In this episode of The Executive Room, host Kimberly Afonso, CEO & Founder of The KA Consulting Group, sits down with Charles “Chuck” Bender, CEO of Skynet Broadband and Attentus Technologies.
Chuck’s journey is anything but linear. From growing up in poverty to serving in the U.S. Navy to building two thriving companies by solving real problems in rural communities, his story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership.
We explore:
Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom and real-world leadership lessons.
In this episode of The Executive Room, host Kimberly Afonso, CEO & Founder of The KA Consulting Group, sits down with Erik Braund, Founder & CEO of Katmai, the virtual office platform redefining remote and hybrid work.
Erik shares the untold story behind building Katmai, from discovering an early prototype on Twitter, to bootstrapping through the pandemic, to raising his first $15M round with only $2,000 left in his bank account.
We dive deep into:
The inspiration behind Katmai and how Erik transformed a rough proof-of-concept into a patented, scalable platform
Lessons from taking a company from bootstrapped to Series A
How remote work is evolving beyond videoconferencing apps
Why presence, spontaneity, and digital culture matter more than ever
Whether you’re a founder, a remote team leader, or just curious about the future of work, this conversation is packed with insights, honesty, and lessons from a CEO who rebuilt everything from the ground up.
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In this episode of The Executive Room, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with Ryan Lewis, CEO of Rancher Government Solutions, a leader in modernizing government IT infrastructure. Ryan shares insights into how RGS is helping government agencies securely scale AI and modernize their operations through containerized software solutions. He explains how the company integrates cutting-edge technology with legacy systems, ensuring seamless transitions while maintaining strict security and compliance standards.
Ryan also discusses the critical role of open communication at RGS and how openly sharing lessons learned and product developments has helped them stay ahead of the latest innovations. He emphasizes how a focus on transparency and trust is key to RGS's success in transforming government operations.
Tune in to hear Ryan’s unique perspective on leadership, technology adoption in the public sector, and the challenges of balancing innovation with security in national defense and intelligence.
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In this episode of The Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with Timothy Menard, Founder and CEO of LYT, an AI-powered smart city platform transforming how municipalities manage traffic, transit, and emergency response.
A former Tesla engineer who helped develop the Model S, X, and 3, Tim has built a company that blends cutting-edge technology with a vital, human-centered mission: creating safer, more efficient, and more connected cities. Under his leadership, LYT received two NSF grants totaling $1.75 million and has been deployed in many major U.S. metropolitan areas. The company has also been recognized on the INC 5000 list of fastest-growing companies, and Tim himself was named to Mass Transit’s 40 Under 40 for his contributions to public sector innovation.
Listen in as Tim shares insights on building an honest business, leading with authenticity, and balancing visibility with purpose. He opens up about his journey from introvert to industry thought leader and the legacy he hopes to leave.
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In this episode of The Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with James Wood, co-founder and CEO of Bowdark Consulting, a firm helping organizations harness technology to streamline operations, fill knowledge gaps, and free teams to focus on high-impact work. With over 25 years in enterprise software, including leadership roles at SAP America and IBM, James has built a reputation for turning bold ideas into practical, high-value solutions.
Listen in as James shares insights on the hidden challenges of enterprise modernization, the evolving “build vs. buy” debate, and how AI and low-code technologies are reshaping innovation. He also reflects on his journey as a bestselling author and the impact of visibility on leadership and company growth.
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In this episode of The Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with Noah Landow, founder and CEO of Macktez, a technology consulting firm that unites creativity and technical rigor to solve complex business challenges.
With a background spanning architecture, design, and IT infrastructure, Noah leads interdisciplinary teams with clarity and purpose. He also serves as Board President of Union Docs and holds a fourth-degree black belt in Daitoryo Aikijujutsu, a martial art that reflects his disciplined and thoughtful approach to leadership.
Listen in as Noah shares insights on the evolution of technology, the “consumerification” of IT, the power of automation, and the importance of trust in leadership. He also discusses his upcoming book, Tame the Tech Beast, and the inspiration behind his Tête-à-Tech talk series.
