Best Justin Willingham Podcasts (2024)

1
Creating Pathways to K-12 Success: A Principal’s Perspective with Sharonda Willingham 37:42

4M ago37:42

37:42

Send us a text Student identity is crucial in K-12 public schools, but it’s not always given the attention it deserves. When students feel a sense of belonging and see their identities reflected in the spaces and curriculum around them, they thrive. This can have positive trickle-down effects on well-being and academic engagement. In this episode o…

1
Actionable Insights to Improve Equality in Education with Daysha Jackson-Sanchez 33:07

4M ago33:07

33:07

Send us a text We have a collective responsibility and an obligation to work toward making education equitable for all learners period. Wouldn’t this world be a better place if anyone who desires to learn, regardless of gender, religion, race, location, socioeconomics, and the like, could access high-quality education? Of course. What if the words …

1
Debra Strougo, Row House Founder, Fitizens Partner 44:54

4M ago44:54

44:54

“It’s a beautiful form of entrepreneurship to be a franchisee, because you have so much stability and support but you still are the maven of your own market.” Debra Strougo worked for the New York City mayor’s office in brand development for “the greatest brand in the world.” But over time her unquenchable passion for fitness beckoned and in 2017 w…

1
Distance Education Is Under Threat: What You Need to Know With Dr. Van Davis 35:05

5M ago35:05

35:05

Send us a text Counter to the old adage, the US Department of Education is looking to fix something that many argue ain't broke... Right now, distance education is being reviewed and new regulations are being considered in the name of consumer protection. It's believed that the US Department of Education is operating under the misconception that di…

1
Vanessa Yakobson, Blo Blow Dry Bar CEO & Partner 35:46

5M ago35:46

35:46

“If a franchisee invents a practice that is serving them really well, we want them to let us know so we can package it up and share it in the system.” The beauty market is one of the hottest in franchising, and with more than 100 locations in the US and Canada, Blo Blow Dry Bar is one of the hottest beauty franchises. CEO and partner Vanessa Yakobs…

1
Celebrating Educators at the STLHEs with the D2L Innovation Award Co-Chairs 34:24

5M ago34:24

34:24

Send us a text It's nearly time to roll out the red carpet! The STLHE Awards are fast approaching, and the D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning Co-Chairs couldn't be more excited. Dr. Aleksandra Zecevic and Dr. Jovan Groen sat down with Dr. Cristi Ford to discuss the highly anticipated annual event and of course, the awards! As our Canadia…

1
Shane Franson-Evans, Massage Heights Co-Founder & CEO 31:28

5M ago31:28

31:28

“When you’re protecting an emerging brand, you’re protecting the stakes of all the people who’d invested in the brand.” From taking care of her own back pain to taking care of the owners of more than 100 Massage Heights locations, Shane (a member of the IFA board of directors) has priceless insights on building an emerging brand BIG while still kee…

1
Justin Willingham & Monica Fonseca: An International Perspective on Franchising 38:42

5M ago38:42

38:42

“Let’s not be copycats. Create a new demand for new products. Don’t be afraid. Go for it. And if you fail, just get up and do it again.” Our most in-depth look at international franchising yet! Based in Honduras, Justin and Monica have made their mark not only by importing multiple North American and European franchise brands to Central America, bu…

1
Mark Kushinsky, MaidPro & Threshold Brands Founder/CEO 36:07

5M ago36:07

36:07

“There are a lot of things people misunderstand about franchising. People tend to think that if they buy a franchise, their success is going to be guaranteed.” It took Mark Kushinsky a year and a half as a department store manager to realize he didn’t want to be an employee. He started his own residential cleaning business, then "ran into” franchis…

1
The Digital School’s Road to One Million Learners With Dr. Lesley Snowball 38:19

6M ago38:19

38:19

Send us a text As educators, we know that knowledge is power. Nowhere is this more evident than in underserved and displaced populations. According to the United Nations, nearly half of all refugee children are not attending school. Thankfully, there are initiatives and individuals doing the work to help increase access to education for refugee pop…

