Ryan Yang is the founder and CEO of Tryangle Construction, Inc. , a leading residential remodeling and renovation firm based in Southern California. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and transparent communication, Ryan has grown Tryangle into a trusted construction partner for homeowners, realtors, and real estate investors. His leadership is grounded in a value-first philosophy—delivering thoughtful, design-driven renovations that maximize both lifestyle and property value. Ryan doesn’...
Jun 23, 2025•24 min•Ep. 724
Applauded as a seasoned marketer who focuses on what matters for companies: their brand, strategy, growth, and ultimately ROI, Angelo Ponzi has been a valuable asset to various businesses on a global and national scale. Angelo's experience spans from start-ups to mature companies and their services and products in all stages of their lifecycle, from inception to implementation. He's worked with B2B, B2C, and DTC brands, from semiconductors, manufacturing, and SaaS solutions to apparel, retail, a...
Jun 23, 2025•35 min•Ep. 723
Dr. Cynthia West is the Director of the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, and Clinical Associate Professor at Chapman University. After spending 30 years as a sales and marketing leader for tech startups, she returns to her roots in academia. As Director, in just one year, Dr. West has re-invigorated the Center by raising over $2.2 million dollars in external funding, launched 8 new programs for entrepreneurs, and secured a grant that opens the Center doors to any commun...
Jun 19, 2025•32 min•Ep. 722
Brandon Hoover is a multiple presidents club-winning medical sales rep who worked in various sectors including orthopedics at Stryker and Oncology Diagnostics with Caris Life Sciences. He noticed there was a gap in the information provided to medical sales reps and decided to create a platform to help close more deals in a saturated and rapidly changing industry. RepPrep.ai was created as a tool for Brandon to continuously surpass his quota, and worked so well that it grew into a commercial prod...
Jun 16, 2025•24 min•Ep. 721
Dr. David Scieszka is the Founder and CEO of Vertical Longevity Pharma, a biotech startup developing cutting-edge therapeutics that target the root causes of age-related diseases. With a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, an MBA in Business Management, and a background as a U.S. Army PSYOP Specialist, Dr. Scieszka brings a unique blend of scientific expertise, strategic vision, and mission-driven leadership to the longevity space. At Vertical Longevity Pharma, David is leading the development of a firs...
Jun 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 720
Ray Smith is the President & CEO of Trycera Financial, Inc. Mr. Smith has spent over 25 years developing technologies and platforms in order to facilitate consumer credit profile reporting and business credit building. He is focused on a wide array of credit profiles, but specifically gravitated to thin or limited credit profile reporting. During his tenures across a broad spectrum of companies, Mr. Smith raised millions of investment dollars for the purpose of funding working capital and re...
Jun 03, 2025•24 min•Ep. 719
Salman Ghani is a seasoned technology leader with deep expertise in compliance, risk management, AI and digital transformation. With over a decade of experience ensuring that technology solutions meet stringent regulatory and privacy standards, he has successfully guided organizations through complex compliance landscapes. As the founder of My Driver Book, Salman is now combining his compliance background with emerging technologies, most notably artificial intelligence, to create a secure, intel...
Jun 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 718
With over 30 years of experience in wealth management, Rhonda Ducote is a respected leader and expert in the financial advisor industry. As President and Principal of Apriem Advisors , she is known for crafting personalized financial strategies that focus on both outstanding results and exceptional customer service. Rhonda’s dedication to her clients goes beyond business, as she considers them an extended family, pouring her heart into ensuring their financial success. Rhonda is also passionate ...
May 21, 2025•23 min•Ep. 717
Craig Cooke is a successful entrepreneur who had the foresight to start a “digital first” company utilizing the Internet long before “digital first,” “digital transformation,” and other buzzwords of today were created. With extremely limited resources of $1,300 and an Apple computer, he started RhythmNet.com. Over the years of struggle, adaptation, and repositioning the brand, “Rhythm“ was sold to a world-class digital creative agency in 2019. Craig stayed with the company for just over 3 years,...
May 20, 2025•28 min•Ep. 716
Meghan Clem and Katie Webb Brundige are the creative forces behind Intertwined Inc., bringing decades of experience in hospitality, events, marketing, and design to the art of crafting luxury experiences. Their hospitality collection of brands offers wedding and event production services, social media marketing, and room block management. Known for their creativity, precision, and heart, they also lead RAD Camp, their nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities t...
