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Performance Difference Radio

Peggy Parks with The Parks Image Group and Essie Escobedo with Office Angels discuss civility in the workplace

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Peggy Parks

Peggy M. Parks, AICI CIP, is the South’s Image Workshop Leader for companies who value investing in employee training that results in more effective individual representatives of the corporate brand. Her flair for delivering current, impactful, and fun presentations on the complete range of image topics—from professional image to personal branding to civility—has earned her the reputation as a go-to consultant for companies including UPS, eTrade, Southern Company and Intel.

As an ambassador of respectful professional communications and appearance, Peggy is a sought-after speaker. Her audiences respond to her courage to share her personal trials and tribulations as a self-described “late bloomer.” She went from being in the shadows of her corporate career— with a flushed face and stammering voice when asked to speak—to becoming a confident, prepared business owner who has appeared on television.

Before launching The Parks Image Group in 2004, Peggy spent more than twenty years in international business, working in human resources, financial planning, and management roles with ISFA/INVEST, Sea-Land Service, and Hitachi. She has also served as a consultant for The American School of Protocol and Right Management.

Growing up with a French mother and a grandmother who worked in Parisian haute couture, Peggy innately had the poise to excel. However, she became successful when she was “in her element” and fully tapped into her passions and strengths. It’s so gratifying that she can now inspire others to shed their emotional baggage in order to best share their talents.

Multilingual and at home on three continents, Peggy was well-educated in the United States and abroad. She received her image and etiquette training at the London Image Institute and The Australian Image Company and is among the world’s earliest Certified Image Professionals. Her awards and honors include “Results Count” from Atlanta Women in Business and “Civility Star” from the Association of Image Consultants International.

Peggy is a co-author of “Executive Image Power”. She is also a contributing author to Opportunity meets Motivation: Lessons from 4 Women who built Passion into their Careers and Lives.

Peggy M. Parks is an active member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), Atlanta Women in Business (AWiB), and ProWIN. She serves on the Ethics & Character Advisory Board for the KSU Siegel Institute for Leadership.

Esther “Essie” Escobedo

Essie launched Office Angels in 2002 after a 20+ year career as a small business owner, serving as Chief Executive and Financial Officer for two corporations which she co-founded. Prior to this experience, she held various senior positions within the educational services industry.

Essie has served on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Atlanta Women’s Network (AWN), and currently serves on the board of the Professional Women’s Information Network (ProWin).   She is an active member the Georgia Consortium for Personal Financial Literacy, and volunteers her time mentoring women on how to start and run a successful business. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from The American University serves as Adjunct Professor of Business at Lanier Technical College.

 

 

Brandon Young and Chas Vales with JD Harvester and Tara Oliver with T Oliver Studio discuss Talent Management

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Brandon Young

Brandon was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas. At the age of 15, he was introduced to the workforce within the fast food industry. While in his senior year, he relocated to Union City, Georgia and conclude his 4-year term at Creekside High School. Upon graduating, Brandon continued his education in Computer Information Systems at Clark Atlanta University. During his junior year, he was recruited to work for a Fortune 500 retail company.

At the start of a span of 13 years, Brandon began his career at the bottom of the corporate ladder, but rapidly worked his way up. One major step up the ladder was being promoted to a developmental team that was rolling out a new program called Quality Assurance (Q.A). After a few years of participating in the development, other companies began to enforce Q.A. As Brandon continued to take steps to better his career and the production of companies, he assisted with the improvement of morale, customer service, leadership, etc.

As he continued to gain knowledge in the work force he took the ultimate step within his career and stepped out on faith to start his own business. J.D. Harvester Investments was founded on the desire to help people, entrepreneurs, enhance their dreams. Specializing in better business development, marketing, and promotion, J.D. Harvester Investments is a growing empire that is here to serve. They believe if you can dream it, they can breathe life into it.

You can reach Brandon via email byoung@jdharvester.com.