1
Scott Wendrych, FYZICAL Chief Development Officer 40:01

6M ago40:01

40:01

“The better and more diverse backgrounds of the people in your system, the better your brand’s going to be.” A must-listen for current ‘zees, ‘zees of tomorrow, and anyone else contemplating a startup business venture. As the guy with the final say on who gets a FYZICAL Therapy & Balance franchise, Scott Wendrych is an undisputed authority on what …

1
Annie Tselikis, Cousins Maine Lobster Alumna 49:05

6M ago49:05

49:05

“The franchisee/franchisee relationships are critical for the success of our system. Annie Tselikis said, “You’re crazy” when her brother Jim and cousin Sabin Lomac hatched the idea of a food truck in Los Angeles serving Maine lobster rolls. But when they tapped into her deep fisheries expertise to shape their business model, Cousins Maine Lobster …

1
How Teaching Skills Can Complement the Use of AI in Education With Michael Feldstein 33:04

6M ago33:04

33:04

Send us a text As AI continues to spread across the education landscape, the role of teachers is shifting. But what if educators looked at AI as a complement to their skillset, rather than a threat? In this episode of the Teach & Learn podcast, Dr. Cristi Ford talks to Michael Feldstein, Chief Accountability Officer at e-Literate about the impact o…

1
Ramzi Daklouche, Edible Brands Chief Commercial Officer 32:06

6M ago32:06

32:06

“If you just come in as a franchisee and expect to be employed by the franchisor, and just wait for the franchisor to give you direction, that’s a sure way to fail.” Five years as a franchisee for 4 US retail brands taught Ramzi Daklouche a lesson that informs his work today at Edible: It’s always all about the local markets. We’re thrilled to welc…

1
Jeff Klein, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Multi-Unit Franchisee 40:24

6M ago40:24

40:24

“Franchisee unit-level economics has to be the most important thing a franchisor thinks about. If they don’t, the system doesn’t work.” The energy is AMPED in this episode, and no wonder: Guest Jeff Klein is a go-go ‘zee for Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, The Gents Place, and biggest of all, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shops, with 14 locations — #1 in the system…

1
How AI Changes the Expert-Beginner Relationship and Stunts Skill Development With Dr. Matt Beane 34:06

7M ago34:06

34:06

Send us a text While the applications and advancements in AI, robotics and intelligent machines are proving to be invaluable at the moment, our next guest reminds us of the old adage that nothing in life is free. Dr. Matt Beane is an award-winning robotic surgery researcher, an assistant professor in the Technology Management Program at the Univers…

1
Alex Faigel, Dr. Dental Founder and Co-CEO 36:29

7M ago36:29

36:29

“There’s no such thing as failure. You just didn’t get there yet.” Alex founded Dr. Dental in 2004 with the vision of retailizing dental care by providing convenient, accessible, quality care via retail dental clinics in convenient neighborhood locations. Now with 57 locations across the northeast, Dr. Dental isn’t a franchise in the strict sense, …

1
Winn Claybaugh & John Kanski of Paul Mitchell Schools & Salty Dawg Pet Salons 46:54

7M ago46:54

46:54

“You can’t fire your way into building a better team of people. That’s why culture matters.” Our 25th episode is our hairiest yet! In 2018 they asked themselves, “Why not?” and began extending the “Be Nice” culture of Paul Mitchell Schools (Winn as dean and co-founder, John as a ‘zee) to a new venture, Salty Dawg Pet Salons. Now they’re creating mo…

1
How a Creative Approach to AI Can Enrich Both Teaching and Learning With Reed Dickson 35:01

7M ago35:01

35:01

Send us a text While many educators are cautiously dipping their toes into the LLM waters, this episode's guest has been playing in the depths and enjoying every minute of it. Reed Dickson is an educator, writer, designer and speaker focused on the future of teaching, learning, EdTech and AI. He joins Dr. Cristi Ford to share his passion for this e…

1
Christo Demetriades, Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Growth 35:07

7M ago35:07

35:07

“As a franchisor, you’re entrusting your franchisees to continue the growth of your brand, and putting the essence of the brand in their hands.” A proven entrepreneur, visionary and leader, Christo Demetriades has spent 3 decades as a CEO, CFO, and COO for franchising, restaurant, entertainment, and self-care brands. His superpower: Building and nu…

