhury (Ep.14)

From pandemic-related videos going viral in China to many outraged at NATO’s refusal to include Ukraine and the shook of countries still doing business with Russia.

What are these decisions about? Why are these being made? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the director of Royal Capital in Bangladesh, Sami Chowdhury. Together, they explain how these conflicts reveal the truth of those in power, diving into the lack of food in China and the economic and political impact of global decisions made in response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Sami discusses:

  • How the current Chinese government differs from past  governments
  • Reasons India continues trading with Russia
  • The impact of removing Russia from the global financial system
  • Why does Russia refuse to let Ukraine join NATO
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Sami Chowdhury:

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The Curvature of Commodities with Pierre Lapan (Ep.13)

The Curvature of Commodities with Pierre Lapan (Ep.13)

When you think of commodities in the current market, you first think of oil and wheat due to Russia and Ukraine. What you may not think about are commodities such as fertilizer and their future impact.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the President of General Holdings, Pierre Lapan. Together, they explore the current commodities impacted by Russia and Ukraine while revealing the impact of decreased exports from Russia and Ukraine on farmers and the agricultural industry.

Pierre discusses:

  • How decreased imports of fertilizer will impact future crops
  • The geopolitical ramifications of the current gas market
  • The truth about gold as a commodity 
  • How other metals are fairing in the market
  • And more!

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Transforming Tax Credit Into Education with Katie Charles and Kristie Berg (Ep.8)

Transforming Tax Credit Into Education with Katie Charles and Kristie Berg (Ep.8)

You want the best education possible for your child. Sometimes that education costs more than you can afford, regardless of how high above the poverty line you are.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Katie Charles, the director of annual giving and stewardship, and Kristie Berg, the director of financial aid at Phoenix Country Day School. Together they outline the mechanics and benefits surrounding the Arizona Private School Tax while revealing the role of donations for students in financial need.

Katie and Kristie discuss:

  • How individuals and corporations can redirect a portion of their income tax 
  • Who benefits from the Arizona Private School Tax Credit
  • Potential concerns around the Arizona Private School Tax credit program
  • How the program works compared to other financial aid programs
  • And more!

Connect with Katie Charles and Kristie Berg:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guests:

Katie Charles:

When Katie arrived at Phoenix Country Day School in 2014, she brought many years of fundraising experience and expertise to her position of director of annual giving and stewardship. Mrs. Charles says she feels so blessed to be part of the PCDS family and is truly grateful for all the ways the PCDS community supports its students, teachers, and staff. In her free time, Mrs. Charles enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and lovable boxer dog.

Kristie Berg:

For over two decades, just about every PCDS family has received a warm welcome from Kristie, as she works closely with families during the admissions process and also handles all financial aid. She especially loves the Lower School Garden, and she is not afraid of getting a little dirty during the annual Kindergarten Mud Mania, which happens to be one of her most anticipated events. When she is not at school, Ms. Berg enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and going on travel adventures, especially ones that include beachcombing.