How do you build a business that not only survives but thrives in an ever-changing world? And what does it take to make diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) more than just a buzzword in your organization? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, hosts Cindy Anderson and Karen Albritton are joined by Donald Thompson, CEO of The Diversity Movement, to tackle these questions and more. Tune in to hear Thompson share his journey from a single presentation on multicultural marketing to creating a scalable, technology-driven DEI platform. He shares tips on the importance of customer feedback, self-awareness, and strategic acquisitions, while also sharing details on how his partnership with Workplace Options expanded his company’s global reach while preserving its unique mission. With insights on team dynamics, entrepreneurial resilience, and turning challenges into opportunities, this episode offers practical strategies for leaders and innovators ready to thinc ahead.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

What does it take to build and grow a successful business, especially when faced with unexpected challenges? In this episode of the Thinc Ahead, hosts Cindy Anderson and Karen Albritton welcome Elizabeth Johnson, founder of Simpson Scarborough, who shares her unique journey of scaling a firm in higher education marketing. Elizabeth discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her path, including how she transformed her company after the untimely passing of her business partner, Christopher Simpson. Tune in to learn about the strategies she used to grow the company, her approach to building strong partnerships, how she navigates decisions around ownership and acquisitions, and why there’s a critical need for dedicated support and community within the higher ed marketing space. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a leader in any industry, Elizabeth’s story will provide you with helpful insights on resilience, strategic growth, and the power of mentorship.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

What are the critical foundations for building a successful and sustainable business? In this episode, Richard Wells, a distinguished leader with over 50 years of experience in the engineering sector, shares some key lessons from his experiences in governance, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. From his early days on a farm in central Ohio to becoming a celebrated civil engineer, Wells breaks down the importance of standardization, accountability, and clear leadership roles in driving organizational growth. How does having a strong work ethic and unwavering integrity factor into the equation for long-term business success? Tune in to find out, and to learn other essential tips on building and growing a business while staying true to core principles.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

How can a family legacy be transformed into a thriving global enterprise? This question set the stage for Giles Shih's entrepreneurial journey when he co-founded Bioresource International alongside his father. How did he manage to address global challenges through science using patented technology? With over 25 years of experience, Shih shares useful tips he learned along the way about the importance of leadership, having a continuous learning mindset, and value creation in sustaining a business that supports jobs and livelihoods. Viewing entrepreneurship as a pathway for creating abundance for oneself, family, and the community, Shih explains the need for the transition of technology from universities to the marketplace and mentors the next generation of innovators. Tune in to learn more about how to create lasting impacts on your entrepreneurial journey, and why you should strive to become a "learn-it-all" instead of a know-it-all."

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

Welcome to Thinc Ahead, the podcast that helps owners and leaders intentionally create the value they want for themselves, their team, and their business through every life cycle of their business. Hosted by Cindy Anderson, CEO of Thinc Strategy, and Karen Albritton, Thinc Strategy Consultant. Designed for business owners and leaders, the show offers insights on how to intentionally create value throughout every stage of a business's life cycle. Whether you're aiming to grow, enhance performance, or plan for a transition, Cindy and Karen provide practical strategies to help you define and achieve success on your terms. They feature conversations with industry experts who have implemented strategies that deliver measurable results, all with the goal of helping you reach your personal and professional milestones.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.