Category Archives: Dr. Karen’s Podcast Guests

November 28, 2023

Testimony of God’s Redemption with Ron McMillon, Gospel Jazz Saxophonist (Episode # 452)

When Jacob’s son Joseph dreamed of the sun, moon, and stars bowing down to him he could not have imagined God’s path to the fulfillment of that prophetic dream. Likewise, God gave a vision to top 30 Billboard recording artist and gospel jazz saxophonist Ron McMillon. In Ron’s vision, he saw himself with a saxophone in one hand and a Bible in the other. Even in fiery trials and darkness when the vision seemed far away, God was still on the throne preserving Ron’s life and working all things out for his good.

Have you ever wondered if your mistakes are too great for God to manifest His gifts and calling in your life or to redeem you? Join Dr. Karen today as Ron McMillon shares words of hope, healing, and recovery in his testimony. God is brighter than the darkness and bigger than any problem. He will get the glory and honor from our lives even when we take wrong turns.

Contact Ron at RonMcMillon.com for music/speaking ministry engagements

November 14, 2023

“Press Toward the Mark” with Gospel Jazz Saxophonist Ron McMillon (Episode # 450)

Ron McMillon is a gospel smooth jazz saxophonist and recording artist. Charting on the Top 30 Billboard in the music industry, his music is played on the Music Choice TV Channel and on radio worldwide, including Sirius XM Radio where he is known as Mr. Jazz Watercolors. He has also had the privilege to play alongside very high profile artists in the Gospel/Smooth Jazz genre.

A Colorado native who studied music at the collegiate level, Ron’s sincere passion for music ministry and his love for God are the foundation for ALL of his successes in the music industry. Listen today to hear five of his songs and to apply his words of wisdom from God about the role of patience, diligence, and hard work as you “Press Toward the Mark” of God’s high calling.

Purchase CDs and book Ron for music ministry events at RonMcMillon.com

October 24, 2023

Soar Into Joy: Interview with Loree Draude (Episode # 447)

Executive leaders and combat pilots both scan the “battlefield” for new strategic opportunities. In both warfare and business mission advancement, success comes from the skillful execution of strengths and talents. Returning guest Loree Draude shares how recent life events prompted her to seize new creative opportunities in a different location.

Loree Draude was one of the first women in the Navy to fly combat jets. She deployed twice to the Persian Gulf, accumulating over 300 carrier landings and 1600 flight hours. After completing her naval service, Loree led product, marketing, and operations teams at start-ups and tech companies, including Google and Meta. A proven leader and entrepreneur, she now advises and coaches executives and founders on how to improve their leadership.

Loree is the author of a new book, “Soar Into Joy: A Combat Pilot’s Wisdom on Living a Fulfilling Life” and star of the sold out and award winning one woman Off Broadway show “I Feel the Need.” Listen today as Loree speaks with Dr. Karen about how to soar joyfully into new professional and personal pursuits.

Reach Loree at loreedraude.com

October 10, 2023

Globalization: Supply Chain and Beyond: Interview with Patrick Daly (Episode # 445)

How do current global conditions influence and reshape the strategies that companies employ to manage their supply chain networks? How does disruption in the supply chain impact the movement of goods and services? When do businesses adjust processes to keep pace with global shifts? Guest Patrick Daly shares his observations on how instability, inflation, and the emergence of new economic competitors impact globalization. He also shares how to mitigate risk by understanding the complexity and dependencies within sourcing tiers.

Patrick Daly, a global supply chain expert, is the Managing Director of Alba Consulting based in Dublin, Ireland. He works with top Fortune 500 companies in manufacturing, distribution, and logistics services in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond. Due to his innovative interventions his clients achieve dramatic improvements in their supply chain capabilities and performance excellence.

Patrick is the author of the book “International Supply Chain Relationships: Creating Competitive Advantage in a Globalized Economy,” host of the globally focused Interlinks podcast and the weekly short video series, “The Week That’s in It,” and author of “The Strategic Context” newsletter on Linked-In.

Listen today as Patrick and Dr. Karen share valuable insights on the shifting global business landscape.

Reach Patrick Daly at www.albalogistics.com

September 12, 2023

How to Use ChatGPT for Business Success: Interview with Chad Barr (Episode # 441)

What is the value of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT for business and personal life? How do you use it safely and avoid pitfalls? Guest Chad Barr demonstrates how to apply human intelligence to maximize the benefits and minimize the downsides of Chat GPT. He also addresses how to save time and get better business outcomes.

Chad Barr is the Digital Empire Creator. As the President of The Chad Barr Group, he and his company transform businesses through technological innovation. With more than 25 years of experience as an internet marketing strategist, Chad raises the “Barr” on the internet presence of his clients.

