007 Jackie Russell, of Teak Media, Discusses B-Corp Values-Based Business PR

009 Justin Gordon of Amramp: Freedom, Dignity and Independence through Mobility

Justin Gordon is the CEO of Amramp Accessibility, a family-owned company founded by his father, Julian Gordon, in 1998. Amramp provides wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, vertical platform lifts, and other accessibility solutions, and public company materials say Justin joined the business in 2013, started as an installer, and later became the company's second CEO. Episode Summary In this episode, Lynne Brodie speaks with Justin Gordon about building a business around accessibility, independence, and practical human impact. The conversation starts with Justin's role at Amramp and quickly moves into the deeper purpose behind the company's work: helping people regain access to their homes, routines, and daily lives when mobility becomes difficult. A major thread in the episode is that accessibility is not just about equipment. Justin talks about it as freedom, dignity, and the ability to stay connected to the places and people that matter most. The discussion makes it clear that the work is deeply personal. What Amramp provides may look like ramps, lifts, and modifications on the surface, but the real outcome is restored movement, confidence, and quality of life. The episode also explores Justin's path into the business. Lynne asks about the company's founding and the role Justin's father played in creating it when he assisted Christopher Reeves become mobile again. From there, the conversation turns to succession, responsibility, and how Justin grew into leadership by learning the company from the ground up. That background shapes the way he leads now: with an emphasis on service, humility, and support for the people closest to the customer. Another strong theme is leadership culture. Justin describes a model where leadership exists to support the headquarters team, the headquarters team supports franchise partners, and franchise partners support customers. The episode presents this as a practical leadership philosophy rather than a slogan. It is tied directly to how the business grows, how people are treated, and how the mission stays intact as the company expands. The interview also includes concrete examples of customer impact. Some of the most meaningful stories are not dramatic in a corporate sense, but deeply significant in human terms: getting out the front door safely, moving freely at home, or simply reaching the mailbox again. Those examples ground the entire conversation in the real value of the work. Key Takeaways * Accessibility is ultimately about independence, dignity, and freedom of movement. * The episode frames Amramp's work as practical service with emotional and social impact, not just product installation. * Justin's leadership perspective is shaped by having worked his way through the business rather than stepping directly into the top role. * A core theme is service-centered leadership: support the people closest to the customer so they can deliver well. * The conversation treats company culture as operational, not abstract. Accountability, care, and consistency are part of how the mission is delivered. * The franchise model is discussed as a way to expand impact while staying close to local communities. * The most memorable examples of impact are often simple acts of restored access that change a person's daily life. * The episode connects business growth with meaningful human benefit, which fits the broader Sages of Industry theme. Discussed Topics * Justin Gordon's role and background * What Amramp Accessibility does * Accessibility as dignity, freedom, and quality of life * The founding of the company by Justin's father * Family business succession and leadership transition * Justin's move into the business and learning it from the ground up * The human side of mobility challenges * Supporting people who want to remain in their homes * Leadership philosophy and the "inverted pyramid" model * Supporting frontline teams and franchise partners * Company culture, service, and accountability * National expansion and franchise growth * Customer stories and real-world examples of impact * Simple forms of independence that matter deeply * Referrals, awareness, and encouraging people to ask for help sooner * Leadership as service in a mission-driven business YouTube-Style Timeline 00:00 Welcome and episode introduction 00:45 Introduction to Justin Gordon 01:05 What Amramp Accessibility does 01:45 Why accessibility work matters beyond the product itself 02:40 The company's founding and Justin's father's role 03:20 Justin's path into the family business 04:20 Learning the business from the ground up 00:05:15 Carrying the mission forward as the next-generation leader 06:10 Helping people stay connected to home, community, and daily life 07:05 Leadership as service, not hierarchy 08:00 The inverted-pyramid leadership philosophy 08:50 Supporting the people closest to the customer 09:40 Culture, accountability, and consistency 10:30 Expanding across the U.S. and Canada through franchise partners 11:20 Customer stories that stay with Justin 12:10 Accessibility as restored independence 13:00 Real-life example of regaining everyday mobility 14:00 Why people often wait too long to ask for help 15:00 Family support, referrals, and community awareness 16:00 What meaningful leadership looks like in this business 17:00 Where listeners can learn more 17:40 Closing reflections 18:20 Episode wrap-up · Website: https://amramp.com/ [https://amramp.com/] · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amramphq/ [https://www.instagram.com/amramphq/] · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amramphq [https://www.facebook.com/amramphq] · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amramp/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/amramp/] · YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amRAMP [https://www.youtube.com/@amRAMP]

008 The Ripple Effect: Tapping Into Personal Power + Flow Activation

In this short solo episode of The Ripple Effect, Lynne Brodie shifts from explanation into experience. The focus of the episode is personal power — not as a motivational phrase, but as something listeners can begin to access directly. Lynne opens by framing the episode as a continuation of the larger conversation around flow, performance, and internal capacity. She asks a deeper set of questions: Do you know your path? Do you know how to access your own power? Do you know how to stand fully in it and use it intentionally? From there, the episode moves into a brief guided activation. Rather than only talking about inner access, Lynne invites listeners into a short experiential exercise designed to help them become more open, present, and receptive. She gives simple guidance around posture, breath, sound, and quiet attention, creating a short pause for listeners to notice what they feel, sense, or become aware of. A central message in the episode is that personal power is not abstract. It can be accessed, felt, and developed. Lynne positions this kind of inner activation as relevant not only for personal growth, but for clarity, decision-making, insight, and the ability to move through life and work with greater direction and confidence. She closes by encouraging listeners to keep exploring the Ripple Effect series and to continue opening access to the intelligence, creativity, and strength already within them. Key Takeaways * This is a short solo Ripple Effect episode focused on personal power and inner access. * Lynne frames personal power as something practical and experiential, not just conceptual. * The episode moves beyond discussion into a short guided activation. * Breath, posture, openness, and focused attention are used to help listeners become more receptive. * A major theme is that people often have glimpses of their deeper power, but do not know how to access it intentionally. * Lynne connects personal power to clarity, confidence, direction, and fuller expression in work and life. * The episode suggests that even a brief activation can begin to open new awareness and insight. * The tone is invitational, experiential, and foundational for deeper work to come. Discussed Topics * Introduction to this Ripple Effect solo episode * Personal power as an accessible inner capacity * Questions of path, direction, and deeper knowing * Why many people do not fully access their own power * A brief guided activation experience * The role of posture, breath, and sound * Openness, receptivity, and inner awareness * Noticing what you feel, sense, or receive * The difference between hearing about power and experiencing it * Personal power in relation to life, work, and decision-making * Opening to greater clarity and internal intelligence * Invitation to continue the journey through future episodes YouTube-Style Timeline 00:00 Welcome to Sages of Industry 00:15 Introduction to this Ripple Effect solo episode 00:40 The focus: personal power and inner access 01:05 Questions about path, direction, and knowing 01:35 Do you know how to tap into your personal power? 02:05 Why brief activation matters 02:30 Setting up the exercise and listener guidance 03:00 Safety note and getting into an open position 03:20 Guided breath and sound activation begins 04:10 Quiet space for receiving and noticing 05:00 Reflecting on what you felt or sensed 05:40 Going a little deeper into the experience 06:15 Another quiet activation phase 07:10 Interpreting what may be coming through 08:00 Personal power as a usable resource in life and work 08:40 The value of a fuller activation process 09:15 Bringing this awareness into all aspects of life 09:45 Closing invitation, subscribe, and share 10:10 Final thanks and wrap-up Social Media Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sages-of-industry/id1894954630 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sages-of-industry/id1894954630] iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/331031474 [https://iheart.com/podcast/331031474] Spotify: https://feeds.libsyn.com/615595/spotify [https://feeds.libsyn.com/615595/spotify] https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnebrodie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnebrodie/] Facebook: https://facebook.com/lynne.brodie.75 [https://facebook.com/lynne.brodie.75] X: https://x.com/CoachLynneB [https://x.com/CoachLynneB] Instagram: @lynnesbrodie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lynnebrodieinternational4608Top [https://www.youtube.com/@lynnebrodieinternational4608] of FormBottom of Form