1
Gary Raphael: The Mid-Career Pivot to Franchising 38:04

7M ago38:04

38:04

“Franchising is like politics: It’s all local.” After a 35-year career as an insurance executive, Gary Raphael found himself “on the short end of a merger” and embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey that has led him to the QSR (quick-service restaurant) franchising model with Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. How did his high-level business…

1
How AI Can Support or Prevent True Learning With AI Strategist Justin Bruno 31:35

7M ago31:35

31:35

Send us a text Welcome to another episode of Teach & Learn brought to you by D2L. Our regular listeners will know that we have been diving into AI as of late. As this technology evolves so must the conversation. It’s our responsibility to continue to question, investigate, and examine as it becomes more and more ubiquitous—this isn’t the time to ma…

1
Jonathan Epstein, Planet Fitness Mega-Franchisee 46:24

8M ago46:24

46:24

“Sometimes, franchising is MORE entrepreneurial, because in the larger franchises all of the great ideas that the customers are experiencing come from the franchisees.” Was Jonathan Epstein born to follow the franchise model to phenomenal success? With a dad who owned 37 Midas Muffler shops, it’s possible! But as he embarked on his own ventures as …

1
Restaurant Franchising 2024 Outlook with Dan Bonoff of Goode Partners 35:25

8M ago35:25

35:25

“Unit economics is what makes investing in restaurants compelling and exciting.” Dan Bonoff, a partner at Goode Partners, has been a private equity investor with a focus on the consumer sector for nearly 20 years. During his private equity career, he’s participated in platform investments and add-on acquisitions totaling more than $800 million of e…

1
The Importance of Critical Thinking in K-12 Classrooms With Dr. Aleigha Henderson-Rosser 30:46

8M ago30:46

30:46

Send us a text Many K-12 teachers view critical thinking as a crucial skill for students to work on. But unlike a core subject, teaching it isn’t as simple as carving out a dedicated time slot and running an assessment at the end of the term. Technology can certainly help support the development of critical thinking skills, but only if used correct…

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Heather Elrod, Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Growth 31:54

8M ago31:54

31:54

“As a franchisee, you have to work ON the business as well as IN the business. Heather's career spans 30 years in the franchise, beauty, and wellness industries. She’s held executive positions in multi-billion dollar as well as emerging companies — most notably and recently, Amazing Lash Studios, which she shepherded from 70 locations to more than …

1
Tim Vogel, Scenthound Founder & CEO 38:34

8M ago38:34

38:34

“Some people are not meant to franchise. Some people absolutely SHOULD franchise.” Talk about perfect timing: Tim Vogel opened the first Scenthound dog-care shop in 2020, just as pet ownership skyrocketed during the pandemic. Today, Scenthound boasts more than 50 franchises — so you can expect seriously actionable lessons in scaling from this episo…

1
How AI Can Impact Education and Beyond With Julian Moore 33:47

8M ago33:47

33:47

Send us a text AI is here, and it’s here to stay. Whether you’re an early adopter of artificial intelligence or still reluctant to embrace it, the reality is it’s only going to become more and more prevalent. As with most technology, it will eventually find its way into nearly every aspect of our work and daily lives. If it’s everything our guest b…

1
Elizabeth Roberts: Pure Barre’s #1 Franchisee 45:57

8M ago45:57

45:57

“I did everything you’re not supposed to do in finance to open my first studio.” For Redbird Fitness founder/CEO Elizabeth Roberts, it all started with a pair of “sticky socks” in 2015. Now operating a dozen Pure Barre locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut (scaling from 1 to 5 in her first 5 years), she’s the fitness brand’s top ‘Zee — AND a h…

1
Bryce Fluellen: Economic Mobility Through Social Equity Franchising 36:17

9M ago36:17

36:17

“You always have to be telling your story. If you’re doing good in the world you have to be just as loud and persistent as those who aren’t.” As President/Co-Founder of Arthur Lee Consulting & Advisory (named in honor of his father’s passion for food equity) and former Executive Director of Social Equity Franchising at Everytable, Bryce Fluellen is…

