C-Suite Secrets

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Jerry Luftman, retired IBM executive and founder of the Global Institute for IT Management (GIIM). Jerry shares his remarkable journey from leading in the corporate world to launching a global educational institute, highlighting the challenges of moving from academia into entrepreneurship. He discusses the importan...

Show Notes:   In this episode, host Heather Parsons sits down with Gerry Gadoury, an experienced entrepreneur in the technology services sector. Gerry shares candid insights from his journey, covering the challenges of navigating government contracts, strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, and the critical role of building a strong employer brand. He unpacks the importance of clear co...

In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons dives into the strategies every entrepreneur and executive needs to thrive during uncertain times. She unpacks how to navigate economic shifts, strengthen banking relationships, and apply smart pricing strategies that protect profitability.   Heather also highlights the importance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), making intenti...

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, entrepreneur Grace Cupat shares her inspiring journey from graphic designer to startup founder. She reveals the real challenges of building a business from the ground up and the key insights that helped her grow as a leader. Grace explores the future of work and hiring, including the role of AI in resumes and recruitment, why tracking career developm...

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Madison Feehan, founder of Space Copy, to explore her remarkable journey from working at NASA to launching her own venture in the 3D printing industry. Madison shares powerful lessons from her time in aerospace, the impact of mentorship on her career, and how she translates complex space innovations into practical...

Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons sits down with, Chris Allaire.  He shares his journey of building a purpose-driven company and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From prioritizing character over credentials in hiring to navigating the evolving tech talent market, Chris offers candid insights into what truly drives successful recruitment. He explores the growi...

Show Notes:   In this episode, Heather Parsons sits down with Jason Andersen for a powerful conversation on how AI is reshaping the business landscape. Together, they explore the wide-reaching impact of AI—from shifting customer expectations and driving productivity to transforming modern marketing strategies. Jason shares expert insights on how AI tools are enhancing everything from application d...

Show Notes: In this insightful episode, Svitlanka Sergiichuk, co-founder of Neofin, takes us behind the scenes of building a FinTech startup in the fast-moving world of lending automation. She opens up about the real-world challenges of scaling a SaaS company, navigating compliance, and staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry. Svitlanka shares the critical metrics she tracks for sustainab...

Show Notes: On this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Kevin Wolf, Co-Founder and CEO of Wind Harvest International, for a compelling conversation on clean tech innovation and entrepreneurial grit. Kevin shares his journey, from navigating rivers as a guide to steering the future of renewable energy with vertical axis wind turbine technology. He opens up about the uphi...

Show Notes: In this episode, Heather Parsons sits down with Lucky Gobindram, President of Kinmeric, for a deep dive into the company’s evolution and how emerging technologies like AI and spatial computing are reshaping business operations. They explore why a solid understanding of XR technologies is becoming critical for organizations, and how to effectively measure ROI in tech-driven initiatives....

Show Notes: In this episode, Mike Contreras shares his entrepreneurial journey and what it takes to succeed in the world of government contracting. He offers practical insights into navigating the complexities of the sector, including overcoming red tape and building strong relationships with government clients. Mike also talks about the importance of resilience, using the right metrics to drive g...

Show Notes: In this episode, James Hotson opens up about his entrepreneurial path, sharing the lessons he’s learned while building companies and embracing the power of AI. He dives into how AI has evolved, with a special focus on agentic AI and how it's transforming both customer support and internal operations. James highlights why speed matters in business, what makes a sales strategy effective,...

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Jason Makevich to explore the powerful intersection of cybersecurity and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the tech space, Jason shares insights from his journey and emphasizes why building a resilient company culture and surrounding yourself with the right people are non-negotiables for long-term succe...

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with George Birrell, founder of TaxHub , breaks down the must-know tax strategies every entrepreneur should understand. George sheds light on the most common (and costly) tax mistakes business owners make early on, and how to avoid them. From choosing the right business structure to separating personal and business fina...

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with tech entrepreneur and executive Jason Reade to explore how data and AI are reshaping the startup landscape. Jason shares his entrepreneurial journey and breaks down why clean data, clear KPIs, and smart AI implementation are essential to scaling successfully. The conversation dives into the practical side of AI.  H...

Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Steve Meek to explore the intersection of technology, business strategy, and operational excellence. Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey and breaks down how business leaders can intentionally align technology with their growth goals—without overspending or overcomplicating their systems. You’ll hear real-wor...

Show Notes:   In this episode, Heather sits down with Dayal Bhagat  and dives into his journey from a broad IT background into a specialized focus on cybersecurity. His mission? Bringing affordable, effective solutions to small and mid-sized businesses. He breaks down why every business, no matter the size, is a target and why email security and ongoing education are non-negotiables. Dayal shares...

Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Ken Winell, entrepreneur, tech consultant, and engineering veteran, for a powerful conversation on driving business growth through smart technology. Ken shares insights from his diverse career spanning multiple industries, and how he’s helped companies harness the power of innovation, especially AI, to stay compe...

Show Notes: In this episode, Michael "Canz" Canzoneri shares his unique career path, beginning as a Java developer and evolving into the co-founder of DataSQRL, a neural symbolic data platform. He reflects on his time at Gartner, the complexities of ERP implementations, and the valuable lessons learned from working with unicorn companies. The conversation explores the importance of truly understan...

Show Notes:   In this episode, Heather Parsons and Brendan Lopes dive into a wide-ranging conversation about blending family life and the entrepreneurial journey. They share insights on building businesses that honor personal values while achieving professional goals, and the importance of strategic hiring through contractors to scale with flexibility. Brendan offers actionable advice on creating...

Show Notes: In this episode, I’m joined by Connor Ellison, a serial Entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of POGR, for an honest and inspiring chat about what it really takes to build a business in the gaming world. Connor opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, from his early college days and self-taught lessons to the big wins and tough moments of launching a startup. We dive into the power o...

Show Notes: In this episode, Heather Parsons and Dennis Bruce dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, exploring the common challenges small businesses face with cash flow, team development, and scaling. They talk about the importance of cultural adaptability, the growing role of AI in software development, and why strong change management practices are essential. Dennis shares lessons from hi...

Show Notes: Welcome to the very first episode of C-Suite Secrets where Host, Heather Parsons, gets real about the often-overlooked struggles entrepreneurs face behind the scenes. She dives into why conventional business advice doesn’t always cut it for founders in the thick of it and why community and connection matter more than ever. Heather shares eye-opening stats about business failure rates a...