Chas Vales

Chas grew up just outside of Chicago Illinois, moved to Georgia in 2007. His first passion was videography which lead him to becoming a developer. Shortly after moving to Georgia Chris wanted to pursue his passion of videography.  He got his first real gig recording and editing a wedding video, the video turned out great and there was a demand for copies. Chris thought was, the best way to sell these copies would be online because the requests came from different states. However he felt he was computer savvy enough to make a simple website himself and did using a wysiwyg editor. Once Chris sent people to the site to purchase the DVD he started to receive requests to make websites. With that he began teaching himself HTML and CSS.  He has been have been learning and teaching myself ever since.

Chas has created an innovated approach to post and search jobs within a community. His product, Doboki is a job search website that covers many different types of jobs. Where we are different is we don’t thrive or seek for big business or corporate jobs we serve as a platform to find a job for supplemental income. The concept is simple, for this example we will use Starbucks. Lets say you’re going to get your morning cup of coffee at Starbucks. As you’re waiting in line you see a now hiring sign on the counter. You can go to doboki.org and post that Starbucks on Peachtree Street is hiring.

You can reach Chas via email cvales@jdharvester.com

Tara Oliver

Tara is he owner of T Oliver Hair Studio. Tara has over 10+ years of styling experience. Specialty training received at Dudley’s University, Farouk Systems, New Concepts Hair Goods, Affinage, Redken and H2Pro.

Tara’s focus on hair health and proper care has propelled her in the hair care industry. “I am committed to helping educate women with the proper knowledge on caring for their hair and preventing long term hair issues.”, says Oliver. The T Oliver Hair Studio has gained the reputation of being called the “Hair Doctors” because they have helped so many women over the years to achieve healthy beautiful hair and a healthy scalp, while keeping them fashion forward. Tara’s approach to developing her stylists and training her employees makes her a leader in the industry.

Tara’s hair styling has been featured in Sophisticate’s Black Hair, Hair Atlanta, Hotlanta Hair Directory, Hype Hair, Best Self, Mazza, Skirt Magazine and Creative Loafing’s Best of 2006 list. Tara has been honored to work with some of Atlanta’s best photographers such as Frantz, Sean Cokes, Johnathan Martin, Reggie Anderson, The Horne Brothers and Drexina Nelson. Tara has styled for R&B recording artist Keri Hilson and I am an H2Pro Platform Artist.

Tara’s  Story

Being a hair stylist is her true passion. She looks at styling as an artform. The hair is a canvas and her styling tools are her medium. Each client brings a new experience and allows Tara to share my art and be creative each and every time. She breaks all the rules when she styles. Nothing is generic. Evolution and contrast is the key. Tara uses texture like an accessory. She believes adding contrasting textures to any style can completely transform it. When designing a look, Tara considers every aspect of  her client’s lifestyle and self image.

Tara is inspired by seeing women be transformed by her styling. Not only in appearance, but in spirit by helping them develop a new self image and boost their self confidence. It gives Tara a feeling of accomplishment when her clients feel better about themselves because of the look she created for them. Tara also finds great strength and inspiration in the personal trials that have gotten me to where she is today.

Just a little over 4 years ago Tara was in the process of transforming a very successful salon, she and her husband were blessed to have a 9 month old son Kingston and another son on the way and it seemed like nothing could stop them. Then the unthinkable happened. Six months into the pregnancy, their doctor informed them there were serious complications with the pregnancy. Tara was unable care for her 9 month old at the time and had no other means of income other than her salon. Three weeks later, on her birthday June 30th, Tara gave birth to her son Chandler. He was born at 28 weeks weighing under 2lbs. and dealing with his own medical complications. Chandler was such a fighter, however he lost his fight for life after 17 days. Chandler died in Tara’s arms. Words can’t describe the tremendous void she felt and continues to feel. It touched her soul and life without him will never be the same.

However, Tara remains encouraged. Always reminded of Chandlers fight for life!  Although Chandler only lived for 17 days, remembering him goes beyond his short time. Tara misses Chandler terribly, but the strength she gained from that experience has allowed her to carry on and inspire others. Tara honors Chandler with every step she takes in my career and living a fulfilling life.