007 Jackie Russell, of Teak Media, Discusses B-Corp Values-Based Business PR

Jackie Russell is the founder and president of Teak Media + Communication, a firm she started in 1997 to help nonprofit organizations and socially responsible companies gain wider recognition, grow revenue, and advance their missions. Russell previously worked as a newspaper reporter, including at the Eagle-Tribune and Connecticut Post. Episode Summary In this episode, Lynne Brodie speaks with Jackie Russell about public relations as a force multiplier for organizations trying to do meaningful work in the world. The conversation begins with Jackie's professional path from journalism into public relations and the founding of Teak Media. From there, the episode moves into the deeper purpose behind her work: helping nonprofits and responsible companies get the visibility, credibility, and recognition they need in order to grow and make a larger impact. A major thread in the episode is that good work alone is not enough. Jackie makes the case that organizations solving real problems still need strategic communication if they want to be seen, trusted, funded, and supported. The discussion frames PR not as image management, but as a serious business and growth function for mission-driven organizations. The episode also explores values-based business. Jackie talks about the importance of working with organizations whose ethics align with her own, and the conversation connects that to the larger B Corp and conscious business movement. A related theme is authenticity: if a business or organization is going to speak publicly about its values, it needs to mean it, stand by it, and communicate it clearly. Another strong part of the conversation is Jackie's origin story. She reflects on early experiences that shaped Teak's direction, including working with nonprofit causes and learning from Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's. Those experiences appear to have reinforced two long-term ideas that carry through the episode: stay close to your values, and do not wait until you feel perfectly prepared before building something meaningful. Key Takeaways * Jackie Russell founded Teak Media + Communication in 1997 after beginning her career in journalism. * Teak is built around serving nonprofits and socially responsible companies, helping them gain recognition and increase revenue through strategic communications. * A core message of the episode is that public relations matters because mission-driven organizations still have to compete for attention in a noisy environment. * Jackie treats business as a force for good, and the conversation connects PR to wider social, environmental, health, and education issues. * Values matter in both client selection and public messaging. The episode emphasizes authenticity over opportunistic branding. * The discussion also points to the risks of vague or performative messaging, including greenwashing and taking public positions a company is not prepared to stand behind. * Jackie's early mentorship from Jerry Greenfield appears as an important influence on how she thinks about values, courage, and building a purpose-driven company. Discussed Topics * Jackie Russell's background in journalism * Founding Teak Media + Communication * Why Jackie chose to focus on nonprofits and responsible businesses * Early client work and how Teak got started * Learning from Jerry Greenfield and early mentorship * PR as a strategic growth tool, not just promotion * Why mission-driven organizations still need visibility and recognition * Business as a force for good * The B Corp movement and responsible business * Authenticity in messaging and brand values * Greenwashing and the risk of empty positioning * Helping causes stand out in a crowded media environment * Supporting work in education, healthcare, poverty, environment, and community impact * What leaders need to understand about communications and influence Timeline 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Jackie Russell 00:45 Jackie's background and the founding of Teak Media 01:45 From newspaper reporting to public relations 03:00 Early client work and how the business began 04:10 Working with nonprofits and discovering her real calling 05:15 Jerry Greenfield's influence and lessons on values 06:30 Building a purpose-driven business before that language was common 07:35 The B Corp movement and business as a force for good 08:45 Why PR matters for nonprofits and responsible companies 10:00 Recognition, credibility, and revenue for mission-driven organizations 11:20 Why good work alone is not enough to get noticed 12:30 Helping organizations working in education, healthcare, poverty, and environmental impact 13:45 Authenticity, values, and public messaging 15:00 The danger of greenwashing and performative positioning 16:10 Standing by your values even when there is resistance 17:10 What makes this work meaningful for Jackie 18:00 Closing reflections and episode wrap-up Social Media Website: www.teakmedia.com [http://www.teakmedia.com/] Instagram: https://instagram.com/teakmedia [https://instagram.com/teakmedia] Twitter/X: http://twitter.com/teakmedia [http://twitter.com/teakmedia] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TeakMedia [http://www.facebook.com/TeakMedia] Company LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/teak-media-communications/ [http://www.linkedin.com/company/teak-media-communications/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieherskovitz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieherskovitz/]

