Mastering Hard Conversations with AI: Jada Willis on Leadership, Exits, and Her New Toolkit

From Global Appliances to Ohmic Innovation: Fred Pirenne on Scaling OhmIQ’s Revolutionary Heating Technology in Charleston

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512710/fan_mail/new] Belgian-born entrepreneur and international marketing veteran Fred Pirenne joins us to share how he’s bringing game-changing technology to the Lowcountry as CEO of OhmIQ. With deep experience managing the $1.2 billion AEG brand at Electrolux, co-founding a Swedish martech startup, and consulting for global leaders like Volvo and Scandinavian Airlines, Fred brings a truly global perspective to building and licensing OhmIQ’s patented Ohmic Array heating technology. OhmIQ delivers instant, scale-free, ultra-efficient electric heating for water, coffee, hydronic systems, and industrial applications — a smarter, cleaner way to heat that’s poised to transform households and businesses worldwide. In this conversation, Fred opens up about the journey from managing billion-dollar appliance brands to leading a Charleston-based tech company, the challenges and opportunities of commercializing deep tech, the power of international networks, and what it takes to scale innovative energy solutions from the Lowcountry onto the global stage. If you’re interested in energy innovation, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, or how bold international talent is fueling Charleston’s tech ecosystem, this episode is packed with hard-won insights and forward-looking vision. Guest Links: * OhmIQ: https://ohmiq.com [https://ohmiq.com/] Intro pre-roll Outro post-roll Wear the Movement — Support NeoHERO Official Lowcountry Revolutionaries merch is now live: soft tees and sharp trucker caps built for dock walks, King Street hustles, and the everyday grind of building in Charleston. Every royalty is split with NeoHERO Foundation — our Lowcountry 501(c)(3) partner equipping first responders with neonatal resuscitation training and life-saving NeoPACK™ equipment. Wear the movement. Back the heroes who protect the tiniest lives. Help keep these raw founder stories free for qualified local entrepreneurs. Also available: Lowcountry Wisdom — the official book compiled from the best lessons on the show. Paperback & Kindle → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2KS5S71 👉 Shop the merch: https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement [https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement]

Mastering Hard Conversations with AI: Jada Willis on Leadership, Exits, and Her New Toolkit

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512710/fan_mail/new] Jada Willis — entrepreneur, CEO strategist, author of Pantless Nation, and co-host of the Lead Through It podcast — joins us to talk about her latest innovation: The Hard Conversations AI Toolkit. After founding and exiting Willis HR and running a recruiting agency, Jada now helps business owners and executives across Charleston, Columbia, Bluffton, and beyond build stronger, more sustainable organizations. In this episode, she dives deep into her new training offering — The Hard Conversations AI Toolkit — a practical, AI-powered resource designed to help leaders navigate the toughest workplace discussions with confidence, clarity, and humanity. Jada shares her hard-won lessons from scaling businesses, exiting successfully, and supporting leaders through the messy realities of growth, remote/hybrid teams, and organizational health. Expect candid stories, strategic insights, and actionable tools you can apply immediately. Whether you're a founder, CEO, or manager who dreads difficult conversations, this episode delivers the playbook for leading with both strength and empathy in today’s environment. Key Topics: * The Hard Conversations AI Toolkit — what it is and how it helps leaders * Lessons from building, scaling, and exiting HR and recruiting businesses * Mastering remote work culture and team dynamics * Practical leadership strategies for real-world challenges Guest Links: * The Hard Conversations AI Toolkit & Jada Willis Consulting: https://jada-willis.mykajabi.com [https://jada-willis.mykajabi.com/] * Author of Pantless Nation: HR Guidance for Mastering Remote Work: https://www.amazon.com/Pantsless-Nation-Guidance-Mastering-Remote/dp/1948604760 [https://www.amazon.com/Pantsless-Nation-Guidance-Mastering-Remote/dp/1948604760] * Co-host of Lead Through It podcast: https://leadthroughit.buzzsprout.com/2508479 [https://leadthroughit.buzzsprout.com/2508479] Intro pre-roll Outro post-roll Wear the Movement — Support NeoHERO Official Lowcountry Revolutionaries merch is now live: soft tees and sharp trucker caps built for dock walks, King Street hustles, and the everyday grind of building in Charleston. Every royalty is split with NeoHERO Foundation — our Lowcountry 501(c)(3) partner equipping first responders with neonatal resuscitation training and life-saving NeoPACK™ equipment. Wear the movement. Back the heroes who protect the tiniest lives. Help keep these raw founder stories free for qualified local entrepreneurs. Also available: Lowcountry Wisdom — the official book compiled from the best lessons on the show. Paperback & Kindle → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2KS5S71 👉 Shop the merch: https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement [https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement]

From Therapy Tables to AI Voice Agents: Colin Highland on Building Workforce Wave in Charleston

