Teamwork in Business - CEO Interview - Bill Shumard, Southern California Special Olympics - January 24, 2010 - Segment Three

Interview with President & CEO of Special Olympics Southern California, Bill Shumard.

“Special Olympics changes lives through the power of sport. Our athletes are more likely to have a job, develop long-lasting friendships and have improved health due in large part to the self-confidence, acceptance and support of our movement.” — Bill Shumard

Shumard’s vision for the organization is to radically grow the number of athletes served, and he has instituted an aggressive Strategic Plan and accompanying business model to help achieve that goal. SOSC’s original base of 10,000 athletes grew by approximately 30% over the first three years of Shumard’s tenure, with much of that growth credited to new partnerships with school districts within SOSC’s footprint. Revenue generation has also been key to the organization’s recent growth. During the first three years of Shumard’s tenure, revenues increased from $6 million to $8 million annually as SOSC moved to strategically grow and strengthen its revenue streams including a strong emphasis on major and planned gifts, and internet fundraising.

Prior to coming to SOSC, Shumard enjoyed a long and successful career in sports management at both the professional and collegiate levels, enjoying associations with teams and programs that enjoyed both competitive and financial success. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in journalism from California State University, Long Beach in 1972, Shumard was named as CSULB’s Sports Information Director. One year later, he moved to CSU Los Angeles to assume the same position for two years.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.

Teamwork in Business - January 24, 2010 - Segment Two

Teamwork - Pete Carroll demonstrates the ideal of a coach that lives his core-values and makes a difference in the lives of his players not just on the playing field. CEOs can use this same technique to engage their employees. Winning and losing is part of all sports and the same holds true for business - you cannot win every new business pitch.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.

Good Bosses and Bad Bosses - CEO Interview Ryan Black, Acai Sambazon - January 17, 2010 - Segment Three

Interview with Founder & CEO of Sambazon, Ryan Black, who founded the company in 2000 after discovering the amazing açaí fruit during a surfing trip to Brazil. Quickly realizing that the sustainable trade of this fruit was a powerful vehicle to spread a message of corporate social responsibility, Ryan began the arduous task of building a sustainable business model in the developing world with mainstream promise. His efforts are paying off as Sambazon Sustainable Açaí is now being enjoyed by world class athletes and health-conscious people across the globe.

A social entrepreneur, Ryan is guided by the philosophy of the “Triple Bottom Line” which demonstrates that corporate success can be achieved on an economic, social and environmental level. Intrinsic to Sambazon‟s corporate mission is creating a force in the Amazon that enriches the lives of thousands of local families, aids in the economic growth of the region and protects the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest through Market Driven Conservation. Working closely with the world’s foremost conservation organizations (World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy) and other key non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Sambazon has pioneered the first of its kind Fair Trade, sustainable and certified organic supply chain of açaí.

Ryan also discusses some Green Loan Funds including Root Capital and the Nature Conservancy’s Eco-Enterprise Fund.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.

Finding a Job or Finding Employees - January 10, 2010 - Segment Four

Betsy and Renee discuss company culture and how that can differentiate your brand. Maria’s Italian Kitchen embodies the company culture of providing a second home for dining. A great way to position the company. Another example is Roger Penske of the Penske corporation with the mission of “winning.” Penske knows that the entire team wins or losses a race - not just the superstar driver. His company culture embodies teamwork for success. Caller Laura asks - “How do you convey new skills and conferences on your resume so that you can standout?” Listen in for answers.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.

Finding a Job or Finding Employees - CEO Interview with Madelyn Alfano, Maria’s Italian Kitchen - January 10, 2010 - Segment Three

Interview with Owner and CEO of Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Madelyn Alfano. Madelyn is one of California’s most successful restaurant owners. She believes that food is not just a necessity or pleasure, but a lifelong passion. Inspired by her parents and life in a large Italian family, Madelyn blends the finest ingredients, traditions and new ideas with the best aspects of family life to create a truly unique dining experience at Maria’s Italian Kitchen.

With headquarters in Van Nuys, Calif., and more than 400 employees, Maria’s Italian Kitchen is among the leading privately owned restaurant chains in the state. Today, there are 10 Maria’s Italian Kitchens, including the newest locations, Maria’s Downtown located in the financial district of downtown Los Angeles and her new concept store, Maria’s Express, a venue designed for customers on the go in the heart of Los Angeles. With every community Madelyn joins, she offers healthy, quality food with hospitable service in a casual yet elegant and friendly atmosphere.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.