Ep 21: From Local to Global - How Businesses Break Into International Markets

Ep 21: From Local to Global - How Businesses Break Into International Markets

In this episode, Jenny Lezon Norris, Market Growth Director, North America of Navigator Global breaks down what it really looks like for companies to take their products beyond the U.S. and tap into international markets. The conversation highlights how global growth often starts smaller than many business owners realize, often sparked by a single inquiry. Jenny shares practical advice on navigating regulations, choosing the right market strategy, spotting red flags, and building trusted relationships abroad, while also explaining why face-to-face connections still matter in international business. The episode offers a look at the opportunities available to companies that may never have considered exporting before and the resources that can help make it possible. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]

Ep 20: John Weidner Hiring, Leading, and Retaining Talent When AI Enters the Equation

Hiring, Leading, and Retaining Talent When AI Enters the Equation This episode features John Weidner, Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Global, LLC, a human capital strategy consulting firm. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains that the core challenges for leaders remain consistent: attracting the right people, developing them effectively, and creating an environment where they can succeed. While AI is influencing recruiting and performance management, these tools can distance decision-makers from candidates and often overlook the soft skills that signal strong cultural fit but don’t show up clearly in data. Ultimately, culture and leadership, not technology, determine long-term success. The next generation of leaders will need to be more empathetic and hands-on, balancing data-driven insights from AI with a nuanced understanding of people. As organizations face pressure to move faster with fewer resources, those that invest in strong, engaged management and thoughtful talent development will be better positioned to adapt and grow. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]

Ep 19: Navigating Conflict in Family Businesses

In this episode, Mediator, Negotiation Consultant, and Conflict Coach Scott Loring, Principal at Cooperative Coaching & Mediation, shares his expertise on navigating the complex and often deeply personal conflicts that arise in family businesses. Drawing on decades of experience resolving disputes, he explains how blurred boundaries, unclear expectations, and the overlap of family identity with business roles can create tension especially during pivotal moments like leadership transitions or business exits. He highlights how unresolved issues, sometimes rooted in childhood dynamics, resurface and impact not only relationships but overall workplace health, from employee turnover to morale. Loring emphasizes that while solutions to conflict may be straightforward, they are rarely easy, requiring honest, productive communication and a willingness to move toward understanding rather than agreement with a shared desire to improve. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]

Ep 18: The Buyer's Perspective on Acquiring a Family Business

In this episode, Deborah sits down with John SantaCroce, who last year acquired Minore’s Meats, a third-generation family business. John shares a firsthand perspective on how acquiring a family-owned business can create control over your future while unlocking opportunities to improve operations, modernize systems, and drive growth. He highlights what it really takes, from defining clear acquisition criteria and building the right advisory team, to navigating challenges during the deal process and leading a people-first culture post-close. He brings a unique perspective on balancing tradition with innovation as he positions Minore’s for its next chapter. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]

Ep 17: Environmental Regulations Are Changing - What Business Owners Should Understand

Environmental Regulations Are Changing: What Business Owners Should Understand In this episode, environmental attorney Deborah Brancato, Partner at Carmody Law, discusses major changes in Connecticut’s environmental regulatory framework and what they mean for business owners. With the Transfer Act sunsetting, she explains how the new approach is designed to encourage environmental cleanup while creating clearer expectations around environmental responsibility and property use. Deborah also shares practical insights on how environmental issues can arise during normal business operations, property ownership, and transactions, and why it’s important for business owners to understand potential risks and plan ahead. Deborah also shares insight from her involvement in developing the new program and what it means for business sales going forward. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]