We had an energizing interview with Jennifer Griffith, Regional President of First Merchants Bank in Ohio.

Jennifer shared her journey and insights on leadership, growth, and building strong, values-driven teams. Her people-first mentality and actionable advice were truly inspiring, not just for those in banking but for leaders and professionals everywhere.

Here are 3 key takeaways worth reflecting on:

• Lead with Influence, Not Authority: Jennifer emphasized the power of humility, self-awareness, and servant leadership. Focusing on positively influencing your team rather than relying on formal authority.
• Don’t Wait for an Invitation—Bring Your Value: Especially for women and underrepresented groups, Jennifer’s advice was clear: always be prepared, speak up, and find ways to contribute meaningfully in every room you enter.
• Invest in Growth and Self-Awareness: Whether it’s through supporting community initiatives or encouraging personal and professional development, Jennifer highlights the lasting impact of continuous learning and self-reflection.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 "Complexity & Misunderstanding in Banking"

04:23 "Influence Over Authority in Leadership"

09:30 Understanding Roles in Meetings

13:08 "Build Careers on Personal Values"

16:26 "Embrace Strengths for Growth"

22:44 Community Impact Through Organizing

24:22 Future of Digital Transactions

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

• City of Upper Arlington.

To schedule a guest appearance, or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Please leave us a review on Google!

We'd love it if you could please share this podcast with your social media friends!

Discover more podcasts like this at Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/kitchen-dance - License code: U9SOBWUIY0PUOLOY

Copyright 2025 Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

The Business Case for DEI - "We've been incorporating this work from day one because frankly, it's smart business." Jennifer Sconyers

In this episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with Jennifer Sconyers, founder of Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC). Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from an ambitious 15-year-old dreaming of entrepreneurship to the creator of a consulting firm focused on building high-performing, healthy organizations through a holistic, values-driven, and abundance-minded approach.

Jennifer reveals her insights on the true meaning of abundance in leadership, the importance of creating workplaces where employees genuinely want to stay, and practical strategies for navigating change and chaos—both internally with your team and externally with your clients.

She reinforces the vital integration of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles, the role of creative collaboration across ecosystems, and shares real-life success stories where ALC helped turn organizational challenges into measurable progress.

Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or someone passionate about positive change in the workplace, this episode offers thoughtful advice and actionable inspiration to help you and your organization thrive—especially in times of uncertainty.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

Abundance Mindset Fuels Innovation: Jennifer highlights that thinking abundantly means focusing on possibilities, even in challenging times. This mindset helps leaders balance realism with visionary thinking, fortifying organizations during unpredictable shifts.

Values-Driven Cultures Retain Talent: ALC’s work emphasizes that alignment between individual and organizational values is fundamental for happiness and retention. Operationalizing values through transparency, feedback, and clear decision-making builds strong teams that want to stay and grow together.

Communication & Connection Build Resilience: Especially during change, Jennifer urges leaders to proactively communicate with both staff and clients. Frequent, transparent check-ins alleviate anxiety, foster trust, and help teams adapt to chaos with confidence.

Inspiring Moments

03:31 From Employee to Entrepreneur

09:52 Effective Change Communication Strategies

12:39 Proactive Communication and Funding Strategies

14:46 DEI: Essential for Business Success

20:01 Evolving Leadership Through Experience

21:21 "Embrace Discomfort in Leadership"

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

• City of Upper Arlington.

To schedule a guest appearance, or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

In this episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with Dr. Matt Walker, the dynamic CEO of Options Medical Weight Loss.

Dr. Walker shares his unique journey from flipping houses and playing semi-professional rugby, to opening chiropractic practices and ultimately founding a rapidly growing medical weight loss company with more than 40 locations. You'll hear how a passion for personalized care, cutting-edge technology, and long-term health inspired the creation of Options Medical Weight Loss, and what sets their approach apart in an increasingly crowded field.

Dr. Walker and his team focus not just on losing weight, but on fat loss, muscle retention, and empowering their clients with education and guidance for lasting change.

From innovative nutrition systems to personalized bloodwork and the latest in GLP-1 medications, Dr. Walker unpacks the science, the stories, and the vision for a healthier future.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a healthcare professional, or just looking for inspiration on your own wellness journey, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Here are 3 key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• Personalized, Guided Weight Loss: Options Medical Weight Loss focuses on individualized care, going beyond just the number on the scale. By using technology like advanced bioimpedance scales and thorough bloodwork, they address the unique factors behind each patient’s health journey.
• Comprehensive Support System: Success isn’t about a quick fix. Dr. Walker emphasizes a multi-faceted approach—nutrition, sleep, stress management, activity, and, when appropriate, medication—all tailored to the individual while providing regular in-person or virtual guidance.
• Education and Empowerment: Their mission is all about empowering patients. With robust education resources and a team that genuinely cares, clients are set up not just to lose weight, but to maintain their results and improve their overall health long term.

