Casually Pro Podcast

18 - DIMSUMX & The Future of Heart-Centered Networking: A Conversation with Chalsea-Blaze Chen

Chalsea-Blaze Chen is a visionary data strategist, entrepreneur, and community builder with 15+ years of experience turning analytics into action for global brands like Hyundai, Toyota, Mattel, and Johnson & Johnson. As the founder of startups Creatabu and Concon App, she has explored the intersection of technology, storytelling, and human connection.
In response to an increasingly AI-driven world, Chalsea-Blaze founded DIMSUMX, a platform that reimagines networking through heart-centered gatherings—fostering trust, empathy, and cultural connection beyond traditional hierarchies. While AI can optimize efficiency, she believes real innovation comes from human connection.
Beyond entrepreneurship, she serves on the Howard County Public School System World Language Advisory Committee, advocating for education and cross-cultural understanding.
 
About the Hosts
Charles is a financial strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 
Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience. 
Join the conversation and learn more about the complex world of Data and Networking!
 
LinksDIMSUMXLinkedIn
 

17 - Want Brand Loyalty? Stop Playing It Safe: A Conversation with Bradley Rausch

Bradley Rausch is a CMO and operations expert specializing in founder-led companies. With a strong focus on improving client experience, he helps businesses elevate their client success strategies from the initial onboarding process to creating loyal, engaged customers. Bradley takes pride in helping businesses create meaningful client interactions, turning satisfied customers into passionate brand advocates. He’s also a big believer in keeping things straightforward, he prefers to be called a "part-time CMO" rather than using the over-inflated term "fractional."
 
About the Hosts: 
Charles is a strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience. 
Join the conversation and learn more about the complex world of Marketing!
 
Links
LinkedIn

16 - From Unknown Founder to Connected Insider: A Conversation with Maciej Popielarz

Maciej is a customer success and innovation leader with expertise in operational excellence, process optimization, and technology-driven solutions. With a background in venture capital, startups, and product management, he has helped founders scale businesses, navigate complex challenges, and drive adoption in competitive markets. Passionate about blockchain, AI, and emerging technologies, Maciej is always exploring the next big shift in tech and how it can transform industries About the Hosts: Charles is a strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality.
 
About the Hosts:
Charles is a strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 
Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience.
 
Links: 
LinkedIn

15 - From Stage Left to Tech Sales: A Conversation With Ben Bartolone

Ben Bartolone is a tech enthusiast and product development specialist with a passion for bringing incredible ideas to life. After years in the American theater, he pivoted to tech in 2019, originally as a sabbatical, but he never looked back. Now, he thrives on collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving, always excited to meet new people and take on new projects. When he’s not optimizing systems or diving into product development, he’s your go-to for Broadway show recommendations.
 
About the Hosts:
Charles is a strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 
Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience.
 
Links: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbartolone/

14 - Your Brand, Your Legacy: Build It with Purpose – A Conversation with Daryna Yatsiuk

Daryna Yatsiuk is a New York-based brand designer with a passion for clean energy.
A Ukrainian native, she honed her design skills at a leading art university in Kyiv.
While still a student, Daryna launched her freelance career, creating impactful branding for a diverse clientele, ranging from individual entrepreneurs to major corporations.
Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Daryna relocated to the United States, where she continues to advocate for the importance of strong branding.
With 7+ years of experience, Daryna specializes in helping startups in the tech and energy sectors by providing comprehensive branding support
 
About the Hosts: 
Charles is a strategy consultant, networking coach, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 
Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience. 
 
Links:
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darynayatsiuk/
Portfolio/website: https://darynayatsiuk.com/
Book a call: https://calendly.com/darinayatsyuk/30min
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darynayatsiuk/

13 - The Magic of Making It Up as You Go: A Conversation with Andreas Dittinger

Andy is a skilled jazz pianist, composer, and musical director. As the managing director of Jazz Campus Mainz, he established a premier international jazz program from the ground up, positioning the institution as a recognized center for jazz education worldwide. In addition to his role at Jazz Campus Mainz, Andy teaches piano at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts. 
His academic credentials include a bachelor’s and master’s degree in jazz piano, as well as a B.Sc. in International Management from ESB Reutlingen and a B.Sc. in International Business from Northeastern University in Boston. A certified systemic coach, Andy is passionate about blending his expertise in music, business, and personal development. He embraces windsurfing and kite surfing, frequently leaving his home in Frankfurt on a quest for the best winds.
 
