Is the field EVER LEVELED in your favor? Minority, Women, Veteran Small businesses can make millions in contracting! Unfortunately, they are challenged by the government procurement processes. Talk of leveling the playing field is the main theme, yet little is done to move us forward. The PROCUREMENT GAMES Podcast and Open Conversations brings our voices together to move us forward to changing the way the rules are set and the games are played.
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Tracy opened Lawson & Associates in 2009, a certified VOSB, VBE, WOSB, WBE and State of Hawaii DOT DBE/SBE specializing in safety support services. In 2020, Tracy co-founded the Safety Intelligence Institute and also co-founded BEHawaii, a nonprofit focused on human capital sustainability.
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Carroll Bernard (Govology) and Michael LeJeune (RSM Federal) have joined forces to help new and seasoned government contractors find tried-and-true solutions to challenges that keep them from succeeding in the government marketplace. They pull from their combined experience in selling to federal, state, and local governments and coaching others on how to do it right to offer you honest, no-BS answers and advice. To follow this podcast, submit an issue, and register for the live show, go to h ...
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Ep 28: 2024 Cybersecurity Compliance Update
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In this episode of GovCon Coffee & Issues, we’re excited to have Adam Austin (Totem Tech) back on the show to tell us about the latest developments in Cybersecurity Compliance in 2024. We discuss who is affected by cybersecurity regulations and the practical steps small businesses can take to meet cybersecurity compliance standards set by the Depar…
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Ep 27: No Strategy or Game Plan for 2024
1:24:21
1:24:21
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As the great Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” So, if you’re looking to conquer the world of federal sales in 2024, you need a solid game plan. That’s where Carroll Bernard and Michael Lejeune come in. These two experts have all the best practices and insider tips to help you chart a course for government…
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Ep 26: Tackling Short SAM.GOV Solicitation Windows
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In the world of federal contracting, the saying goes, 'If you're waiting until opportunities are posted on SAM.gov, you may be too late.' Unfortunately, this holds true in many cases as the solicitation windows on SAM.gov are often too short for contractors to properly prepare, develop proposals, and meet submission deadlines. But fear not! In our …
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Ep 25: New Requirements for SDVOSBs and VOSBs in 2024
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49:55
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If you are a veteran seeking government market opportunities, this episode is for you! Effective January 1st, 2024, you must secure formal certification from the SBA to participate (and be eligible for award) in veteran (and service-disabled veteran) owned small business set-aside and sole-source contracting opportunities. Self-certification will n…
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Ep 24: SBA's 8(a) BD Program: New Requirements and How to Meet Them
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In this episode, Carroll and Michael host Government Contracting Attorney Nicole Pottroff to discuss the recent court ruling that has significantly changed the SBA's 8(a) business development program. In addition to breaking down the impacts and updates of the ruling, Nicole shares tips and best practices for developing a strong 8(a) social disadva…
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Ep 23: What Every Contractor Must Know About Cybersecurity
1:06:49
1:06:49
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In this episode of Coffee & Issues, Carroll and Michael welcome Adam Austin from Totem Technologies (https://www.totem.tech/). Together, they delve into cybersecurity in government contracting and tackle the essential topics every contractor needs to navigate to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape. They explore how contractors can discern whe…
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Ep 22: GSA Schedule Contracts: Opportunities, Issues, and Pitfalls
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In this episode, Michael LeJeune and Carroll Bernard host a special guest Rich Earnest (Certified Coach with RSM Federal). The trio discuss the issues, pitfalls, and prevalent misconceptions that often lead contractors astray. Their focused exploration centers on two critical aspects: the perilous decision to pursue a GSA Schedule contract without …
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The Chat - S3 Episode 2: Recap and How to Respond to RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs
59:17
59:17
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In our second episode, we recap some of our Season 1 and Season 2 episodes, highlighting entrepreneurs in Minneapolis/Saint Paul as well as our community trailblazers who are paving the way to level the playing field for us! This episode also launches our "Nuggets of Knowledge" series - offering tips and tricks to get you a tick mark on the WIN col…
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The Chat -Season 3 Kicks Off with a Launch on our YouTube Channel!