T Oliver Hair Studio is located at 3867 Holcomb Bridge Rd Suite 100 Norcross, GA 30092 and they are currently taking new client appointments. Their phone number is (770) 209-0299.

 


 

Matt Lawless with Home Helpers Atlanta and Karen Powell-Newman with A Superior Choice Medical Staffing discuss the healthcare industry

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Matt Lawless

In April of 2010 Matt had an accident which brought him even closer to his clients. Matt suffered a fall which resulted in a serious fracture of his tibia and fibula, the two bones in the lower leg. Because of the severity of the injury, Matt required three surgeries to repair the damage. Afterward, Matt was unable to walk for three months. When Matt was able to walk again, he spent months rehabbing his leg.

During the time that Matt was unable to walk, he used the services of his own caregivers. It was during this time that Matt received firsthand experience of what his clients go through. Matt required assistance getting dressed, bathing, even getting out of bed. Because of this experience, Matt has a unique understanding of what his clients are going through. That experience is something that very few in the home-care industry have. When Matt promises that he would not put a caregiver in your home which he would not allow in his own home, he has honestly put his money where his mouth is.

In his personal life, Matt enjoys spending time with his beautiful family. He likes to ride his bike, travel, and cook. The rest of the time is spent rooting for the Falcons, the Braves, and his beloved Kentucky Wildcats.

Matt Lawless is originally from Lexington, KY. He moved to Atlanta in 1994. Matt fell in love with his adopted home of Atlanta immediately and never looked back. Matt holds a BA in Business Administration from Georgia State University. He is also the proud father to Elena.

Click here to learn more about Home Helpers Atlanta.

Karen Powell-Newman

Karen  is President and CEO of A Superior Choice Medical Staffing, LLC (aka ASC Medical Staffing).  ASC Medical Staffing is a direct home health agency providing short and long term care in the comfort of a person’s home.  Karen is a certified Health Fitness Specialist with a degree in Exercise Science. She is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine, specializing in identifying simple and practical behaviors for maintaining healthy lifestyles. Karen is a health educator with an extensive background in biology, nutrition, diet, and exercise. Karen’s hobbies include reading, entertaining two active border collies and keeping a pond full of fish.

You can contact Karen via email: kpop@ascmedicalstaffing.com or phone at 404-257-1608. Check out A Superior Choice Medical Staffing here.

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Pamela Grant and Susan Mitnick with CBeyond discuss partnering in Talent Management initiatives

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Pamela Grant

Pamela is currently the Director of Corporate Human Resources for Cbeyond.  Her responsibilities include Cbeyond’s Total Rewards, HR Technology, and Talent Management.  In previous roles she has managed Employee Relations and Corporate Events.  Since joining Cbeyond in 2006, she has been an instrumental part of growing the HR team to support an organization that has more than doubled in size.  Her strength has been enabling the firm to attract, engage and retain some of the best and brightest talent in the industry, through a holistic approach to the people side of the business.

Pamela has over 10 years of experience in Human Resources at both Cbeyond and BellSouth Corporation, giving her a deep knowledge of the Communication and Technology Industries.  Before starting a career in Human Resources, Pamela was a District Manager for a national retailer and a Consultant for a non-profit, conducting educational seminars for college students.  Both of these early career roles enabled Pamela to understand the front lines of running a business, lending great perspective as she has partnered with business leaders to leverage their human capital.

Pamela currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Frazer Center and has previously served as the Georgia State University Chapter Advisor for Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity.  Pamela has earned two degrees from Georgia State University a BBA in Organizational Theory and Behavior and an MBA in Business Analysis.

As a native of Georgia, Pamela has enjoyed living all around the greater Atlanta area at one time or another.  She currently lives in Marietta with her husband Chris, one year old daughter Kennedy and dog Abbey.

Pamela can be reached via email at pamela.grant@cbeyond.net.

