The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

Shaping the Future for Childcare Workers Across the US: Interview with HTX Nannies

Join us for a behind the scenes look at life in childcare with HTX Nannies, a group formed in Houston, Texas. Ms. Keiwanna "Keke" Roberson and Ms. Rachael Lubin, co-founders of HTX Nannies, discuss how the professional community got started, and the groups past, current and future initiatives including:
How Keke, Rachael, and co-founder Mariana decide to formalize the group, HTX Nannies, to make it easily accessible to nannies without a support system.
HTX Nannies - Houston's Leading Nanny Support Group - In 2022, the group becomes a non-profit entity through the State of Texas, only raising money to put on events and help nannies.
HTX Nannies hosts monthly event for both nannies alone, and nannies with the children in their care.
HTX signature event is a monthly Nanny Breakfast, the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
In 2023, HTX Nannies hosts Houston's first nanny-specific training event in over a decade "International Nanny Training Day". Plans are underway for the 2026 Houston Nanny Training Day next April!
HTX Nannies completed Houston's first ever Nanny Wage Survey, and published the results; they did a smaller follow-up study in 2025 - www.tinyurl.com/hnws24 & www.tinyurl.com/hnws25
In 2025, at the encouragement of HTX Nannies, Governor Greg Abbott gave an Official Recognition to all Texas nannies for their "integral role in creating caring environment for children of all ages"
Don't miss this episode for an inside look at how one group is shaping the future for nannies across the US.

The Power of Experiential Marketing: Insights from Ray Sheehan

Join us for a behind the scenes look into the success behind experiential marketing with Ray Sheehan, Founder of Old City Media. The North American event production and experiential marketing agency has successfully helped numerous brands build their name. Key points for this interview:
How using Experiential Marketing can build a strong brand identity
Immersive Experiences: How to create memorable, hands-on events that emotionally connect customers with your brand.
Why authentic storytelling important.
How to use real-life scenarios to showcase brand values and build trust.
The importance of interactive engagement: Encouraging active participation through workshops, pop-ups, or sensory activations.
How to tailor experiences to target audiences for deeper resonance and loyalty.
The Business RoundUp is show that catches up with the movers and shakers in various business industries. Subscribe and follow for updates on new episodes coming up!

Organizational Impact Strategies to Spurn Growth: Interview with Wendy Lipton-Dibnor

In this conversation, Wendy Lipton-Dibner shares her journey from aspiring Broadway star to organizational impact strategist. She discusses the importance of focusing on real-world impact rather than just financial metrics in business. Wendy introduces her innovative technology designed to engage employees and customers in measuring their impact, and she highlights insights from her book, 'What Matters Matters Most,' which emphasizes the significance of understanding the ripple effects of products and services on people's lives. Key takeaways include:
How putting an emphasize on impact rather than just financial metrics can allow businesses to see greater growth.
Engagement of employees and customers is crucial for organizational growth.
How her organizational impact strategy includes over 200 formulas to measure real-world impact.
The book 'What Matters Matters Most' provides insights into building engagement and loyalty.
Why real-world impact can change lives across multiple areas, not just financially.
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Binge Listening: Pocket FM Drives Future of Audio Entertainment

In this conversation, Anurag Sharma, Chief Financial Officer of Pocket FM, discusses his journey in the finance sector and the innovative approach of Pocket FM in the audio entertainment industry. He explains how Pocket FM is revolutionizing storytelling through audio formats, plus:
How Pocket FM is creating engaging content that caters to various consumer needs. 
The impressive growth metrics of Pocket FM in just a short period of time.
The role of AI in enhancing storytelling, and the future goals for the platform.
How the future of audio entertainment revolves around binge listening.
Join us for this fun episode and explore the expanding world of audio entertainment. Make sure to listen and subscribe for early access to new episodes.

Building Brand Strategies: Kevin Perlmutter on Sparking Customer Loyalty

Join us as we take a dive into the world of marketing with Kevin Perlmutter, chief brand strategist, Founder of Limbic Brand Evolution and author, who discusses the evolution of brand strategy, from traditional methods to a more behavioral science-based approach.
Perlmutter emphasizes the importance of understanding customer emotions and motivations to create meaningful connections with brands, plus discusses:
The impact of AI on customer experiences and the necessity for brands to evolve continuously to meet customer needs.
Why traditional brand strategy is broken and needs to evolve.
Why understanding customer emotions is crucial for brand success.
How people often care more about how brands make them feel than the products themselves.
How your customer insights should drive brand strategy and messaging.
Why brands should prioritize understanding customer frustrations and motivations.
Don't miss this episode and learn why it's never too late to build brand loyalty and start learning about your customers.
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Hands-on Guide to Navigating the Trades: Insights from Carl Murawski

In this conversation, we interview Carl Murowski, a seasoned electrician and entrepreneur, who shares insights from his 20+ years in the trades. He discusses the realities of working in the trades, the impact of AI on job opportunities, the importance of choosing the right gear, and the challenges facing the workforce as many skilled workers retire.
Carl also emphasizes the need for better education about the trades and speaks about the following:
The shift in societal perceptions towards blue-collar work
Lack of entrepreneurship in trades can stem from a lack of knowledge.
The skilled trades gap is a significant issue.
How it's important to provide accurate information about trade jobs.
How AI is changing the landscape of trades, creating new opportunities.
Choosing the right work gear is crucial for comfort and safety.
The perception of trades is shifting towards respect and viability.
Hands-on work can be more fulfilling than office jobs.
Community knowledge is invaluable in the trade
Don't miss this insightful segment where we dive into the industry, plus get tips and advice for people working in the trades. You can also catch Carl on YouTube!

Inside the World of Private Equity Real Estate with Park Madison Partners’ Nancy Lashine

In this episode, we catch up with Nancy Lashine, founder and chief executive officer of Park Madison Partners, who discusses her journey in the real estate investment industry, the dynamics of private equity real estate and current market trends.
Nancy shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and gives insights on the importance of relationships, the stability of real estate investments, and the qualities needed for successful leadership and entrepreneurship. Topics discussed include:
How Nancy Lachine founded Park Madison Partners 19 years ago, focusing on institutional real estate investments.
Her background in dance and business school, which led her to a career in real estate.
Family values instilled a strong work ethic and independence in Nancy.
How current market trends show a focus on logistics and living sectors, with data centers gaining popularity.
Keys to entrepreneurship and how it requires problem-solving skills and adaptability to market changes.
Why courage and the ability to learn from failure are key traits of effective leadership.
Join us in this insightful conversation as we navigate the real estate landscape with Nancy Lachine. 

Fed Cuts, Inflation & Economic Trends: Insights from Vijay Marolia

In this conversation, Melissa Bill and Chief Investment Officer, Vijay Marolia, discuss the recent cuts by the Federal Reserve and their implications for the real estate market, inflation, and investment strategies. Vijay has been featured on Fox News, CNBC, Bloomberg, Barron's and Wharton Business News.
Marolia emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and critiques the current economic policies, plus explores the future of gold and silver investment. This discussion highlights: 
The challenges faced by young graduates in managing student loan debt and the need for better education in financial matters.
Inflation will remain a consistent issue affecting the U.S. economy.
The Federal Reserve's role is misunderstood; it does not guarantee economic growth.
Real estate market challenges stem more from supply issues than mortgage rates.
Private credit is growing rapidly as an investment avenue.
Understanding economic history is essential for making informed financial decisions.
Don't forget to subscribe and join us for this insightful conversation with Vijay Marolia as we discuss how to surf economic trends.