The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

VA Power is Building Businesses and Driving Growth: Insight from Worldwide VA's Richard Hogben

In this conversation, Richard Hogben, CEO of Worldwide VA, discusses the critical aspects of hiring virtual assistants, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit and the labor-intensive process involved in finding the right candidate. He highlights the need for a thorough vetting process to ensure that the VA aligns with the company's values and has the appropriate work environment and equipment.
In this conversation we dive into: 
How finding the right VA can be labor-intensive
How it opens the doors for both VA's and the company who employs them
The rise of VA's across various countries and industries
The reduction in overhead costs including office space, and commute costs
Don't miss a glimpse into the future of global employment. Listen, subscribe and like for more episodes like this one!

Real Estate Tech Revolution & Tokenization Era: Interview with Steel Wave's Barry and Mitch DiRaimondo

Barry DiRaimondo, CEO and founder of SteelWave and Mitch DiRaimondo, founder of SteelWave Digital join us for this insightful conversation that explores the transformation of real estate into a more liquid and scalable asset class, highlighting the potential for higher yields compared to traditional investments.
Barry and Mitch discuss the implications of this shift for investors, and the future of yield plays in the market. Other topics covered include:
The legacy of SteelWave as a commercial real estate enterprise, which can be found across the United States and with billions of assets. 
Which areas across the U.S. seeing the most in terms of industrial space demand.
The resurgence of commercial real estate due to artificial intelligence driven demand.
The democratizing of private investments.
Steel Wave's future plans to tokenize CRE assets.
Don't miss this information packed segment on the how real estate has the potential to reshape the market! Listen, subscribe and follow us.
 

Unlocking College Funding Secrets with Lance Morgan

In this episode of the Business Roundup, Melissa Bill interviews Lance Morgan, founder and CEO of College Funding Secrets. They discuss innovative strategies for funding college education, including the use of life insurance and real estate investments. Morgan emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and the long-term benefits of education as a means to create generational wealth. He also highlights the following:
The hidden costs associated with traditional college funding methods and resources for families navigating these challenges.
How real estate investments, particularly short-term rentals, can help families offset college costs and taxes.
The Creative College Funding System offers alternatives to traditional cash payments or loans for education.
Investing in real estate can provide ongoing cash flow for college expenses and retirement.
Education can significantly impact generational wealth, but financial literacy is often lacking in traditional schooling.
The cost of college can have a long-term impact on retirement savings, known as the 'cost of missing out.'
Don't miss this information packed episode that provides resources like proprietary software to help families estimate college costs and financial aid. Plus, find out why it's never too late to learn about effective college fund planning.
 

How AI Is Transforming Business Relationships: Dr. Masoud Nafey of MENT AI

In this conversation, Melissa Bill interviews Dr. Masoud Nafey, founder of MENT AI, discussing the intersection of artificial intelligence and business relationships. Dr. Nafey shares his background in healthcare technology and the vision behind MENT, a relationship intelligence platform designed to enhance personal and professional connections.
The discussion explores the future of digital relationships, plus the following:
The role of AI in facilitating meaningful interactions, and the importance of privacy in technology.
How MENT.ai aims to provide insights that enhance relationships.
How the platform is designed to be industry agnostic, benefiting various sectors.
The ways AI can help users maintain and deepen their relationships over time.
How privacy by design is a core principle of MENT AI.
The future of digital relationships will be shaped by AI insights.
His involvement with Stanford's Vision Performance Center and the potential of AI and VR in various industries.
Join us as we dive into the ethical implications of AI and how it can be harnessed correctly to aid in building stronger relationship both in business and on a personal level.
 

From Medicine to Filmmaking: George Ellis's Unique Journey

In this engaging conversation, Melissa Bill interviews George Ellis, a physician turned filmmaker, who shares his journey from medicine to filmmaking. He discusses his extensive medical career, volunteer work in the community, and how he transitioned into creating documentaries.
George highlights his passion for storytelling through film, particularly focusing on the surfing culture in New Smyrna Beach. He also touches on his podcasting endeavors and the importance of community engagement.
His extensive background in medicine and how that evolved into filmmaking.
His volunteer work in the Orlando community.
His transition to filmmaking and how it was inspired by his medical career.
The power of community engagement he strives to encourage through his work.
Current projects underway at his production company Coronado Beach Productions.
Don't miss this inspiring story on how a side passion can fuel your next chapter in life. Listen and follow us for new episodes!
 

Building Resilience: Key Habits for Life Success - Insights from Dr. Lamell McMorris

In this conversation, Dr. Lamell McMorris shares his journey from the South Side of Chicago to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate. He discusses the importance of resilience, social impact, and mentorship in business.
McMorris who is the author of a new book, The Power to Persist, host of The Power to Persist Podcast and founder of Phase 2 Consulting, emphasizes that setbacks can lead to new opportunities and highlights key habits for building lifelong resilience, including attitude, vulnerability, and faith.
The discussion also touches on the responsibility of business leaders to give back to their communities and mentor the next generation. He stresses the following points:
Persistence is key in the entrepreneurial journey.
Social impact and profit can coexist.
Vulnerability is essential for building resilience.
Gratitude helps in recognizing opportunities to give back.
Attitude shapes our ability to navigate challenges.
Faith is crucial for believing in unseen outcomes.
Mentorship is invaluable for personal and professional growth.
Setbacks can lead to new opportunities for success.
Don't miss this inspirational conversation! Listen and follow us for new updates.
 

Advocating for Safer Streets in SW Florida: Interview with Naples Pathways Coalition

Join us this week as we catch up with Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director at Naples Pathways Coalition. This conversation highlights the critical dangers posed by distracted walking and biking, emphasizing the risks associated with phone usage while navigating roadways. It underscores the importance of awareness and safety measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists from potential accidents involving vehicles.
Michelle provides insight on the creation of safer pedestrian walkways and paths, plus:
How distracted walking can lead to serious accidents.
Why biking without proper attention can be fatal.
Phone usage while walking is a major safety concern.
How pedestrians and cyclists need to be vigilant.
Awareness can save lives on the road.
How education on road safety is crucial.
How community initiatives can improve pedestrian safety.
Naples Pathways Coalition also has a few events coming up this year that the SW Florida community can be involved in such as The Iron Joe Turkey Ride & Walk on November 30, 2025. Don't miss this important episode on creating a safer commuting system for all to enjoy.
 

AI, Analytics, and the Future of Patient Care: Insights from Chris Hutchins

In this episode, we dive into building ethical and scalable data strategies in healthcare with Chris Hutchins, Founder and CEO of Hutchins Data Strategy Consultants. Chris discusses how healthcare analytics and AI strategy are helping hospitals and healthcare organizations leverage data and technology to improve patient care. He provides insight on the following:
His leadership roles, helping some of the nation’s most prestigious health systems, including Mass General and Northwell Health, in areas such as large-scale analytics initiatives, data governance programs, and AI adoption strategies.
Why it’s important to match deep technical expertise with a human-centered approach, ensuring that technology serves patients, providers, and administrators.
How he’s helped organizations unlock the full value of their data through ethical, scalable strategies.
His work on boards such as the Healthcare Data & Analytics Association and CDO Magazine, and advising organizations like Fullsteam Health, DataSpot Consulting Group, and Modal.
Join us for this intriguing conversation on how healthcare is transforming complex data into actionable insights that improve outcomes and reduce administrative burden.