Susan Mitnick

Susan Mitnick leads Cbeyond University, overseeing the development and execution of the learning strategies for all of Cbeyond’s sales distribution channels, customer care and operations teams. With over 25 years of combined sales, sales management and training experience, she has been instrumental in implementing training programs that support organizations in achieving their goals. Most recently, she successfully lead her team in redesigning Cbeyond’s direct sales training curriculum from a 3-week live instructor-led format to a blended-learning strategy delivered through online learning, virtual classroom sessions and collaboration tools.

As Sr. Director of Training at Cbeyond, she has had the privilege of leading the Cbeyond University team to be recognized with Training Magazine’s Top 125 Award for the past three years and ASTD’s BEST Award in 2009 and with a ranking in the top 10 in 2011.

Ms. Mitnick previously lead training for a B2B division of MCI. She is currently the marketing chair for ASTD’s Technology-Based Learning special interest group in Atlanta.

Susan can be reached via email at susan.mitnick@cbeyond.net

 

Frederick Apple with Wealthspring discusses Leadership

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Frederick E. Apple’s career is represented with a diversified background consisting of over 20 years of media, advertising and marketing experience along with more than 10 years within the specialty finance arena. Mr. Apple’s talents currently reside at the WealthSpring family of companies as a senior advisor for WealthSpring’s partners, associates and specialized clients.  Mr. Apple’s success and diverse executive experience in media, finance and technology provides a unique perspective for him to speak nationally on the importance of leadership within organizations as it relates to developing cultures suited to meet the challenges and opportunities presented in the 21st century global economy.

Click here to learn more about Wealthspring.

Dr. Linda Johnston with Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics and Character and Leigh Ann Rodgers with SEAF discuss Facilitation

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Dr. Linda Johnston

Dr. Linda M. Johnston is the Executive Director of the Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics, and Character and an Associate Professor of Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia.  Her research interests include racial and ethnic conflict, ethics, bullying, sports-related violence, health-related conflict, narrative and discourse theory, and world view theory.   She is a trained mediator, negotiator, ombuds, and facilitator.  She works both domestically and internationally.  She has received a grant from the Southern Poverty Law Center to do workshops on Teaching Tolerance.  She has had a Fellowship to begin a dialogue between Egyptians and Americans.  She has also done conflict resolution work in Ukraine, Republic of Georgia, Barbados, Nigeria, Egypt, and in the U.S.  Dr. Johnston is the President of the International Peace Research Association Foundation, is on the Board of Hands Along the Nile, and adjuncts for the UN School of Peace in Costa Rica.

Leigh Ann Rodgers

Leigh Ann Rodgers, Founder and Principal of Creative Business Development, LLC is a Facilitator, Coach, and Trainer specializing in team building, needs assessments, and management training. Leigh Ann has been facilitating training workshops for nearly 20 years, working with clients ranging from the government sector to small business owners to large corporations. She offers a wide array of programs and services including business coaching, team building, DISC assessment training, instructional design, conference hosting, and strategic direction.

Leigh Ann’s approach to facilitating is energetic and interactive. She creates a safe, personal, and relaxed environment in which all participants get involved, are challenged, and contribute to the success of the group. Leigh Ann is both collaborative and flexible, working to meet the unique needs and expectations of each client.

Prior to founding Creative Business Development, LLC, Leigh Ann was a Human Resources Training Officer and Manager for SunTrust Bank, during which time she consulted with managers, facilitated team building and training sessions, and performed needs analyses for a variety of business functions. One of her proudest accomplishments was designing and delivering a successful management training program for the company’s managers and supervisors. This highly sought after three-month program included a series of eight courses designed to train employees in the fundamentals of managing. Leigh Ann was responsible for the instructional design as well as actual training of the various modules for the program, which had a tremendous impact on the company.

