In this conversation, Lisa Boucher, founder of HR Ninja, shares her extensive human resources experience and discusses the challenges and rewards of her journey. She emphasizes the importance of understanding business needs, navigating employee benefits, and fostering community through initiatives like HR Cafe. Lisa highlights the evolving landscape of HR and the necessity for businesses to adapt to new employee expectations while maintaining compliance and support for their workforce.

Key Takeaways

• HR Ninja combines Lisa's passion for human resources and martial arts.
• Lisa's diverse background enhances her HR expertise.
• Self-employment presents unique organizational challenges.
• Business owners often need guidance on HR projects.
• Proactive HR can prevent financial exposures for businesses.
• Employee feedback is crucial for improving benefits.
• Different generations have varying workplace expectations.
• Community support is vital for small businesses.
• HR Cafe fosters networking and collaboration among HR professionals.
• Lisa aims to positively impact her local community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HR Ninja and Lisa Boucher

02:47 The Journey into Human Resources

05:35 Challenges of Self-Employment in HR

08:23 Understanding Business Needs and HR Solutions

11:23 Navigating Employee Benefits and Compliance

13:59 The Importance of Employee Feedback

17:08 Building Community through HR Cafe

19:44 Future Aspirations for HR Ninja

More Information

• Lisa Boucher - HR Ninja

In this episode, Kara Magoolaghan, principal of KMCG LLC, discusses her journey from mechanical engineering to founding a consultancy focused on helping nonprofits and small governments with capital projects. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable and resilient building practices, particularly in affordable housing, and shares insights on the challenges faced by community-centric organizations. Kara also reflects on her passion for charitable work and the rewarding experience of entrepreneurship.

Additionally, Kara and her husband, Matt, are opening a shop, called Hometown, in January 2026. Hometown will be located in the newly developed area of Glens Falls on South Street. Hometown will sell furnishings, home decor, gifts, food items, all carefully curated for their shop, which is modelled on a local general store. In the lead-up to Christmas, they are holding some pop-ups in other shops in Glens Falls.

Key Takeaways

• KMCG helps nonprofits and small governments with capital projects.
• The consultancy focuses on sustainability and resilience in building.
• Kara transitioned from engineering to law to better influence decision-making.
• Sustainable buildings can lead to lower energy costs for tenants.
• Nonprofits often struggle with capital projects due to limited resources.
• KMCG acts as a buffer between clients and construction professionals.
• Kara’s passion for helping others stems from her upbringing.
• The nonprofit sector is driven by mission and community engagement.
• Entrepreneurship offers the freedom to innovate and make an impact.
• Every day in business presents new challenges and opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to KMCG and Its Mission
02:42 Kara’s Journey: From Engineering to Consultancy
06:09 Focus on Sustainable and Resilient Building Practices
08:39 Challenges in Affordable Housing and Community Projects
11:20 Navigating Nonprofit Capital Projects
12:33 Passion for Community and Charitable Work
14:37 The Transition to Entrepreneurship and Its Rewards

More information:

• KMCG LLC
• Hometown Glens Falls
• Ann Donnelly Success Stories
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO
  

In this episode, Ann Donnelly speaks with Jacqueline O'Donnell, founder of Math Refresh. They discuss her journey in creating a math education company that makes math relevant and engaging for students. O'Donnell shares insights on the challenges faced during the pandemic, the benefits of online tutoring, and the importance of creating a safe learning environment. She emphasizes the need to empower girls in STEM and the role of parents in their children's education. She also outlines her future plans for expanding Math Refresh and her innovative approaches to math education.

Key Takeaways

• Jacqueline started Math Refresh to address learning gaps in math education.
• The pandemic highlighted the need for innovative online tutoring solutions.
• Creating a safe space for students encourages them to ask questions.
• Math education should focus on understanding concepts, not just memorization.
• Engaging parents in their children's education is crucial for success.
• Empowering girls in STEM is a key focus for Jacqueline's mission.
• Online tutoring provides flexibility and accessibility for students.
• Jacqueline's book aims to make math fun and engaging for children.
• Math should be seen as relevant and applicable in everyday life.
• The stigma around math needs to be broken to foster a love for learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Math Refresh and Its Mission
02:20 The Journey of Starting a Math Education Business
05:39 The Shift to Online Tutoring and Its Benefits
08:57 Creating a Safe Learning Environment for Students
13:56 Innovative Approaches to Math Education
17:08 Future Plans for Math Refresh
21:06 Empowering Girls in STEM
33:08 Engaging Parents in Their Children's Education

More information:

• Math Refresh
• Ann Donnelly Success Stories - more episodes and articles
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO