The KēNOTE

Melanie Paris Jones | CEO | Non-Profit

In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Paris Jones, CEO of the Women’s Leadership Institute, to discuss leadership, organizational culture, and the power of communication in driving meaningful change. Melanie shares insights from her diverse career spanning manufacturing, media, beauty, and the nonprofit sector, offering a thoughtful perspective on building strong teams, navigating complexity, and creating environments where everyone can thrive. Tune in as we dive into: 🔹 Melanie’s career journey and leadership philosophy 🔹 How storytelling helps leaders create clarity and inspire action 🔹 Advice for professionals looking to grow, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact An insightful conversation with a leader dedicated to elevating others, fostering meaningful connections, and building workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead.

Sam Belnap | Sr. VP & Chief Operating Officer | Technology & Operations

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Belnap, a seasoned technology and operations executive with more than 25 years of experience in IT leadership, systems management, and operational strategy. Sam shares insights from his extensive career journey, including his leadership roles at SILAC Insurance Company, and discusses how organizations can better align technology, people, and business objectives to drive long-term success. Tune in as we dive into: 🔹 Sam’s career path and leadership philosophy 🔹 How businesses can turn technology into a strategic advantage 🔹 Advice for professionals looking to lead collaborative teams and create meaningful impact An insightful and inspiring conversation with a technology and operations leader focused on innovation, resilience, and building people-centered solutions that move businesses forward.

Joe Hempel | Head of Talent Acquisition | Staffing & Recruiting

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Hempel, Head of Talent Acquisition for ASI, to discuss the evolution of talent acquisition in the technological industry. Joe shares insights from his professional journey and offers a thoughtful perspective on the trends shaping the future of talent acquisition. Tune in as we dive into: 🔹 Joe’s career path and leadership style 🔹 Key trends in tech talent acquisition  🔹 Advice for professionals looking to grow and lead with impact An insightful conversation with a leader who brings clarity and experience to the ever-changing world of recruiting.

Dr. Ken Knapton, DIT | CIO | Food Industries

In this episode, we sit down once again with Dr. Ken Knapton, a distinguished leader in the technology world, who just so happens to call Silicon Slopes his home. We explore innovation, market evolution, and leadership in an industry that never stands still. Building on our previous conversation, Ken dives deeper into his book, Unveiling Tech Debt: A Business Leader’s Guide to Measuring and Managing Enterprise Tech Debt, and shares expert insights on leveraging big data and strategic data collection to drive smarter business decisions. Tune in as we dive into: 🔹 Key takeaways from Ken’s book on measuring and managing enterprise tech debt 🔹 The challenges of big data and data collection in modern business strategy 🔹 Practical advice for professionals looking to grow into leadership (whether it's as a people manager or a technical SME) Join us for the first repeat guest in the history of the KēNOTE! A conversation with a tech leader who continues to shape how organizations understand and manage technology at scale.

Kris Rickard | Director of Talent Acquisition | Staffing & Recruiting

In this episode, we sit down with Kris Rickard, Director of Global Talent Acquisition, to discuss the evolution of talent acquisition in the technological industry. Kris shares insights from his professional journey and offers a thoughtful perspective on the trends shaping the future of the industry. Tune in as we dive into: 🔹 Kris’ career path and leadership style 🔹 Key trends in AI talent acquisition  🔹 Advice for professionals looking to grow and lead with impact An insightful conversation with a leader who brings clarity and experience to the ever-changing world of recruiting and mentorship.