May 20, 2025•37 min•Ep. 715
Susan Howington is the CEO and Founder of the outplacement and executive coaching firm called Power Connections Career Services, Inc , and equity owner of Career Partners International. She is a sought-after expert in the career management field due to her experiences as a career consultant, executive coach, author, and speaker. Her life-long goal is to help professionals manage and advance their careers through effective work relationships and strategic management growth, which ultimately leads...
May 15, 2025•26 min•Ep. 714
As founder of OC Growth Advisors , Marla works with business owners and their employees to improve focus and processes for growth and greater profitability. She has run several successful organizations, including one she sold in 2015 for 15 times EBITDA. Marla has served on multiple non-profit boards as well as two for-profit Boards. She is also a chapter chair for WPO, Women Presidents’ Organization, which is an international organization of women business owners. Marla’s clients range from ser...
May 15, 2025•25 min•Ep. 713
Drawing on years of hospitality industry expertise, Ms. Almada excels as the Chief Executive Officer of DKN Hotels . Since joining the organization in 1998, she has held various roles, including Vice President, Regional Director, General Manager, and Assistant General Manager. In this current capacity, she oversees all personnel, ensuring they have what they need to reach their goals. Additionally, Ms. Almada conducts site visits, manages growth strategies, and collaborates with team members to ...
May 15, 2025•25 min•Ep. 712
Brandon is the Founder and CEO of AURA, a firm specializing in providing fractional controllers and CFO services to marketing agencies. With over 15 years of professional experience, Brandon helps marketing agencies scale and become more profitable by understanding the value of accurate data around their decision-making process. AURA has had several clients successfully sell with eight figure exits, and their professional experience eclipses nine figure businesses. Brandon is the treasurer of th...
May 14, 2025•29 min•Ep. 711
Dr. Sophia Nnenna Ononye, PhD MPH MBA is a Yale-trained Cancer Research Scientist, Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Speaker, Certified Corporate Director, Board Advisor, Women's Health/FemTech Strategist, NMQF 40 under 40 Minority Health Leader, and Mentor. Dr. Ononye has over 15 years of cross-functional experience in the biopharmaceutical industry across drug discovery, medical affairs, strategic marketing, and corporate communications with a specialty training and focus on oncology and women's health...
May 14, 2025•27 min•Ep. 710
Chandan Shiroy brings over two decades of experience in manufacturing and engineering to his role as Vice President of Sales and Operations at S&D Industrial Tool Supply . Since joining the company in January 2023, he has spearheaded initiatives in digital transformation, talent development, and market expansion, including the implementation of vending solutions for customers. Chandan's strategic vision and leadership are instrumental in positioning S&D for sustained growth in the compet...
May 14, 2025•27 min•Ep. 709
As President of the C.W. Driver family of companies, Karl is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of three leading construction firms: C.W. Driver, Driver SPG, and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver was established in 1919 and is the longest-operating contracting firm in Southern California. The firm provides sophisticated preconstruction/estimating and construction services with a focus on technology and innovation. Karl understands that outstanding leadership involves bringing out...
Apr 07, 2025•30 min•Ep. 708
Hernan Ricaurte is the President of Ricaurte Precision Inc. (RPI), an Orange County based contract manufacturer specializing in precision (CNC) machining for the aerospace, space, defense, and medical device industries. RPI works with some of the world’s most advanced and demanding OEMs. Hernan has over 20 years of international experience spanning manufacturing and healthcare including a decade living and working in Japan. His commitment to leveraging advanced technologies, streamlining process...
Apr 01, 2025•32 min•Ep. 707
Caecilia Gotama earned her Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Fullerton and a Master's in Business Administration from the Graziadio School at Pepperdine University. She is also an LEED-accredited professional due to her passion for sustainable engineering. Caecilia is a licensed Mechanical Engineer who is a Fellow of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, where she served on the Board of Governors. Ms. Gotama was awarded the “Vision and ...
Apr 01, 2025•30 min•Ep. 706
Carlo Odicino is the CEO and Founder of One TEAM Partners . He specializes in helping early-stage companies bring their innovations to market without succumbing to the burnout often faced by start-ups. With 24+ years of experience scaling businesses of all sizes, he guides CEOs and leadership teams through complex challenges to achieve extraordinary results. Carlo holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and directs high school theater in his spare time. He lives in Costa Mesa, CA, with hi...