Leigh Ann’s corporate background, combined with her adventures as a business owner, gives her a rich platform from which to pull when working with business leaders. In addition to owning her own business, Leigh Ann is a Core Consultant for Leadership Strategies, a nationwide leader in facilitation services. She has also served as a Career Management Consultant with Right Management, a talent and career management company. She has consulted and facilitated for organizations including Chick-fil-A, Center for Disease Control (CDC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Transcend, SunTrust, Kellogg, College of Rheumatology, Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI), Mississippi Power, and The Weather Channel.

Leigh Ann earned her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia, and currently serves as the Vice President of Programming for the Southeast Association of Facilitators where she received the President’s Award for her service to the organization. She is also a member of the International Association of Facilitators and the Georgia Coach Association. She is an authorized distributor and facilitator for Team Coaching International Diagnostic.

Click here for more information about the SAEF Conference.

Click here for more information about America Speaks as referenced in the podcast.

Shaunda Paden with DesignComm, Inc. Discusses Job Performance Factors

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Shaunda Paden is a Certified Performance Technologist, Certified Instructional Designer, and Certified Online Learning Designer who has designed training for companies in a wide variety of industries.  Her expertise in developing performance-based training and e-learning has received national and international recognition.

In 2002, she was chosen to be a Senior Judge for the international Brandon Hall E-learning Excellence Awards. In 2007, Shaunda received recognition for helping Orkin standardize training and improve call quality within 11 Call Centers.  That project was one of three entries that contributed to Orkin winning the 2007 Training Top 125 award.

Shaunda is CEO of DesignComm, Inc.  Her consulting firm has helped many companies including:

  • IBM                        Ÿ
  • Kimberly-Clark Corporation
  • Wachovia
  • Home Depot
  • American Foundation for the Blind
  • Coca-Cola
  • ŸOrkin
  • Office of Naval Research
  • GE Capital
  • ŸWal-Mart
  • Greenway Medical Technologies
  • Cisco Systems

Shaunda led the ASTD Technology-Based Learning Special Interest Group for 8 years and is an active member of numerous professional organizations including ASTD and the International Society for Performance Improvement.

Shaunda received her B.S. in Technical Writing from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1989 and received her M.S. in Instructional and Performance Technology from Boise State University in May 2006.

You can contact Shaunda at designinc@aol.com or phone (770) 883-4709.

 

Michelle Rattary and Kathy Loomis with Synergy Network Solutions and Debra Laste with PeopleSourcer discuss Recruiting

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Michelle Rattary/Synergy Network Solutions

Michelle Rattary is the Founder and current President of Synergy Network Solutions, a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) that specializes in providing full service technology staffing services to local emerging businesses and national Fortune 500 companies. Ms. Rattary founded Synergy Network Solutions in 1999 and combines her knowledge, skills and unique industry perspective to generate unparalleled solutions to address her client’s critical staffing requirements. Ms. Rattary is responsible for leading Synergy’s global client care strategy, including total quality talent acquisition and performance management. A key focus area is driving exceptional levels of client care through associate engagement and the company’s mission, vision and values.

Ms. Rattary is an active member of The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), The Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC), Women In Technology (WIT) and donates her time and resources to the Humane Society.

Ms. Rattary has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a Minor in Psychology from University of Rhode Island.

Kathy Loomis/Synergy Network Solutions

Kathy Loomis is a managing partner of Synergy Network Solutions, a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) that specializes in providing full service technology staffing services to local emerging businesses and national Fortune 500 companies. Ms. Loomis has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from East Carolina University and a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University.

Ms. Loomis joined Synergy Network Solutions in 2000 and has over 15 years of experience in the Information Technology staffing field. At Synergy, she is responsible for directing the  recruiting and client care efforts of the firm. Her responsibilities also encompass internal operations including vendor management, corporate finance and strategic workforce planning.

Prior to joining Synergy, Ms. Loomis was employed by Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP®), one of the largest providers of business outsourcing solutions – including human resources, payroll, and benefits. Her career started in ADP’s Emerging Business Services group, she then progressed to the Major Accounts Employer Services Group, and finished her ADP career in the  National Accounts Business Unit.

