The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

What if hiring could be faster, smarter, and still provide that human touch? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Alex Odwell, founder of Referment , to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the recruiting process and why traditional hiring models may no longer meet the needs of modern businesses. Alex shares the original vision behind Referment and what led the company to pivot...

What does it really take to build authentic connections in today’s crowded digital world? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Zara Carbonell-Near , co-founder and managing director of social media at STOCK Marketing, to talk about entrepreneurship, brand storytelling , and the courage it takes to build something meaningful. With a background that spans pageantry, publishing, sports leader...

What will it take to make electric vehicles more affordable, scalable, and sustainable? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Dr. John Cooley , founder and CEO of Nanoramic, to discuss the future of battery innovation and the critical role it will play in accelerating EV adoption and energy storage. Dr. Cooley shares the founding vision behind Nanoramic, the early challenges of turning brea...

How can leaders embrace AI without losing the human element at work? In this episode, we sit down with Anna Lenhardt , Founder & CEO of Lenhardt Partners , to explore how people strategy is evolving in one of the fastest-changing workplace environments we’ve ever seen. With a unique background spanning opera, psychology, and HR, Anna brings a fresh and deeply insightful perspective to leadersh...

As more homeowners explore solar energy, many are discovering that the biggest challenges don’t start with installation, they start with the contract. In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Josie Garcia , Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Client Services at Solar Equity Solutions , to discuss the evolving home solar industry and what consumers need to know before signing on the d...

Is the self-storage industry rising up to become a lucrative commercial investment option? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with AJ Osborne , founder of Cedar Creek Capital , to break down the realities of the self-storage industry and how the business is evolving in today’s economy. AJ shares insights from his extensive background in investing and entrepreneurship, explaining how experienc...

What happens when a startup strategist brings business discipline into real estate? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Tyler Vaughan , business growth advisor , founder, and a top Realtor in Flagstaff, AZ, to discuss how applying startup principles and business fundamentals can transform a real estate practice. Drawing from his experience scaling companies, Tyler shares how he’s built a...

What happens when a startup strategist brings business discipline into real estate? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Tyler Vaughan , business growth advisor , founder, and a top Realtor in Flagstaff, AZ, to discuss how applying startup principles and business fundamentals can transform a real estate practice. Drawing from his experience scaling companies, Tyler shares how he’s built a...

What does it take to build and scale a modern beverage brand in today’s competitive market? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Jen Millard , CEO of Mainelove , to discuss her journey from leading roles at major companies to launching a fast-growing, sustainability-focused canned water business. With a background that includes executive roles at Mastercard and Upside, as well as successfu...

Why do stores so often run out of the products people actually want while shelves stay crowded with items no one’s buying? In this episode, Melissa Bill speaks with Nicola Bond , co-founder of Merchmix , about one of retail’s biggest hidden problems: slow, outdated stock decisions in a world where consumer demand changes almost overnight. From viral trends and social media to weather shifts and li...

What if retailers could scale faster and without juggling disconnected tools and systems? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Marat Bolatov , CEO and founder of Native Commerce , to explore how modern retailers can simplify operations while accelerating growth. Marat shares how Native Commerce is redefining retail infrastructure by combining eCommerce, warehouse management, and delivery o...

The skilled trades industry is facing a growing workforce crisis, but it’s also full of opportunity. In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Kim Pierce , a OSHA compliance and trades safety expert with more than 34 years of experience, to discuss the urgent need for skilled workers and why trade careers are more important than ever. Kim shares insights from decades in the industry, explaining...

How is technology reshaping the modeling industry, and what happens when AI enters the creative economy? In this episode, Melissa Bill speaks with Benjamin Hori  and Hannah Choi , founders of Spotlite , a pioneering booking platform designed to simplify how brands book models and creative talent. The conversation explores how their platform is modernizing the traditional modeling industry while ad...

How are technology, shifting consumer habits, and new regulations reshaping the future of digital gaming? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Seth Young , CEO of High Roller Technologies , to explore the rapidly evolving world of online gaming, prediction markets, and the role of innovation in shaping the industry. With more than two decades of experience in the gaming sector, Seth shares...

What does it truly take to become an effective leader in today’s complex workplace? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Dr. Seger Morris , coach, consultant and author of Let Me Lead , to explore leadership, mentorship, and the power of aligning personal and professional purpose. Dr. Morris shares his unconventional journey into medicine and how those experiences shaped his perspective on...

In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Arvind Parthasarathi , CEO of CYGNVS , to discuss why cyber resilience and crisis preparedness are critical for modern organizations. Arvind explains how CYGNVS helps companies prepare for potential cyber incidents through structured playbooks, tabletop exercises, and an out-of-band communication platform designed to keep leadership teams connected duri...

What if healthier skin starts with your microbiome? In this episode, Melissa Bill interviews Dr. Mireille Vega , a PhD biochemist, skincare innovator and founder of Vgam Biome, about the science behind the skin microbiome and how hormonal shifts impact skin health at every stage of life. Dr. Vega explains why many traditional skincare routines may disrupt the skin’s natural microbiota and how simp...

Burnout in healthcare isn’t just about long hours, it’s about emotional exhaustion, systemic pressure, and a lack of sustainable support. In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Dr. Mickey Lebowitz, certified endocrinologist, emotional intelligence specialist and author of The EQ Prescription, to unpack the growing burnout crisis affecting physicians, nurses, and healthcare leaders. Drawing f...

Is clutter quietly adding stress to your life? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Meggie Magione , the author of Give Clutter the Middle Finger: A Chingona’s Guide to Taking Control of Your Stuff and Your Life. Meggie explains why clutter isn’t just “stuff”, it’s visual noise that impacts focus, energy, and mental clarity. She shares her journey into becoming a professional organizer, th...

In this deep-dive conversation, Melissa Bill interviews Matthew Mark McWhorter , author of Canon Crossfire , about the historical and theological complexities behind scripture. After a personal health crisis led him to re-examine his beliefs, Matthew left his career in the legal field to embark on a rigorous investigation into the origins of Christianity, the development of the biblical canon, and...

What does it take to build a purpose-driven jewelry brand that truly resonates with women, especially women over 40? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Katia Rudnick , CEO and founder of Katia Designs , to discuss how she built a jewelry brand that strives to empower women through delivering positive messaging about their self-worth. Katia shares how jewelry can become more than an acces...

What is private credit and why is it rapidly reshaping the financial landscape? In this episode, Melissa Bill interviews  Cole Snell , Founder and CEO of  Real Private Credit , to unpack the rise of private lending, the growing threat of fraud, and the technology transforming how capital moves in today’s economy. Cole explains how increased transparency, smarter infrastructure, and evolving regula...

Are cooperatives the future of a more resilient and community-focused economy? In this episode, Doug O’Brien , President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association, breaks down the growing influence of cooperatives across industries and explains why this time-tested business model is gaining renewed attention in today’s unpredictable economic climate. Doug shares how cooperatives emp...

What does the future of higher education look like in the age of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Claremont McKenna College president Hiram Chodosh explores how AI is transforming the learning experience and why integrated, interdisciplinary education is becoming essential for student success. He shares his personal journey into academic leadership and explains how strong mentorship, high...

In this inspiring episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Julia Brodska , founder of Best Lifing Retreats , bestselling author, and wellness expert, to explore what it truly means to live a healthy, vibrant life in today’s high-stress world. Julia shares her powerful journey from a difficult childhood to building a global wellness brand dedicated to helping others transform their lives from the insid...