1
Bob & Karen Sommers, Citywide Facilities Solutions Franchisees 47:14

9M ago47:14

47:14

“We’ve seen the power of the system.” Required listening for current ‘Zees and wannabes! Seeking to bust out of their careers in tech and radio and do their own thing, Bob & Karen Sommers opened the 12th market for Citywide Facilities Solutions 15 years ago. But there’s a twist to the story: Franchising was NOT in their original entrepreneurship pl…

1
Andrea Mundie: Co-Founder & CEO, skoah; Principal, RDCP Consulting, Inc. 48:46

9M ago48:46

48:46

“There has to be something that’s bigger than just the product … it has to be about the impact it has on the person on the other side.” With a powerful management and franchising resume (including 19 years at the helm of skoah), Andrea now consults with numerous franchise enterprises on matters ranging from growth and international expansion strate…

1
Building an Infrastructure for the Exchange of Verifiable Digital Credentials With Naomi Szekeres 39:56

9M ago39:56

39:56

Send us a text There’s been a lot of chatter in the higher education world about the need to redefine the value proposition around credentials and skills. How does one verify a credential or skill from one university versus another? On top of this, universities and colleges are grappling with how to make sure they’re closing the chasm between what …

1
Brian Belmont: FYZICAL CEO, Planet Fitness & Quiznos Franchisee 30:51

10M ago30:51

30:51

“You are only as good as the last unit you open.” That single statement speaks volumes about Brian Belmont’s powerful belief in franchisor/franchisee relationships. As CEO of FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers (with more than 500 locations in 46 states) he draws upon his experiences as a Quiznos and Planet Fitness franchisee “to help other people …

1
How to Humanize Online Learning With Nicolas Parés and Mandi Singleton 36:47

10M ago36:47

36:47

Send us a text In this episode of D2L's Teach & Learn podcast, Dr. Cristi Ford discusses the importance of humanizing online learning with guests Nicolas Parés and Mandi Singleton. They talk about the need for building meaningful connections in virtual spaces, share why it's important for educators to be vulnerable and provide practical tips and to…

1
Kristin Kidd of School of Rock & The Lash Lounge 30:48

10M ago30:48

30:48

“What matters is that you’re a good person and you’re passionate about the business.” From operating 27 School of Rock locations, to now owning 2 of them AND simultaneously serving on The Lash Lounge’s leadership team as VP of Operations, Kristin Kidd has lived all sides of the franchising model. And she has a lot to say about what works (and what …

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Omar Simmons, Planet Fitness Franchisee & Venture Investor 32:03

10M ago32:03

32:03

“As a franchisee, you’re in the business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself.” As owner of multiple Planet Fitness franchises and Managing Partner at Exaltare Capital Partners, Omar Simmons believes that there are many paths of entrepreneurship. Yet none do more than the franchise model to support the dreams of entrepreneurs from underrepresented com…

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How to Scale and Systematize Innovation in Higher Education With Michelle Sengara 44:28

10M ago44:28

44:28

Send us a text In today's episode, we welcome Michelle Sengara, Director of Academic Innovation at York University, to discuss how to systematize and scale innovation at higher education institutions. Our guest and host chatted about the systems approach to innovation, the importance of building relationships and reimagining teaching and learning a…

1
Amanda Bialek of Konnect Agency: 360-Degree Franchise Marketing 28:26

10M ago28:26

28:26

“Franchising provides the opportunity to tap into entrepreneurial spirit with the guidance of a great play book” Welcome to the intersection of marketing and brand-building! As President of LA’s Konnect Agency Amanda Bialek advises franchisors on national strategies and franchisees on local advertising — a true 360-degree perspective of the market …

1
Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern: Big Fun and the ‘Zor/’Zee Partnership 32:13

11M ago32:13

32:13

“The best franchisors recognize that franchisees help make the franchisor system stronger.” Big Chicken in space? Someday for sure, if Josh Halpern has his way! Josh joins Ab and Vini to share how he’s leveraging his incredible brand, marketing, and operating experience to guide and lead Shaquille O’Neal’s new restaurant concept. A true entrepreneu…

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Navigating K-12 Change Management for Student Success With Dr. Kathleen Grigsby 39:21

11M ago39:21

39:21

Send us a text Today’s episode is all about change management in the K-12 industry. Change management at the elementary and high school levels can involve pedagogy, administrative process and technology, or a combination of one or more of these areas. But it can often be met with resistance by educators, students and parents. To discuss these topic…