006 The Ripple Effect: Flow as a Force Multiplier

The podcast's opening episode introduced The Ripple Effect as Lynne Brodie's recurring solo series focused on imagination, innovation, and impact. Episode Summary In this short solo episode, Lynne Brodie introduces the first Ripple Effect segment and centers the conversation on flow — not as a vague ideal, but as a practical state that can expand performance, clarity, and creative output. A major theme of the episode is that many people have heard of flow, but think of it as accidental, elusive, or reserved for unusual moments. Lynne reframes it as something leaders, professionals, and teams can learn to access more intentionally. She presents flow as a force multiplier that enhances personal power, productivity, innovation, and the ability to move ideas forward. The episode also links flow to business outcomes. Rather than treating it as a personal-development concept only, Lynne positions it as relevant to creation, intelligence, decision-making, and faster progress in work that matters. The broader message is that when people access deeper internal capacity, they do not just feel better — they perform differently. Lynne closes by previewing future Ripple Effect episodes and inviting listeners to continue exploring how flow can shape imagination, innovation, and impact in practical ways. Key Takeaways * This is a short host-led Ripple Effect episode rather than a guest interview. * Lynne presents flow as a usable, trainable state rather than a rare or mysterious experience. * A central message is that flow acts as a force multiplier for clarity, creativity, and productivity. * The episode connects flow to practical business value, including better thinking, stronger execution, and forward momentum. * Lynne frames access to flow as a way to expand personal power and unlock more of one's natural capabilities. * The episode sets up future solo segments that will continue exploring flow, performance, and impact. * The tone is invitational and foundational: this episode introduces the concept and opens the larger conversation. Discussed Topics * Introduction to the first Ripple Effect solo episode * Why Lynne chose to talk about flow * Common misunderstandings about flow * Flow as a practical, accessible state * Personal productivity and personal power * Creativity, intelligence, and innovation in flow * Why flow functions as a force multiplier * Business relevance of internal cognitive state * Moving ideas forward with greater ease and speed * Preview of future Ripple Effect episodes * Invitation to continue the conversation YouTube-Style Timeline 00:00 Welcome to The Ripple Effect 00:18 Introduction to this first solo episode 00:40 Why Lynne is focusing on flow 01:05 The common belief that flow is elusive or hard to access 01:35 Reframing flow as something practical and available 02:05 Flow as a force multiplier 02:35 Personal productivity, personal power, and creative capacity 03:05 How flow supports innovation and better performance 03:35 Why this matters for leaders, professionals, and teams 04:05 Getting more access to what is already within you 04:35 What future Ripple Effect episodes will explore 05:00 Invitation to subscribe, share, and stay connected 05:30 Closing Social Media: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sages-of-industry/id1894954630 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sages-of-industry/id1894954630] iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/331031474 [https://iheart.com/podcast/331031474] Spotify: https://feeds.libsyn.com/615595/spotify [https://feeds.libsyn.com/615595/spotify] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnebrodie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnebrodie/] Facebook: https://facebook.com/lynne.brodie.75 [https://facebook.com/lynne.brodie.75] X: https://x.com/CoachLynneB [https://x.com/CoachLynneB] Instagram: @lynnesbrodie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lynnebrodieinternational4608Top [https://www.youtube.com/@lynnebrodieinternational4608]