1:04:36
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We are back for Season 3 - Join us as we kick off this season with a new channel on You Tube while continuing with a simulcast on WFNU 94.1 FM - Frogtown Community Radio! Like and subscribe on YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/@procurementgamesBy R. Lynn Pingol
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Ep 21: Secrets of Successful Government Contractors
55:54
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Have you ever wondered why some government contractors are "showered" with opportunities while others struggle to win a single contract? In this episode, Carroll Bernard and Michael LeJeune will draw from their extensive coaching and training expertise to share invaluable insights and real-world stories that shed light on what sets successful gover…
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Ep 20: Issues With Being a "Middleman"
1:12:06
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Did you enter the government marketplace as a small business wanting to be a "middleman" or "deal broker"? Unfortunately, the government doesn't like this approach -- it frequently views this approach as a pass-through and tries to cut out the "middleman." In this episode of GovCon Coffee & Issues, Carroll and Mike host Nicole Pottroff from Koprinc…
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The Chat: Kamillah El Amin - Royal Foundry Craft & Spirits & Huriya Village
54:34
54:34
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Kamillah El Amin shares her story as the first black woman owned distiller in the midwest in this episode! R. Lynn Pingol & Jared Petersen get an insight into Kamillah's family legacy and her entrepreneurial journey.By R. Lynn Pingol
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R. Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen chat about Victoria's journey as a property management company and brand new develoiper in MN.By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat: Belkis Cruz - Co Founder LBR Partners
56:08
56:08
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In this episode, R. Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen chats with Belkis Cruz who shares her "construction and development" journey in the Twin Cities. Belkis shares her passion and desire to help the Latino community in excelling in the procurement and contracting realm too!By R. Lynn Pingol
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In this episode, Carroll and Mike delve into the issue of teaming in federal contracting and help clear up the confusion many contractors have around this topic. They explore the various teaming arrangements, including prime/subcontractor relationships and joint ventures, and how they can be used to win federal contracts. They also discuss how the …
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The Chat -Trailblazer: Johnnie Burns, Dir of Contract Compliance City of Minneapolis
55:51
55:51
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We are talking compliance, goals, fines, and workforce with Johnnie Burns, Director of Contract Compliance at the City of Minneapolis! Jared Petersen and R.Lynn Pingol had way too much fun while still getting to the bottom of contracting DBE firms in Minnesota, where the disparity continue to be an issue in the eco-system of procurment and contract…
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Ep 18: Tips for Getting Financing for Your Contracts
1:07:14
1:07:14
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This episode is all about access to capital. How do you get the money you need to finance your contracts without getting yourself in trouble with shady lenders or ruthless investors? In this episode, Carroll and Mike host two guests -- Christa Williams, VP of Government Contracting at Bank of America and Isaac Ellesworth, Vice President of Republic…
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The Chat -Trailblazer: Jimmy Loyd, Econ.Development Dir., City of St. Paul
58:32
58:32
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Jimmy Loyd, Economic Development Director for the City of Saint Paul, MN dropped some pretty awesome exclusive news when joined R. Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen on the show!By R. Lynn Pingol
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Communication is key to staying safe on a job site. In construction classes, workers learn how to communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and other workers on the job. It helps ensure that all work is done safely and that potential risks are addressed quickly. Official Website: https://www.safetyintelligenceinstitute.com Our Profile: …
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At SQ Safety Intelligence, we pride ourselves on setting industry standards for safety and training courses. We offer comprehensive construction classes online courses that cover all aspects of construction safety, from pre-construction planning to day-to-day operations. Official Website: https://www.safetyintelligenceinstitute.com For More Informa…
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Construction workers often find themselves in complex and difficult environments. With construction training courses, employees can learn important safety protocols, such as how to use tools and equipment properly, identify hazards on a job site, and respond in an emergency. Official Website: https://www.safetyintelligenceinstitute.com Our Profile:…
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If you are looking for an extra edge to stay safe and secure on the job, enrolling in a construction safety course is your best bet. Working on a construction site requires a great deal of expertise and knowledge about safety protocols which can only be acquired through rigorous training. Official Website: https://www.safetyintelligenceinstitute.co…
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The Chat -Trailblazer: Mikeya Griffin, Exec. Director - Rondo Community Land Trust
58:42
58:42
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R. Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen are joined by Mikey Griffin, Executive Director of Rondo Community Land Trust, an amazing organization whose mission is to preserve the ownership of land in the Rondo Community!By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat: Mitchell Davis, Jr., CEO - MDavis Consulting
58:49
58:49
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Mitchell Davis, Jr joins R. LynnPingol and Jared Petersen to discuss the formula to use when you start a business and the importance of debriefs request, when you don't awarded a contract!By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat: Damaris Hollingsworth, Founder & Principal-Design By Melo
