Symplicity Conversations
Welcome to Symplicity Conversations, the podcast where we explore the intersection of business, culture, community, and technology to empower you with the insights you need to thrive.
Episodes
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley speaks with Dr. TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place. They discuss the importance of leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness in the workplace. Dr. Johnson shares her career journey, the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, and the significance of mentorship and community engagement. The convers...
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, we sit down with Carmit DiAndrea, Director of AI Data Management at NiCE, to explore how data, AI, and human insight come together to transform customer experience (CX). Carmit shares her unique perspective from working at the intersection of customers, product teams, and analysts—and why quantifiable business value must always come first.
We discuss why AI is only as powerful a...
In the latest episode of Symplicity Conversations, host Catherine Ripley is joined by Chris Randall, the CEO of Sweep LLC. We talk about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of creativity and adaptability in today's business landscape, and what it's like having the lightbulb go off and to make the leap into the unknown.
Chapters
(00:00) The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
(10:51) Navigating Challeng...
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Michael Meyer, VP of Product and Strategy at Summit, discusses the evolving landscape of data centers, the importance of trust in technology partnerships, and the challenges organizations face in modern IT infrastructure. He emphasizes the need for operational excellence, data governance, and the impact of AI and automation on business decisions. The conversation highlights Summ...
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley speaks with Sandy Harvey, President and Chief Inclusion Strategist at Exodus Consulting Group. They discuss the importance of community and networking, Sandy's journey into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the evolving landscape of leadership in today's workplace.
The conversation highlights the significance of trust, accountability, and culture in o...
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley and Doug Seites reflect on their journey over the past year, celebrating milestones, achievements, and the importance of clarity in their operations. They discuss the significance of community engagement, the awards received, and the operational changes that have set the stage for future growth. Looking ahead to 2026, they emphasize the role of technology in tra...
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, we sit down with Peter Hungerford as he steps into his new role as the Vice President of Manufacturing at The Right Place. We discuss the transformation of the manufacturing sector in West Michigan, exploring the vital role small and mid-sized manufacturers play in economic resilience.
Discover how collaboration, technology, and strategic planning are reshaping the industry ...
Join us for this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we reminisce about TechWeek Grand Rapids with Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place, and Erin Stewart from Symplicity Communications.
Discover the incredible growth and community-driven energy behind this tech event and how it's shaping the future of innovation in West Michigan.
From standout moments like Steve Woznia...
Join us for an energy raising episode of Symplicity Conversations as we talk business, leadership, and community with Kim Bode, the dynamic owner of 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications. Known for her bold and unapologetic approach to marketing, Kim shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and triumphs of running a business, and the power of authenticity in today's digital landscape. Discover insights on buildin...
Join us in this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we dive into the impactful world of nonprofit work with Becki Postma, Chief Impact Officer, and Kevin Nelson, Director of Donor Development, from Heart of West Michigan United Way.
Discover their inspiring journeys into the nonprofit sector and how they are leveraging technology to address evolving community challenges. Learn about the transformative programs they lead...
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, we dive into the transformative journey of Jaclyn Harrison, a dynamic leader and soon-to-be author. Discover how a chance encounter with a book sparked her creative courage to pursue writing, leading to the development of a captivating fictional series. Jaclyn shares her insights on embracing creativity, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of networking and support. Tune in to ...
Join us on this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we dive into the world of conversational intelligence with Chris Adomaitis, a key player at Omilia and a leading voice in AI engineering. Discover how AI and automation are transforming customer experiences and hear Chris share insights from his journey in the industry. Learn about the balance between AI-driven automation and the human touch, and explore how businesses...
Join us for an exciting episode of Symplicity Conversations as we dive into the whirlwind of events that have shaped our recent months, including Tech Week, ArtPrize, and our feature on the national stage with Advancements with Ted Danson. Joined by Symplicity's Director of Marketing, Doug Seites, we explore the power of preparation, creativity, and community engagement. Discover how we navigated a busy season, embraced un...
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations we are joined by Andrew Griffiths from Outsource Consultants. Discover how Andrew's diverse career journey led him to redefine the BPO and outsourcing marketplace in the age of AI, automation, and cloud platforms.
Explore the evolving landscape of customer experience, the strategic importance of outsourcing, and how businesses can harness technology and human resources to bridge ...
Join us on this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we chat with Patrick Hayes, Chief Strategy Officer at Third Wave Innovations.
Dive into Patrick's intriguing career journey from telecom to cybersecurity and discover how Third Wave's groundbreaking approach is helping businesses combat evolving digital threats.
Learn why cybersecurity is more than just a technical challenge and explore how organizations can ef...
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, join us as we chat with Jon Butler, Chief Revenue Officer at Kyros Digital and founder of Ideaventory.
We explore Jon's career journey and how he’s leveraging AI to revolutionize the world of custom software. Discover how emerging technologies are reshaping business landscapes, sparking creativity, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike. <...
Customer experience is more than technology—it’s about people.
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, hosts Catherine Ripley and Doug Seites sit down with Erin Stewart, Senior Sales Director at Symplicity Communications, to explore how automation and empathy go hand in hand to create smarter customer experiences.
You’ll learn:
✔️ What customer experience really is (and what it isn’t)
✔️ How empathy strengthens au...
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, join us for an engaging discussion with Angela James, a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning international borders and industries. Angela shares her unique experiences working in the criminal justice system, managing teams, and navigating personal challenges. We dive into topics like leadership, self-care, and the importance of genuine friendships. Angela and Cat...
What happens when a Boeing IT veteran becomes a full-time artist?
In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley and Doug Seites sit down with Ted Loomis to explore his unique journey from aerospace to art. Ted shares how creativity, technology, and curiosity intersect to drive innovation and growth.
They discuss:
- How 17 years at Boeing IT shaped his creative process
- The connections between technology an...
Join us on this episode of Symplicity Conversations as we talk about technology and innovation in the trucking industry. In this episode, Catherine is joined by Mark Shafer, IT Director at M&K Truck, and Brittany Hayden, Inside Technical Account Manager at Symplicity, to explore their long-standing partnership and the transformative journey of M&K's technology systems.
Discover how M&K Truck has expanded from j...
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