1
Jim Tselikis & Sabin Lomac, Founders of Cousins Maine Lobster 1:00:00

11M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

“Time is more valuable than the money we lost. We can recover money, but we can't recover time lost.” Can lobsters and sharks get along? Jim and Sabin, our first Shark Tank-veteran guests, would say “ayuh,” having emerged from the CNBC show with Barbara Corcoran as a 15% equity partner! The real cousins behind Cousins Maine Lobster join Ab and Vini…

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Neal Faulkner, Dunkin’ Multi-Franchisee: Gettin’ Down in the Trenches 56:48

11M ago56:48

56:48

“Franchisees have to work in the business and be ready to do every single task!” 24 years ago Neal literally rolled up his sleeves and began a 5-year stint in the trenches dirtying his hands and learning one of America’s leading franchise powerhouses from the inside out. Now a respected Dunkin Brands multi-unit franchisee, Neal has priceless though…

1
The Science Behind Effective Learning With Norman Bier, John Stamper and Steven Moore 44:54

11M ago44:54

44:54

Send us a text In the latest episode of D2L’s Teach & Learn, we delve into the science behind learning and the importance of running on-going experiments in education. To discuss these topics further, Dr. Cristi Ford welcomed the winners of the XPRIZE Digital Learning Challenge: Norman Bier, John Stamper and Steven Moore, from Carnegie Mellon Unive…

1
Elaine Chow, ChopValue Boston Founder: B2B Franchising Meets Social Entrepreneurship 34:36

11M ago34:36

34:36

“Don't underestimate the amount of work involved in being a franchisee. It’s full of grit, twists, and turns.” Our first guest from the B2B arena! Meet a pioneer in the green “circular economy” space and B2B franchising: Elaine Chow, founder of ChopValue Boston, which boasts a groundbreaking and fascinating value proposition: sustainable wood furni…

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Soosie Lazenby, Club Pilates and StretchLab Franchisee: Going All-In on New Franchise Brands 49:05

11M ago49:05

49:05

“Franchises don’t run themselves. There’s no such thing as an semi-absentee owner.” What’s it like to be “first in” on a new, unproven franchise brand? Soosie Lazenby is principal owner and operator of 4 StretchLab franchises (under the XPonential Fitness umbrella) in the Tampa Bay metro area. Not only that, she was among the first to commit to thi…

1
How to Prepare Higher Education Graduates for the Workforce With Joseph B. Fuller and Kerry McKittrick 49:05

12M ago49:05

49:05

Send us a text We are thrilled to be launching Season 2 of Teach & Learn, a podcast for curious educators. Our host, Dr. Cristi Ford kicks things off with an episode on the challenges and opportunities in preparing post-secondary graduates for the world of work. To discuss this issue further, we welcomed Joseph B. Fuller, Professor of Management Pr…

1
Ken Doyle, Halifax Partners Founder: Private Equity LOVES the Franchise Model 54:06

12M ago54:06

54:06

“Innovation comes from the franchisees.” A must-listen not only for franchisee and franchisor owners, but also for other investors and potential investors in franchise brands! Ken Doyle brings an uncommon and valuable perspective to the podcast — as someone who has made successful investments not only in growth franchisors but also in franchisees. …

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King Food Group (Thailand) Founder/President Dr. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio: How Powerful Brands can Power Social Uplift 37:18

12M ago37:18

37:18

“You don't plan for opportunities. Rather, you work hard to be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they come.” Ab and Vini welcome our first international Star, Dr. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio, founder and President of King Food Group (Thailand), a multi-franchise conglomerate. It all started with “love at first bite” when she tasted a Kri…

1
Nigel Travis, Author of The Challenge Culture, Former CEO & Chairman of the Board of Dunkin’ Brands (and that’s just for starters!) 40:33

1y ago40:33

40:33

“Franchising and entrepreneurship are great bedfellows.” With more than 40 years of leadership experience at Dunkin’ Brands, Papa John’s, Blockbuster, and currently Chairman and Co-Owner of London’s Leyton Orient Football Club and Principal at Challenge Consulting, Nigel has steered global organizations through both spectacular success and existent…

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Justin Willingham Podcasts

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