51:30
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R. Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen hosts Founder and Principal Architect- Damaris Hollingsworth of Design By Melo, who shares her inspiration as a child and the fears she faced in launching her own design firm.By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat -Trailblazer: Keith Baker, Executive Director ReConnect Rondo
51:30
51:30
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R.Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen is joined by Keith Baker, Executive Director of ReConnect Rondo, who shares his perspective on the procurement challenges small businesses face in the MN ecosystem. Keith discusses his current project - ReConnect Rondo, providing insights and encouragement on how community can get engaged.…
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The Chat: Jill Pavlak & Deb Loch, Co-Founders Urban Growler
53:45
53:45
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Jill Pavlak and Deb Loch joins hosts, R.Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen, to share their journey as the first women owned micro-brewery in Minnesota!By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat: Hyon Kim, Author, CEO-MnBest & Co-Founder of OurTechCoop
55:25
55:25
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Joining co=hosts R. Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen is Hyon Kim, CEO of MN Best, Inc., Founder of Midwest Alliance for North Korean Refugees, and co-founder of OurTech Coop. Hyon shares her journey in her new book "Alone in the Battefield" along with her experience in launching several successful businesses in the US.…
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The TALK: Ashanti Payne, Asst. Director MetCouncil EEO
48:52
48:52
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The TALK episode, brings Ashanti Payne back in the studio with Lynn and Jared for a reaction conversation to comments, questions, and live calls from our dedicated listeners!By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat -Trailblazer: Ashanti Payne, MetCouncil
50:07
50:07
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Ashanti Payne joins hosts R.Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen to discuss MetCouncil and the new initiatives and programs they now offer to small businesses.By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat: De'Vonna Pittman, Founder - Nature's Syrup - The Hair & Skin Care Experience
53:55
53:55
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Hosts R.Lynn Pingol & Jared Petersen are joined by De'Vonna Pittman, Founder of Nature's Syrup - The Hair & Skin Care Experience. De'Vonna shares her journey of launching a start up businesss, creating a business plan, and being selected by Goldman Sachs co-hort group.By R. Lynn Pingol
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Ep 17: Small Disadvantaged Businesses: Opportunities and Confusion
1:04:53
1:04:53
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In this episode, Carroll and Mike welcome back Govology Faculty Instructor and Legal Analyst Steven Koprince. Together, they discuss the historic opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses and help contractors determine whether they meet the criteria to claim small disadvantaged status.
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The Chat -Trailblazer: Paris Dunning, ESABA
53:29
53:29
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In this episode, R. Lynn Pingol and Jared Petersen engage in a energic conversation with Paris Dunning, Executive Director of East Side Area Business Association (ESABA).By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat: R. Lynn Pingol & Jared Petersen Kicks off Season 2 on WFNU 94.1
52:52
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Procurement Games Podcast & Open Conversations is back for Season 2! This time, R. Lynn Pingol is joined by co-host+technician extraordinaire Jared Petersen! We are officially broadcasting LIVE every Thursday at NOON on WFNU 94.1 FM Frogtown Community Radio! This episode was alot of fun to record...OH THE NERVES! We recapped Season 1 and level set …
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Ep 16: The SBA's Proposed Changes to the 8(a) Program: Consequences for ALL Certifications
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In this episode, Carroll and Michael host Mr. Steven Koprince, retired attorney and Govology Legal Analyst, to discuss the consequences of the SBA's proposed changes to the 8(a) business development program. These proposed rule changes contain certain language that will affect almost every certification program. The two mentioned the most are 8(a) …
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Ep 15: How to Capture Expiring Funds & Sole Source Contracts
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54:29
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In this episode, Carroll and Michael host Mr. Jeff Cuskey who recently presented a webinar on Govology, titled "Strategies to Capture Expiring Funds & Sole Source Contracts." They discuss key takeaways from the webinar and share some tips and strategies on the subject gathered from many years of experience in the government marketplace.…
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In this episode, Carroll and Michael welcome Aliahu "Alli" Bey and Adam Austin from Haight Bey & Associates LLC - a successful small business defense contractor. During the show, Carroll, Michael, Alli, and Adam address some of the top issues small businesses face when trying to meet CMMC requirements. They also discuss various clauses related to c…
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In this episode, Carroll and Michael discuss the issue of how many small businesses are not truly ready to win opportunities in the government marketplace. They also provide a practical definition of what it means to be "procurement ready," but more importantly, what it means to be "opportunity ready" and how to get there.…
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Have you heard the news? On April 4, 2022, the Federal government transitioned from DUNS numbers to Unique Entity Identifiers (UEI). As a result, vendors will no longer have to obtain or maintain a DUNS number before registering in the System for Award Management (SAM). So, is your DUNS number useless now? Should you get rid of it? Find out why Car…
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In this episode, Carroll and Michael explore the effectiveness of unsolicited proposals. They welcome a guest, Jutta Bangs from Tennessee PTAC, who shares a client success story demonstrating that unsolicited proposals may indirectly help you win a government contract.