Ms. Loomis is an active member of The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), The Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC), Women In Technology (WIT), and The Buckhead Business Association.

Debra Laste/PeopleSourcer

PeopleSourcer emerged in 2001 as the product of a short-term project Debra Laste, a telecom industry veteran, engaged in for a former employer.

This temporary recruiting project became a small but successful independent operation, focusing on Debra’s sweet spot, technical talent in the wireless industry.

Taking on business incrementally to serve clients well and build long-term relationships, Debra has recently deepened her business capabilities through an affiliation with Synergy Network Solutions, the global home for technical talent.

Currently, PeopleSourcer, is a full service, WBE Certified, – technical talent staffing firm offering Contract, Contract-to-Perm and Permanent placement services. We are headquartered in Atlanta, GA with offices in Basking Ridge, New Jersey and Dallas, TX.  PeopleSourcer acts as a staffing expert and a business ally providing highly trained and experienced candidates to companies nationwide.  We provide our clients with a single point of contact for all contingent workforce needs and assist corporations to fulfill their diversity spending requirements.

Debi is a natural leader and relationship-builder. She began her career at AT&T where she was ranked within the top 1% of the national sales force, earning client-service skills that guide her today.

She developed a strong foothold in the talent business at Glotel (LSE: GLO.L), where she built and ran the most successful office in the company’s history.

Unafraid to roll up her sleeves and take on impossible challenges, Debi turned around and ensured a first time net profit for Eliassen, a Boston staffing company, before establishing her own successful company in 2001.

Debi received an MBA in international business from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey and has a BS Degree in Marketing from East Carolina University.  Travel, skiing, and family and combinations thereof occupy Debi’s free time.

 

Tierah Chorba with Veritas Visioneering and Jinnie Schmid with Brave Changes Discuss Strategic Planning

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Tierah Chorba/Veritas Visioneering, Inc.

Tierah Chorba is the CEO and Co-Founder of Veritas Visioneering, Inc., a firm specializing in providing clients with consulting services in the areas of strategic planning, performance improvement/acceleration, culture assessment and alignment, strategic growth and vision refinement and attainment. Complementary services provided to assist clients in the maturation process include business solutions in the areas of human potential maximization through training, consultation, facilitation and coaching for individuals and groups.

Jinnie Schmid/Brave Changes, LLC

Jinnie Schmid is the CEO and Owner of Brave Changes, LLC.  Jinnie’s depth of experience stems from over 20 years in the fields of Talent Management and Performance Improvement, and her breadth of expertise comes from roles and projects in a variety of industries including “big four” and “boutique” consulting, federal and state government, education, and private industry.

Brave Changes specializes in services related to improving individual and organizational performance, including:  coaching of individuals, facilitation of group processes, and consulting to organizations.

 

Christina Kisley with Life Long Leadership

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Christina Kisley/Life-Long Leadership

Christina Kisley, President and CEO, founded Life-Long Leadership in 2002. Using her 17+ years of mastery in leadership and organizational development, Christina is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the sales, marketing, communication, operations, finance and services functions for the organization. In addition, she leads a team of 18 consulting partners in whom she personally invests her time, thereby, developing individuals with a heart for leadership and a culture of integrity and excellence.

Prior to the formation of Life Long Leadership, Christina provided her leadership and human resource development expertise to well renowned organizations spanning a variety of industries including retail, manufacturing, health care, hotel, restaurant and telecommunications.

Christina has completed extensive graduate work in Human Resource Development and Professional Counseling at Georgia State University. In 1995, she earned her Bachelor of Business Management at The University of Toledo Business School in Ohio. Taking her commitment to the industry beyond the workplace, Christina is an active member of the following professional organizations: American Society for Training & Development, International Association of Facilitators American Counseling Association, Academy of Human Resource Development, and the International Society of Performance Improvement.

Christina currently resides with her husband and two children in Kennesaw, Georgia. In her spare time, Christina enjoys spending time with her family and the team members of Life-Long Leadership, in addition to reading and playing volleyball.