Flex Forward

In this episode, Dave Dubeau welcomes back Nick Espanet for an in-depth discussion about multifamily investing, apartment syndications, and why smaller, economically diverse markets can outperform major metropolitan areas. Nick shares updates on his growing portfolio, explains why Abilene, Texas has become one of his favorite investment markets, and walks through the complete lifecycle of a succes...

Jonna Anaya, co-owner of Senior Helpers serving South Denton and North Tarrant Counties in Texas, joins Nic Espanet to discuss the growing need for quality in-home senior care. Drawing from her own family's caregiving journey, Jonna explains what sets licensed care providers apart and why choosing qualified caregivers is essential for protecting vulnerable seniors. During the conversation, Jonna t...

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Kimberli Carroll, President and CEO of Ruiz Foods. Kimberli shares her remarkable 25-year journey from working in marketing to leading one of America's largest family-owned frozen food companies. Kimberli discusses the importance of creating value, embracing lifelong learning, and surrounding yourself with talented people. She...

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast with Nic Espanet, therapist and recovery advocate James Saxton shares his personal and professional journey. Drawing from his own experience with recovery and years of counseling work, James explains why addiction is often not the real problem, but a way people try to soothe deeper wounds. James discusses how childhood experiences and trauma can shape be...

This week on The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Chris Moose, Vice President of Life Sciences and Data at Wheel, to explore how technology is transforming healthcare access. Chris shares his journey from IBM's healthcare consulting practice to helping build nationwide telehealth infrastructure that allows organizations to deliver healthcare experiences more efficiently and transpa...

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast with Nic Espanet, Nic sits down with Chris Persaud, Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Maximus, to discuss leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and why failure is often the greatest teacher. Chris shares his journey from military service with the 82nd Airborne to building a successful career in technology leadership. He explains how solving...

Could your dentist be the first person to spot serious health problems? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Tevis explains how functional dentistry goes far beyond treating cavities and creating beautiful smiles. Nic Espanet sits down with Dr. Sarah Tevis, owner of Dallas Functional Dentistry, to discuss how oral health is closely connected to overall wellness. Dr. Tevis shares her personal journey into fu...

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast with Nic Espanet, Kevin Parker shares his journey from practicing chiropractor to building and leading successful medical equipment businesses. Along the way, he discovered that leadership, relationships, and helping others succeed create far greater rewards than simply chasing numbers. Kevin explains why he walked away from private practice, what he lea...

What does it take to become more than just a lawyer? In this episode, Matt Bracy shares how decades of experience have shaped him into a trusted advisor and strategic problem solver for entrepreneurs and business owners. From mergers and acquisitions to helping founders navigate growth and eventual exits, Matt explains why relationships and practical guidance matter just as much as legal expertise...

What happens when a firefighter with 30 years of service decides to tackle the health challenges facing first responders from a completely different angle? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Lee Vernon, retired firefighter, licensed naturopathic practitioner, founder of The Holistic Wellness Center, and CEO of True North Medical and Safety Group. Lee shares his...

What does it take to successfully pivot your career while staying true to your purpose? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Nicholas Nelson, a public health professional turned research leader who is helping shape the future of healthcare technology. Nicholas shares his journey from serving as a public health educator in St. Louis to conducting research at the U...

What happens when a former family law judge, successful attorney, podcast host, and survivor of personal adversity shares her story? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Michele Locke, host of the Love Lust Law Podcast, family law attorney, and former family court judge. Michele shares her unique perspective gained from decades in family law, both professionally...

What does it take to rebuild your life after addiction, and how can recovery become the foundation for a greater purpose? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast with Nic Espanet, Nic sits down with Scott Vandenberg, Executive Director of Guardian Recovery's Dallas Addiction Center, to discuss addiction recovery, leadership, second chances, and the power of personal transformation. Scott share...

What happens when a career path takes an unexpected turn? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Laura Mathwig, Executive Vice President of Operations at Spectrum VoIP, to discuss her journey from hospitality management to technology leadership and the lessons she learned along the way. Laura shares how her background in hotel and restaurant management unexpectedly...

Insurance touches nearly every part of life and business, yet most people never think about it until something goes wrong. In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Tamara Bruno, Lead Texas Partner in the Insurance Recovery and Advisory Practice at Pillsbury, to explore the hidden world of insurance claims, risk management, litigation support, and how insurance shapes...

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast with Nic Espanet, Enterprise Agile Coach and AI Transformation Leader Ayorinde “Ayo” Aiyewumi shares his journey from computer science student to leading Agile transformations for major organizations across technology, finance, energy, and HR industries. Ayo explains Agile in simple terms and breaks down how organizations use Agile frameworks to improve...

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet talks with Venu Yeluripati from Global Payments and Worldpay about leadership, embedded payments, customer experience, and career growth. Venu shares lessons from his 25+ year journey through software engineering, solution architecture, and customer success leadership. He explains why keeping the customer at the center of every decision can...

What does it take to grow from cleaning horse stalls at age 10 to leading operations for a major technology company? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Jeff Mathews, Vice President of U.S. Operations at Longview Systems, to talk about grit, leadership, personal growth, and the lessons that shaped his career. Jeff shares how growing up on a farm in Alberta, Cana...

What if your business is losing money in places you never even think to check? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Matthew Walker of Schoolie Mitchell to discuss how businesses can uncover hidden expenses, improve vendor relationships, and increase profitability without sacrificing service quality. Matthew shares how his background in healthcare, oil and gas, an...

AI is moving faster than any technology shift we’ve seen before — and according to Joyjit Roy, most companies still aren’t prepared for what’s coming next. In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast with Nic Espanet, Joyjit Roy shares insights from more than 21 years in the IT industry, including his work leading enterprise AI modernization programs for major organizations like Dell and USAA. The...

What if getting older didn’t have to mean slowing down? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with ER physician and author Dr. Kenneth Ro to discuss why decline is optional and how small, consistent actions can dramatically improve your health and quality of life. After more than 35 years in emergency medicine, Dr. Ro realized that most serious health conditions don’t...

What does it take to reinvent your career, overcome setbacks, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Kellin Babbs to discuss his journey from working in tech at Apple to becoming a firefighter, safety leader, and entrepreneur in the emergency management space. Kellin shares how persistence, determination, and a willingnes...

In this episode, Aaron Wilkes breaks down the fast-moving, high-pressure world of energy trading—and why success depends just as much on mindset as it does on market knowledge. Aaron shares how he entered the little-known field of energy trading and what it’s like making bets on electricity prices months—even a year—ahead. From analyzing weather patterns to predicting demand across power grids, hi...

What does it take to design a home in space? In this episode, Vittorio Netti shares how space architecture is shaping the future of human life beyond Earth. Vittorio Netti joins The Flex Forward Podcast to explore the fascinating and fast-growing field of space architecture. From designing habitats in extreme environments to helping build the first commercial space station, Vittorio explains how a...

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Dr. Melissa Murphy, an interventional spine and pain physician, to explore how modern medicine is shifting from symptom management to true life improvement. Dr. Murphy shares her journey through years of medical training and what set her apart—her deep passion for the work she does. She explains why loving your profession is e...