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Ep 10: How to Win Your First Government Contract
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The main message of this episode is that there is no one cookie-cutter way to win a government contract. Many factors determine the best approach to selling to government agencies. In this episode, Carroll and Michael discuss these factors while sharing examples from their experience of working with small business contractors.…
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The Chat - TRAILBLAZER EDITION: Kara Jenkins, Administrator - NV
31:43
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Host R.Lynn Pingol is joined by Director Kara Jenkins of Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) to share how small businesses can take advantage of NERC's program to teach non-discriminatory practices and creating equity based hiring practices that result in a diverse workforce! About Kara Jenkins Kara Jenkins serves as Administrator to the Nevada E…
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The Chat: Heather Avila, President & CEO - LIVE Electric
35:24
35:24
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Heather Avila - President & CEO of LIVE Electric joins host R. Lynn Pingol to discuss her journey as an enpretreneur and how she used the resources of government agencies and her inner network to position herself for the WIN! Heather founded Live Electric Inc in 2014. She brings her 20+ years’ of experience overseeing strategic business advancement…
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The Chat: Evelyn Pacheco, President & Army Veteran - NV Women in Trades
30:05
30:05
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Army Veteran and President of Nevada Women in Trades - Eveylyn Pacheco, joins host- R.Lynn Pingol to discuss the importance of her pre-apprenticeship program for the construction community! Nevada Women in Trades (NVWIT) is a non-profit corporation registered in the state of Nevada with a mission: To prepare women in Nevada for successful careers i…
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The Chat: Tamiko Trott-Binns, President Trott Binns Construction
34:11
34:11
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Tamiko Trott-Binns shares her journey and some critical points about the construction industy, from the lenses of a Black Woman Contractor, with host R.Lynn Pingol xBy R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat - TRAILBLAZER EDITION: Karin McCabe, Outreach Director - McGough Construction
36:56
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R.Lynn Pingol drives the conversation with Trailblazer Karin McCabe- McGough Construction on how they are leveling the playing field in their bidding process! About Karin Karin has worked in the construction industry since 1999. Upon completion of a Women Venture construction training program, she started her career with McGough in the field. Alway…
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The Chat: Comfort Dondo - Executive Director, Pumulani MN
26:48
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Comfort Dondo - Executive Director of Pumulani MN and Author of Facing the Giants - joins R. Lynn Pingol on the platform of domestic violence and how the industry needs to shift so that the providers reflect the demographics it serves.By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat: Erinn Farrell, Co-Founder & Partner - The Coven
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R.Lynn Pingol is joined by Erinn Farrell - Co-Founder & Partner at The Coven - a unique and amazing space for women with intent to make radical changes to community.By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat: Stacy J. Powell, SJP Independent Consultants
28:32
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Stacy J. Powell of SJP Independent Consultants joins host R. Lynn Pingol, to discuss her entrepeneur journey and how the Human Resource industry should shift their mindset in preparation for the next generation in the coming COVID endemic era!By R. Lynn Pingol
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The Chat: Trailblazer Edition - Noel Nix, City of St. Paul, MN
37:35
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Noel Nix, Director of Community Initatives for the Office of Mayor Melvin Carter joins R.Lynn Pingol to discuss and invite small businesses and community to take a seat at the table and engage to influence change, especially for communities of color!By R. Lynn Pingol
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