About the Hosts: 
Charles is a strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 
Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience. 
 
Links
https://www.andreasdittinger.com/https://www.instagram.com/andreas.dittinger/
Unleash your inner jazz musician | Andreas Dittinger | TEDxFrankfurt

12 - Success Without a Script: A Conversation with Jose (Jay) Cruz

Driven and versatile professional with experience in multiple industries, including filmmaking, tech, and business strategy. I bring a unique combination of creativity, data-driven decision-making, and an innovative mindset to every challenge. A natural leader and collaborator, I excel at building strong relationships and aligning diverse teams around shared goals.
Currently serving as the Founder at IFT Network - an independent media company focused on creating innovative content for a global audience. I'm passionate about leveraging the intersection of technology and storytelling to create meaningful connections and drive positive change.
My diverse background has taught me to approach each new project with curiosity, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Eager to continue growing, learning, and making a lasting impact in the media and entertainment industry.
As the Founder of IFT Network, I'm dedicated to revolutionizing the way independent artists connect with global audiences who love their work. Drawing on my experience as a veteran in the independent film and theater industry, I understand the challenges creators face in monetizing their creations and building sustainable careers. IFT Network is a direct response to these challenges, providing a comprehensive ecosystem designed to empower artists at every stage of their journey.
My leadership at IFT Network has birthed several innovative initiatives:
• IFT Network TV on Roku: A free streaming channel showcasing independent films, shows, and live theater.
• Subscription apps and website access: Exclusive content, interactive features, and the pioneering ProducerPay® Program, enabling filmmakers and producers to earn from their work.
• Annual International Indie Film & Theater Festival: Showcasing talent and fostering connections.
• A collaborative community: Fostering connections, innovation, and growth among creators.
I'm proud to lead the charge in creating a platform that supports independent artists, celebrates diverse storytelling, and redefines the entertainment landscape. Join me on this journey as we shape the future of the creative world, one story at a time.
 
About the Hosts: 
Charles is a strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 
Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience. 
 
Links
iftnetwork.com services
iftnetworktv.com streaming
linkedin.com/in/jaycruzcreative/

11 - Confidence Through Rejection: Why Hearing 'No' Is a Win – A Conversation with Karmin Habibi

Karmin Habibi is a sales expert and creator of the Savvy Closer Method, with over 14 years of experience helping professionals transform conversations into conversions. Known for consistently achieving a high closing rate, winning awards and gaining recognition across various industries, Karmin's mission is to simplify the sales process and empower people to boost their income, impact, and confidence. Through masterclasses and coaching, Karmin teaches ethical, client-centered techniques that turn sales professionals into confident closers.
 
About the Hosts: 
Charles is a strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 
Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience. 
 
Learn more at www.savvycloser.net

10 - Designing for Dignity: Mike Clapper On The Future of Inclusive Travel

Mike Clapper is a leader in brand strategy, marketing, and business development with over 20 years of experience. His work focuses on making accessibility a strategic advantage that drives profitability, customer loyalty, and brand growth in the travel and hospitality industries.
As both a traveler with a disability and a seasoned business professional, Mike brings a unique perspective on how inclusive design benefits both brands and consumers. He helps companies gain a competitive edge by creating seamless, welcoming experiences for all. His approach transforms accessibility from a compliance requirement into a business opportunity, elevating customer satisfaction and the bottom line.
 
About the Hosts: 
Charles is a strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 
Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience. 
 
Links
LinkedIn

9 - Why UX/UI Should Start with People: Insights from Itzy Ramirez

Itzy Ramirez is a UX/UI designer based in Brooklyn, NY with over a decade of experience in design. Itzy spent time collaborating with Indigenous communities in Mexico and Guatemala, igniting a passion for socially impactful design.
She leverages her background in graphic design to create digital products that are user centric.
 
About the Hosts: 
Charles is a strategy consultant, community builder, and advocate for purpose-driven businesses. With a knack for creating actionable insights, Charles helps leaders turn their vision into reality. 
Connect with Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-leyte/ 
Jef is a former developer turned public speaking coach who knows how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. With a passion for storytelling and empowering others, Geoff helps individuals and teams communicate with confidence and impact. 
Connect with Jef here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 
Together, they share strategies, stories, and insights to inspire and empower their audience. 
 
Links
www.itzyramirez.comwww.xochitlnopalli.comLinkedinIG @itzy_designs