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In this episode of The Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with James Breiding, founder of S8 Nations, a global nonprofit aiming to facilitate progress and collaboration among nations.
A Swiss-American entrepreneur, author, Harvard Fellow, and TED Speaker, James has held leadership roles at Templeton Investments, Rothschild, and PwC, and founded Naissance Capital, an investment firm focused on private equity and alternative assets.
He is the author of Swiss Made: The Untold Story Behind Switzerland's Success, Too Small to Fail: Why Some Small Nations Outperform Larger Ones and How They Are Reshaping the World, and What Goliath can learn from David.
Listen in as James shares lessons from his journey across finance, philanthropy, and global collaboration. He discusses why small nations often outperform larger ones, how business leaders can learn from their models of innovation and balance, and why he believes true influence comes from depth rather than reach.
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In this episode of The Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with Jonathan Brun, CEO and Founder of Nimonik, a global compliance and standards management platform serving more than 900 companies worldwide. Since launching in 2008, Jonathan has grown Nimonik into a multinational SaaS company with offices across North America, Asia, and beyond, all without external funding.
Listen in as Jonathan shares how he built his company “brick-by-brick,” why he believes in steady, sustainable growth over shortcuts, and how a single LinkedIn post led to his first international acquisition. He also reflects on leadership across cultures, the real role of AI in compliance, and the value of authenticity in building a personal brand.
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In this episode of The Executive Room, host Kimberly Afonso welcomes Matt Peters, co-founder and CEO of Fixify, an AI-powered outsourced IT help desk dedicated to making users feel cared for. With decades of experience as a software developer, network engineer, and leader at tech companies, Matt brings a unique perspective on humanizing IT through intelligent automation and thoughtful service.
Listen in as Matt shares the origin story behind Fixify, how culture and leadership shape growth, and why he believes every employee has “superpowers” to unlock. Discover his candid insights on building strong teams, investing in people, and navigating the challenges of being a public CEO.
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In this episode of The Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso welcomes John Tota, CEO and co-founder of Render and a pioneer in digital likeness solutions. A former screenwriter turned tech entrepreneur, Jon has launched multiple ventures, including one of the first video training platforms, Knowledge Link, and Syntax + Motion, his production company supporting thought leaders.
Listen in as Jon unpacks the concept of digital likeness, combining avatars and voice clones to extend executive presence online. He also offers actionable advice for CEOs building personal brands in today’s digital-first world.
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In this episode of The Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with Sean Lee, CEO of OpenDrives, where he is steering the company’s transformation from Hollywood’s go-to storage workflows into a broader data services platform.
Sean’s 25-year career spans NBC Universal, Illumination Entertainment, and AV Squad, and his leadership philosophy centers on trust, culture, and authenticity.
Listen as Sean shares his journey from starting his career at 19 to becoming CEO, explains how he reframed imposter syndrome into intentional practice that enhanced his leadership, and so much more…
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In this episode of The Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso welcomes Brett Howroyd, President of ActOne Group, a multi-billion-dollar, award-winning global enterprise specializing in workforce management and technology solutions.
Since joining the family-founded business in 2007, Brett has shaped strategies that balance innovation with integrity while advancing programs in career readiness and corporate sustainability.
Listen in as Brett shares candid insights on leading a family-run business, exploring the real pros and cons of loyalty, culture, and long-term growth. Discover how ActOne’s unique focus on job seekers created a competitive advantage, and how AI is reshaping, not replacing, the workforce.
Brett also offers lessons on executive visibility, leadership, and staying true to values in a rapidly evolving market.
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In the latest episode of the Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with Scott Paddock, CEO of Wondr Health, a leading digital health company revolutionizing metabolic, emotional, and physical well-being through behavioral change programs.
With a track record of driving rapid growth at companies like Healthcare Blue Book and a background spanning SaaS, healthcare strategy, and business intelligence, Scott shares his journey and leadership philosophy rooted in purpose-driven innovation.
