Voice of Business Podcast by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

As Hawaii faces ongoing workforce shortages across critical industries, this episode explores how online education and flexible degree programs are helping to close the gap. Host Kara Doles Hughes of Leihoohie sits down with Jeannie Lum, Outreach Partnership Specialist at University of Maryland Global Campus , to discuss how upskilling initiatives are preparing local employees with in-demand skill...

In this episode, we dive into how attending Hawaii on the Hill has empowered local businesses to engage in meaningful advocacy and build strong relationships with policymakers. Bob Gunter, President and CEO of Kōloa Rum , shares how the company amplified its Kauai roots on the national stage. We discuss the strategic insights gained from the event, the role of face-to-face advocacy in driving grow...

In celebration of Mother’s Day and the powerful strength parents bring to the workplace, this episode dives into how motherhood fosters leadership, problem-solving, and resilience in business. Host Kara Doles Hughes of Leihoohie is joined by Sarah Guay, President and CEO of Hawaii Employers Council , to explore the unique skills mothers develop, such as time management, adaptability, and emotional...

In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, this episode delves into how workplace stress impacts business performance and employee well-being, and why incorporating "play" is essential for creating a healthier work environment. Host Kara Doles Hughes, founder of Leihoohie , chats with PlayLab CEO Steve Rix about how play can boost morale, foster creativity, and help teams build resilience...

On this special rerun episode, Kyle Madriaga and Lord Ryan Lizardo discuss how providing real world work-based learning experiences for students is an investment in Hawaii’s workforce. In this episode, we highlight one valuable form of WBL: mentoring. Business professionals of all ages and career levels can help to mentor Hawaii’s high school students to provide practical professional employabilit...

In this episode, recorded last summer, Carl Mazzanti, President and Co-founder of eMazzanti Technologies , explores the evolving cybersecurity landscape and what it means for Hawaii’s businesses. He shares invaluable insights on top cybersecurity practices every business should implement, trends to watch out for, and practical strategies to boost productivity and reduce costs—all while staying cyb...

In this episode, Sherry Menor-McNamara discusses the Chamber’s exciting 2025  Membership Madness campaign , its 175-year legacy, and the bold vision of the 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii . Learn how businesses can be part of shaping Hawaii’s economic future through strategic growth, policy advocacy, and a prosperous business community. From strengthening industry clusters to fostering a resilient econo...

In this episode, host Jo McGarry sits down with Dale Dixon, Chief Innovation Officer at Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific, to discuss how businesses can turn disputes into opportunities for growth. From ethical business practices to effective complaint resolution, Dale shares insights on building trust, strengthening customer loyalty, and protecting reputations. Learn how BBB Accreditati...

In this episode, Jo sits down with Blake Parsons, CEO and Scouting Executive of Scouting America, Aloha Counci l, to explore how Scouting is shaping Hawaii's future workforce. From leadership training to hands-on experiences, discover how Scouts are gaining the skills, connections, and opportunities they need to succeed. Through strategic partnerships and workforce development initiatives, th...

In this episode of The Voice of Business , Jo sits down with Deena Tearney, founder and CEO of Pacific Point, a leading Salesforce consulting firm headquartered in Honolulu. Deena shares her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of workforce development in Hawaii, and the critical role cloud-based CRM solutions play in transforming businesses of all sizes. We also dive into her passion for mento...

Bennette Misalucha, Executive Director of the Hawaii Workforce Development Council, joins Jo to discuss the work of the Workforce Development Council and the Future of Work 2025 Conference. Bennette & Jo dive into some factors of how Bennette became the accomplished woman she is today. Register for the Future of Work 2025 Conference here . Learn more about the State Workforce Development Counc...

In this episode, Jo chatted with SMSgt Erin Esquer, Senior Enlisted Leader for the 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. They delved into the crucial work of the squadron in managing medical evacuations and the logistics involved in patient care. SMSgt Esquer also shared her personal journey from aspiring basketball player to Air Force Reserve leader, the benefits o...