Apr 01, 2025•30 min•Ep. 705
Frank M. Campbell is a financial services veteran with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He holds designations as a Chartered Life Underwriter, Licensed Life & Disability Analyst, and Chartered Financial Consultant. Frank's primary focus is ensuring his clients' life insurance policies deliver the necessary protection and financial stability, providing peace of mind to families nationwide. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running busines...
Mar 27, 2025•25 min•Ep. 704
Jessica Huang is a seasoned restaurant marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in brand strategy, digital marketing, and third-party delivery optimization. She has worked with a diverse range of restaurant concepts, from quick-service and fast-casual brands to full-service and multi-unit operators, helping them develop strong, sustainable marketing strategies that drive growth and customer engagement. As the founder of Restaurant Marketing , Jessica leads a team specializing in compreh...
Mar 27, 2025•30 min•Ep. 703
This episode of Critical Mass Business Talk Show is our contribution to #Podcasthon2025 , the world’s largest podcast charity initiative, bringing together podcasters globally to raise awareness for charitable cause. Craig Kausen is the Chairman of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity , a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity through educational programs and community outreach. As the grandson of Chuck Jones, the renowned animation director behind Looney Tunes classics such a...
Mar 18, 2025•27 min•Ep. 702
Jenny Zhan, CEO, founded and leads all areas of business and operations for Beyond Internationa l. She brings more than 20 years of investment experience focused on institutional investing and managing multi-asset strategies. As a Charted Financial Analyst (CFA), she specializes in international wealth management and has managed investments in real estate assets and global equities markets for large institutional investors. Previously, Ms. Zhan was a portfolio manager and managing director at GM...
Mar 14, 2025•22 min•Ep. 701
With over 30 years in the industry, Daren Lauda is a highly accomplished and versatile professional with a rich background in the technology and business sectors. Daren began his career as an Infantry Team Leader in the US Army. Leveraging his military experience, he transitioned into the corporate world and made a lasting impact in senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 technology companies like Fortive, PTC, and Salesforce. He also helped grow notable start-up companies, including Arbortext, T...
Mar 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 700
Zarina Bahadur is the CEO & Founder of 123 Baby Box , a monthly subscription box for babies. Zarina received a full scholarship to the University of California Irvine for both her bachelors and masters degree. She founded the company while a masters student in business school. Zarina has won 1st place in five national pitch competitions and has scaled her company to international markets reaching parents all over the world. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-r...
Feb 27, 2025•27 min•Ep. 699
Gernado G. Abrams is the entrepreneur and independent business owner of Bungi Enterprises , a full-service creative executive professional management and accounting services company. He has been a creative professional for over twenty-five (25+) years, working in the music, entertainment, and broadcasting network industries for decades. From a radio host to creating an independent record label, “Boss Music Online B.M.O.”, producing music, releasing street mix tapes, singles, EPs, and LPs. He is ...
Feb 27, 2025•29 min•Ep. 698
Alexander Harmsen, a tech entrepreneur passionate about AI, finance, and autonomy. He founded PortfolioPilot.com , an AI Financial Advisor with over $30 billion in assets on platform. Previously, he founded and sold Iris Automation, worked on NASA’s Mars Helicopter, and went through Y Combinator. He’s raised over $30M in venture capital and was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering valu...
Feb 25, 2025•33 min•Ep. 697
Shelley Iocona is the Founder of ON ITS AXIS , a consultancy that helps companies achieve sustainable growth through digital and operational transformation. With over 20 years of experience in product development, operations, and strategic leadership, Shelley blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics to deliver results-oriented solutions. As a General Partner at 360 Venture Collective, Shelley invests in early-stage startups, offering strategic guidance and ...
Feb 25, 2025•26 min•Ep. 696
Kristin Epperson is the driving force behind Charity Matterz , an organization dedicated to strengthening the structural foundation and sustainability of nonprofits. Charity Matterz empowers organizations by providing strategic guidance in leadership development, operational optimization, and fostering long-term sustainability. By embedding social equity into every aspect of its work, Charity Matterz ensures that its solutions are inclusive and impactful. As the Founder and CEO, Kristin brings a...
Feb 19, 2025•26 min•Ep. 695