Listen in as Scott discusses the importance of thinking like your customer and how a growth mindset can be cultivated across an organization.
Hear Scott’s take on why iteration beats perfection, how asking the right questions unlocks breakthrough solutions, and why trust and transparency are central to empowering high-performing teams.
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In this episode of the Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with Mackenzie Andrews, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of NanoDropper, a company transforming eye care with its innovative micro-volume drug delivery technology.
Named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Healthcare, Mackenzie shares the inspiring story of how her student research project led to an award-winning medtech startup.
Listen in as Mackenzie discusses how value-based care is reshaping healthcare delivery and the challenges they faced when expanding into international markets, such as South Korea.
Discover why leadership is an evolving practice, why disagreement can be a strength, and how staying human on social media can turn customers into brand champions.
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In the newest episode of the Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso welcomes serial entrepreneur and WSJ Bestselling Author, Andrew McConnell, whose career path is nothing short of inspiring.
Andrew dives deep into how he went from being an international bronze medalist swimmer and a Harvard Law School graduate to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Listen to Andrew as he explains how his experience as an elite athlete helped him become a successful entrepreneur.
Explore Andrew's leadership philosophy, rooted in Stoicism, and discover how he cultivates a vocal online presence that embodies authenticity and focus.
Follow Andrew McConnell on LinkedIn to check out more of his insightful content.
Find Andrew's bestselling book, Get Out of My Head: Creating Modern Clarity with Stoic Wisdom, on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
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In this episode of Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with Genia Xasis, a visionary leader in technology and investment. With a PhD in Biochemistry and recognition as one of Eastern Europe's top AI influencers, she transitioned from biochemistry research to venture capital and AI innovation.
Genia shares how she founded Multiplyers VC. She also discusses her passion for supporting female-led startups and fostering innovation.
Tune in as Genia shares her insights on leadership, hiring strategies, and building a strong online presence.
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In the latest episode of the Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso is joined by Thomas Carganico, the Vice President of Strategic Development and Marketing & Communications at PQE Group, a global life science consulting firm specializing in compliance and data integrity for the pharmaceutical industry.
As a leader, Thomas emphasizes the importance of flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and an entrepreneurial mindset in managing a diverse, international team. He delves into the power of personal branding for executives, sharing how his active online presence and thought leadership have opened doors to networking, partnerships, and business growth.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for executives, marketers, and leaders navigating the challenges of the global business landscape.
Tune in to hear valuable insights on managing global teams, leveraging marketing strategies to drive growth in competitive industries, and so much more!
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In the newest episode of the Executive Room Podcast, host Kimberly Afonso is joined by Iga Wyrzykowski, the Founder of Ignight Consulting, a leading firm specializing in commercial, retail, hospitality, and airport construction.
Listen as Iga shares her journey from working at top firms like Gensler and HHA to launching Ignight Consulting and landing major clients. She dives into the leadership principles that have driven her success, the growing role of sustainability in airport design, and her experience as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.
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In this episode of The Executive Room, host Kimberly Afonso sits down with George Wentworth, COO of Delph X Capital Markets and founder of Group Wentworth, an "Office in a Box" solutions company providing strategic consulting and operational support for small and medium businesses. George discusses his entrepreneurial journey and his dedication to supporting minority-owned enterprises.
Listen in as George shares his leadership principles, his approach to building impactful business relationships, and the philosophy that guides him in supporting other organizations.
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In the latest episode of the Executive Room podcast, host Kimberly Afonso welcomes Hannah Kain, the President and CEO of ALOM, a global leader in supply chain contract packaging and fulfillment. In this episode, Hannah shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting ALOM in Silicon Valley to growing it into an international powerhouse with operations across five continents.
Tune in to hear Hannah delve into her customer-centric leadership philosophy, the hurdles she and her company overcame during global expansion, and her vocal advocacy for women in business.
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