In this episode, Jo sat down with Senator Glenn Wakai to talk about the role of public-private partnerships in the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District project and the digitization and incentivization of the state's agricultural declaration form. Later, Senator Wakai touches upon the reasoning behind making the shaka the official state gesture and more. Contact Senator Wakai at senwakai@c...

In this episode, Jo spoke to Kurt Matsumoto, President of Pulama Lanai, about attracting and retaining local-grown talent, the available economic opportunities and more. Kurt is the third generation of his family born and raised on Lanai which sparked a fascinating conversation about the islands' unique culture. Later, Kurt explains Pulama Lanai's mission and how they are working to furt...

In this episode, Jo sat down with the VP of Marketing Communications & Strategy for Southwest Airlines, Jennifer Bridie. In celebration of Southwests' 5th anniversary in Hawaii,  Jennifer explains the process of entering a new market and how Southwest continues to be one of the most beloved brands in the world. She also talks about the Southwest Companion Pass and what new travel trends s...

In this episode, Jo sat down with John Agustin, Director of Enterprise Architecture for HMSA, and Alan Ito, IT Workforce Development & Regulated Policy Lead for the University of Hawaii, to spotlight Tech Days of Spring 2024. In this episode, Alan explains what the Tech Days of Spring initiative is and how it started. Later, John talks about HMSA's involvement in Tech Days of Spring and w...

In this episode, Jo sat down with Mark Menard, Business Services Coordinator for the American Job Center|City and County of Honolulu, and David Takeyama, CIO of Oceanit, to talk about the QUEST grant which gives local employers the opportunity to secure a fully funded intern. In this episode, Mark explains how the QUEST grant is working to fill workforce gaps in Hawaii with no-risk to employers. L...

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Engineering Sector Partnership is celebrating Engineers Week! In this episode, Jo McGarry sat down with Leslie Wilkins, Founder, STEMworks. Leslie talks about women in engineering and the importance of diversifying the field. She also tells us more about STEMworks annual event, “Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day” happening on Feb. 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the YWC...

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Engineering Sector Partnership is celebrating Engineers Week! In this episode, Jo McGarry sat down with Brandon Lester, Indo-Pacific Director of AI, Booz Allen Hamilton. Brandon talks about the importance of Engineers Week and how Sector Partnerships are educating our local students on a wide range of opportunities in engineering. He also talks about the future of...

In this episode, Jo McGarry sat down with Marshall Norman, Program Manager, Good Jobs Hawaii, to discuss the free skills training offered at University of Hawaii Community Colleges through the Good Jobs Hawaii federal grant funding. Marshall also explains how critical industry involvement is to the success of Good Jobs Hawaii and why lifelong learning is so important. Later, he shares an inspiring...

In our first episode of 2024 we are previewing Chamber Week 2024, presented by Alaska Airlines, and the upcoming legislative session. In this episode, we talked to Eliza Talbot, VP of Business Advocacy & Community Relations for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. Eliza has an extensive background in policy, state and local government, and community engagement. She explains why Chamber Week 2024 is...

In this episode, we talked to Tim Faulkner, Consultant, Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I) and Jason Chung, VP Military Affairs Council, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. The P3I Initiative aims to create a local skilled workforce to meet the demand within the Department of Defense for intelligence, IT, cyber, electronic warfare, and data science professionals in Hawaii. Tim and Jason...

In this episode, we sat down with a few special guests to talk about Kokua for Maui, the initiative aimed at supporting Maui businesses impacted by the wildfires. First, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke joined us to talk about the initiative and how it came to life. Although Kokua for Maui was launched in the month of November, she explains why it's more timely than ever with Christmas around...

In this episode, we sat down with Karey Kapoi, Owner of Karey Kapoi LLC based on Maui. Their mission is to strengthen the community through engagement, education and advocacy. In this episode, Karey talks about starting her own consulting business, creating opportunities for clients and the importance of relationships in Hawaii. Later, she opens up about being a woman in business. Karey offers ins...

In this episode, we sat down with Holly Ho-Chee-DuPont from the American Cancer Society to talk about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Hope Lodge. Holly is the Senior Development Manager with the American Cancer Society and has been apart of the organization since 2003. She talks about the success of Oahu's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) Walk" earlier this month and...