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512710/fan_mail/new] Physical therapist turned self-taught AI builder Colin Highland joins us to share the raw journey behind Workforce Wave, a Mt. Pleasant, SC-based enterprise voice-AI company that’s redefining how businesses handle customer calls. Colin designs voice agents that don’t sound like agents — practical AI teammates that truly understand intent, answer calls with confidence, and protect the critical handoffs where trust gets lost. Whether it’s keeping leads from falling through the cracks or scaling customer support without losing the human touch, Workforce Wave builds systems real businesses can rely on. In this episode, Colin opens up about his unconventional path from hands-on patient care to building enterprise AI, the hard lessons of going from clinician to founder, and his insights on the evolving human-AI relationship. We dive into the triumphs and pitfalls of launching a voice-AI company in the Lowcountry, why authentic intent recognition matters more than ever, and what it takes to turn technical capability into real business value. If you’re a founder, operator, or business leader tired of dropped calls and robotic customer experiences, this conversation delivers actionable wisdom from the front lines of Charleston’s AI scene. Listen now and discover how voice AI is becoming the reliable frontline for growing businesses in the Lowcountry. Guest Links: * Workforce Wave: https://www.workforcewave.com [https://www.workforcewave.com/] * Colin Highland: https://colinhighland.com [https://colinhighland.com/] Intro pre-roll Outro post-roll Wear the Movement — Support NeoHERO Official Lowcountry Revolutionaries merch is now live: soft tees and sharp trucker caps built for dock walks, King Street hustles, and the everyday grind of building in Charleston. Every royalty is split with NeoHERO Foundation — our Lowcountry 501(c)(3) partner equipping first responders with neonatal resuscitation training and life-saving NeoPACK™ equipment. Wear the movement. Back the heroes who protect the tiniest lives. Help keep these raw founder stories free for qualified local entrepreneurs. Also available: Lowcountry Wisdom — the official book compiled from the best lessons on the show. Paperback & Kindle → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2KS5S71 👉 Shop the merch: https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement [https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement]

Networking That Actually Works: Lowcountry Wisdom Mixtape – Real Advice from Bold Founders

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512710/fan_mail/new] Hey Lowcountry builders — in this special "mixtape" episode of Lowcountry Revolutionaries, we’re cutting straight to the heart of what every founder needs: real, battle-tested networking strategies that actually move the needle in Charleston’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Podfather pulls the best advice clips from powerhouse conversations with: * Aaron DeBenedetto (Founder of Mustard Growth & Southern Charm Ceremonies) — on getting out of the home office, showing up authentically, and surrounding yourself with smarter people. * Jenny Trudeau (Executive Director & Co-Founder of Parents Partnership) — on building your village, finding passionate people who share your mission, and why you can’t do it all alone. * Erin Pacitti (Founder of Boundless Marketing Co.) — practical, no-BS insights on fostering genuine relationships that fuel growth. * AJ Richichi (Chief Corporate Development Officer at Humanly) — on high-impact connections, corporate-founder alignment, and playing the long game in the Lowcountry. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling, this episode distills the raw truth from the Lowcountry Wisdom playbook: show up, offer value, follow up, and build community as your ultimate force multiplier. No fluffy theory — just the patterns that separate the dreamers from the doers in Chucktown Startups. Intro pre-roll Outro post-roll Support the show [https://donorbox.org/lowcountry-revolutionaries] Wear the Movement — Support NeoHERO Official Lowcountry Revolutionaries merch is now live: soft tees and sharp trucker caps built for dock walks, King Street hustles, and the everyday grind of building in Charleston. Every royalty is split with NeoHERO Foundation — our Lowcountry 501(c)(3) partner equipping first responders with neonatal resuscitation training and life-saving NeoPACK™ equipment. Wear the movement. Back the heroes who protect the tiniest lives. Help keep these raw founder stories free for qualified local entrepreneurs. Also available: Lowcountry Wisdom — the official book compiled from the best lessons on the show. Paperback & Kindle → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2KS5S71 👉 Shop the merch: https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement [https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement]

Spanglish Momentum: Roxana Massie Returns for Latina Pitch Live & Building A New bilingual ecosystem “WE ARE THE BRIDGE CONNECTOR” in the Lowcountry

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512710/fan_mail/new] In this dynamic return episode of Lowcountry Revolutionaries, we welcome back bilingual marketing powerhouse Roxana Massie — Cumulus Media marketing consultant, founder of Spanglish Connector (powered by the Spanglish Small Business Association), and creator of Latina Pitch Live. Roxana is firing on all cylinders with a packed June lineup designed to empower entrepreneurs and bilingual founders across the Lowcountry, as well as business owners looking to partner and collaborate in both markets. Her mission is clear: “WE ARE THE BRIDGE CONNECTOR.” * June 10 — Latina Pitch Live - Cannon Distillery * June 16 — Spanglish Connector Workshop – Cumulus Media N. Charleston * June 17 — Latina Pitch Live New Location Launch – La Sensacion Latina PR Restaurant Whether you’re refining your pitch, expanding your network, or looking to show up authentically in the Chucktown Startups ecosystem, Roxana delivers practical, high-energy guidance on crafting compelling stories, building cultural fluency, and turning preparation into podium moments that open doors. We dive into the real work behind creating inclusive spaces, the power of showing up consistently, and why bridging languages and communities isn’t just good business — it’s how the Lowcountry keeps rising. From pitch coaching to ecosystem building, Roxana shares the unfiltered lessons on momentum, representation, and turning ideas into action. If you’re a founder ready to level up your visibility, connect with like-minded builders, or take the stage with confidence, this is the episode that gets you in the room — and ready to shine. If you want to learn more about SSBA here is the website https://spanglishsba.com/ [https://spanglishsba.com/] Intro pre-roll Outro post-roll Support the show [https://donorbox.org/lowcountry-revolutionaries] Wear the Movement — Support NeoHERO Official Lowcountry Revolutionaries merch is now live: soft tees and sharp trucker caps built for dock walks, King Street hustles, and the everyday grind of building in Charleston. Every royalty is split with NeoHERO Foundation — our Lowcountry 501(c)(3) partner equipping first responders with neonatal resuscitation training and life-saving NeoPACK™ equipment. Wear the movement. Back the heroes who protect the tiniest lives. Help keep these raw founder stories free for qualified local entrepreneurs. Also available: Lowcountry Wisdom — the official book compiled from the best lessons on the show. Paperback & Kindle → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2KS5S71 👉 Shop the merch: https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement [https://launcheforce.com/shop/lowcountry-revolutionaries/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=episode_shownotes&utm_campaign=neohero-partnership-2026&utm_content=wear-the-movement]