005 Globe Aware: How 'Voluntourism" Provides Ethical, Responsible Impact

Kimberly Haley-Coleman the founder and executive director of Globe Aware, a US- and Canada-based nonprofit that organizes short-term international volunteer programs. Globe Aware works in more than 25 countries, serves individuals as well as family, school, church, and corporate groups, and is built around cultural awareness, sustainability, and working side-by-side with communities "as equals." Episode Summary In this episode, Lynne Brodie speaks with Kimberly Haley-Coleman about building a business and nonprofit model around meaningful short-term international service. The conversation begins with Kimberly's background and then moves into the origin of Globe Aware: a practical response to the fact that many adults want to serve abroad but cannot leave their jobs, families, or responsibilities for six to eight weeks at a time. From there, the episode explores how Globe Aware created a more accessible model for service travel without losing depth, cultural immersion, or meaningful contribution. Globe Aware is a structured, short-term, community-oriented service model designed for adults, families, and groups. A major theme in the episode is that the experience is not just about helping others. Kimberly emphasizes perspective change, human connection, and what happens when people step outside routine, screens, and comfort zones to work alongside others in a very different environment. The conversation repeatedly frames service travel as experiential learning: something that changes how participants see their own lives, habits, assumptions, and possibilities. The episode also addresses ethical questions directly. Kimberly distinguishes Globe Aware's model from more superficial or extractive forms of voluntourism by stressing local leadership, community-driven projects, dignity, and the importance of working with people rather than "for" them in a top-down way. Another strong thread in the episode is applicability for families, companies, and multigenerational groups. Kimberly talks about who participates, why employers are increasingly open to supporting these experiences, and how shared service can build gratitude, engagement, and perspective in ways that typical travel does not. Globe Aware's trips are for families, schools, and corporate groups, and recent interviews describe them as powerful for team building, leadership development, and cross-cultural learning. Key Takeaways * Globe Aware was built around practical insight: many people want to serve internationally, but most cannot commit to traditional long-form volunteer models. * The episode presents short-term service travel as a serious alternative to ordinary tourism when it is structured well and rooted in local partnership. * Kimberly frames the experience as mutual: communities' benefit, but participants are also changed by the work, the relationships, and the exposure to another way of living. * Ethical design matters. A recurring point is that projects should be locally guided, dignity-centered, and genuinely useful. * The conversation highlights families, companies, and older adults as meaningful participants in this kind of work, not just students or gap-year travelers. * One of the clearest messages in the episode is that connection matters as much as contribution. The value is not only in what gets built or delivered, but in what gets understood. Discussed Topics * Kimberly Haley-Coleman's background and leadership path * The founding idea behind Globe Aware * Why short-term service travel fills an important gap * Business travel, exposure to other countries, and the search for meaningful engagement * Working alongside communities as equals * What Globe Aware trips actually look like in practice * Examples of projects in different countries * Logistics, safety, accommodations, and program cost * The difference between service travel and ordinary tourism * Perspective shift, gratitude, and experiential learning * Conscious business, world good, and nonprofit impact * Families, companies, and employer-supported volunteering * Ethical concerns around voluntourism * Community-led design and responsible project selection * Memorable stories from the field * How people can get started with Globe Aware Timeline 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Kimberly Haley-Coleman 01:00 Kimberly's background and leadership experience 01:55 What Globe Aware is and the kind of work it does 03:00 How the idea began through international business travel 04:20 Why Kimberly created a short-term service model 05:10 Working alongside communities rather than above them 06:00 What the trips look like and examples of projects 07:20 Cost, logistics, accommodations, and safety 08:40 How this differs from ordinary tourism or superficial volunteering 10:00 Why these experiences change perspective so deeply 11:30 Joy, meaning, and the human value of service travel 12:40 Who typically participates in Globe Aware programs 14:00 Employers, matching programs, and the business case for supporting service 15:20 Why "voluntourism" can be the wrong label 16:30 Preparing participants and designing accessible experiences 17:45 Families, children, and learning beyond screens 19:00 Ethical concerns, power imbalance, and community-led projects 20:20 Surprising demographics and the role of older volunteers 21:15 Favorite experiences and memorable stories from the field 23:00 Why connection matters more than charity alone 24:20 How to choose a destination or type of project 25:15 Where to find Globe Aware and how to get started 26:10 Closing reflections and episode wrap-up Social Media- Website www.globeaware.org [http://www.globeaware.org/] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/globeaware [https://www.facebook.com/globeaware] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyglobeaware/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyglobeaware/] Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/6n9cfb4QIVb2aqUD6XSttE [https://open.spotify.com/show/6n9cfb4QIVb2aqUD6XSttE] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/globeaware/ [https://www.instagram.com/globeaware/] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@globeaware [https://youtube.com/@globeaware] X Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlobeAware [https://twitter.com/GlobeAware] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globe-aware/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/globe-aware/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globe_aware [https://www.tiktok.com/@globe_aware] Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globe_Aware [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globe_Aware] Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/globeaware.bksy.social [https://bsky.app/profile/globeaware.bksy.social] Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/globeaware/ [https://www.pinterest.com/globeaware/]