Chad is the author of “Transformation Visuals®” where a picture is worth a thousand words, “Under the Barr,” a look at the humorous side of business, and “The Bridge to Web Success,” the definitive book to stay current about what’s new in internet web presence.

Listen today as Chad shares relevant executive leadership examples with Dr. Karen.

Reach Chad at www.thechadbarrgroup.com

August 22, 2023

Brian Smith, Founder of UGG Boots: The Journey from Vision and Infancy to Billions (Episode # 438)

Brian Smith, The Founder of UGG Boots has charted his own course to become one of the great entrepreneurial success stories of our time. As a native Australian, his vision in 1978 was to put a pair of UGG sheepskin boots on every American. In each of the past five years, sales of UGG products have exceeded a billion dollars.

Brian calls his book, “The Birth of a Brand,” an entrepreneurial road map. Today, on The Voice of Leadership, Brian speaks with Dr. Karen about growing his company from vision to infancy, the toddler years, and beyond. In this insightful interview Brian shares important lessons on sales and marketing, raising capital, financial forecasting, manufacturing, competition, and how to ride the entrepreneurial waves to a billion dollar company. No matter where you are in your executive leadership journey, these insights are for you.

Book Brian Smith for Keynote speaking at BrianSmithSpeaker.com; Brian@BrianSmithSpeaker.com

Get his book, “The Birth of a Brand” at all major outlets

August 8, 2023

Peter Christian: What I Learned at Crayola and Beyond (Episode # 436)

Peter H. Christian served as an executive for Crayola Corporation. After 17 years with Crayola, he then became a founding partner of espi, Enterprise Systems Partners, Inc. The author of two Amazon best-selling books, “What About the Vermin Problem?” and “Influences and Influencers” Pete has worked with more than 300 clients to realize millions of dollars in cost reductions and profit improvements in multiple areas such as business development, operations, IS selection and implementation, supply chain, and Project Management.

Today, with unusual candor and vulnerability Pete talks to Dr. Karen about what he has learned and how his Christian values have helped him to navigate corporate culture and organizational politics. He also shares how to exit a company on the best of terms even in challenging circumstances.

Reach Pete at Petechristianbooks.com; phchristian53@gmail.com

July 25, 2023

Dennis Welch: If I Live to Be 100 (Episode # 434)

Songwriter, recording artist, and author Dennis Welch is a master storyteller. With over 500 songs, two books, and many concerts, Dennis creates a place to find yourself and love. Today, Wurld records released his newest recording project, “If I Live to Be a Hundred.” His previous collection, “What Love Makes Us Do” also produced by Little River Band Guitarist Rich Herring, made the first grammy ballot in five categories.

Privileged to write with some of the great songwriters: Allen Shamblin, Monte Warden, Fletch Wiley, Will Callery, and Lenny Cochrun, Dennis joins Dr. Karen today to talk about creativity, inspiration, calling, God’s blessings, and cautionary tales for executive leaders. Also hear five songs from the new release!

Contact Dennis at DennisWelch1956@gmail.com

July 11, 2023

Steve McKee: How to Embrace Business Turns as Opportunities (Episode # 432)

Steve McKee is the co-founder of McKee Wallwork, a nationally recognized marketing advisory firm. McKee Wallwork specializes in turnarounds of Stalled, Stuck, and Stale companies. In today’s show Steve unveils the four factors that lead to business failure and the essential ingredients to effectively navigate business turns.

Steve is the author of the groundbreaking book on change management, “TURNS: Where Business is Won and Lost.” His company made the Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing private companies in America and twice won the prestigious Effie Award for marketing effectiveness. Listen today as Dr. Karen explores the results of Steve McKee’s Inc. 500 research project, his personal and business journey, and the implications for executives who choose to be successful today.

Contact Steve at SteveMcKee.com

June 27, 2023

“My Mentor Walks on Water”: Donna Johnson (Episode # 430)

Donna Johnson, one of the most successful and highly respected sales professionals in her Direct Marketing Business is also the recipient of her company’s Lifetime Achievement Award. What is the secret of her success? In her book, “My Mentor Walks on Water,” Donna talks about the courage and power to step out of the boat to speak the truth with love in the workplace. Donna also knows that, with many voices all around her, she answers to only “One”. She further says, “My business is not my idol, rather a tool.”

Donna and her husband Thomas also operate “Spirit Wings Kids”, a charity that funds orphanages in India and Africa, along with a Permaculture farm and soccer academy in Uganda. Listen today as Donna Johnson and Dr. Karen explore more water walking mentor insights.

Contact Donna at mentordonnajohnson.com