Inspiring Moments

04:46 Technology-Driven Health and Longevity

09:12 Holistic Health and Metabolic Testing

12:22 GLP-1: Appetite Control and Blood Sugar

15:33 Managing Diet for Enhanced Energy

18:35 Life-Changing Patient Transformations

21:16 Expanding Clinics with Remote Care

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

• City of Upper Arlington.

To schedule a guest appearance, or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber...

Hosts Katie Ellis and Brett Johnson welcome Jake Harter, founder of Bellevue HRM, to discuss what truly drives employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.

Drawing from his experience in both large corporations and entrepreneurial ventures, Jake shares practical strategies for building a high-performing workforce—including insights from a powerful real-world success story that led to significantly lower turnover for a local business.

Jake unpacks the “three pillars” of a dynamic workplace, explains how human resources can be a strategic accelerator instead of just a rule enforcer, and offers advice tailored specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Plus, hear about emerging trends reshaping HR, from remote work to the rapid pace of change driven by technology.

Whether you run a team of five or five hundred, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas on how to foster an environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered.

Here are the top 3 takeaways from the conversation:

Employee Engagement Drives Performance

Jake emphasizes that genuine engagement stems not from perks like pizza parties, but from fostering autonomy, psychological safety, and open communication—leading to organizations that are 21% more profitable, according to Gallup.

Small Changes, Big Results

By implementing clear goal-setting, regular feedback sessions, and recognizing achievements in even a small call center, Jake helped achieve a 25% reduction in turnover and a noticeable boost in employee morale—proving that incremental steps can create tangible ROI.

HR as a Strategic Business Partner

With rapid advances like AI and evolving workforce expectations, HR’s future is as a proactive accelerator of business growth, not just a policy enforcer. Building a culture where people are empowered and developed pays dividends in innovation and retention.

Inspiring Moments

03:24 Addressing Employee Disengagement Solutions

09:10 Enhancing IT Skill Development Strategy

12:16 Employee Engagement Boosts Turnover Reduction

14:23 "Empowering Frontline Communication"

19:28 HR: Business Partner, Not Just Custodian

22:14 Critical Steps & Employee Retention

24:32 "Overcoming Growth Barriers"

27:13 Available for Quick Consultations

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

• City of Upper Arlington.

To schedule a guest appearance, or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with Sarah Moore, a dynamic coach, author, and creator of the high-energy “Pump Up Sessions.” With over 14 years of experience guiding women to balance ambition and wellbeing, Sarah shares her journey from travel writer and bra store entrepreneur to passionate life coach.

She talks more about the powerful concept of “soul alignment,” the difference between performing and truly living, and practical tools anyone can use to reconnect with their authentic selves—like her transformative “feelings walk.”

Get a glimpse of Sarah’s philosophy, her personal struggles with self-esteem and people pleasing, and the importance of creating space for reflection in our busy lives.

Plus, Sarah gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming session at the “Be Your Best Self” conference, designed to leave you feeling energized, inspired, and connected to a like-minded community.

Whether you’re looking to step back from the performance trap or craving practical strategies for personal growth, this episode is packed with honest conversation and actionable insights. Get ready to be inspired!

Find out more about Sarah.

Here are the top 3 takeaways:

Soul Alignment Means Integrity - Sarah describes alignment as the way our actions reflect our values. It isn’t always easy, but living in alignment brings a sense of spaciousness—even during challenging times.

Stop Performing. Start Living - There’s so much power in moving away from constantly trying to meet others’ expectations and instead tuning into who we truly are. Sarah’s journey from “performing” (people-pleasing, perfectionism) to genuinely living is deeply relatable.

Build a Personal Toolbox to Tune Inward - Whether it’s a “feelings walk,” journaling, or calling someone you trust, creating space for self-reflection is key. Sarah suggests intentionally slowing down and developing practices to better understand and honor your own feelings and needs.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Journey to Empowering Women

05:41 Living in Alignment

08:25 "Navigating Confidence and Self-Discovery"

12:42 "Embracing Reflection and Self-Awareness"

14:13 "Embracing Uncertainty and Self-Discovery"

18:17 "Discovering My 12-Minute Feelings Walk"

22:50 Cultivate Self-Reflection

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

• City of Upper Arlington.

To schedule a guest appearance, or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis,...

In this episode of Business Inspires, hosts Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with Mayor Greta Kearns of the City of Grandview Heights to discuss the dynamic developments taking place within the city.

From the significant milestones celebrated last year, including forty years as a Tree City USA and the fire department's centennial anniversary, to the recent unveiling of the new parks and recreation facility, you will get an inside look at the City of Grandview Heights' continual progression.

Mayor Kearns talks about the city's capital projects, including the construction of a new city hall, police, and fire facility, and improvements to aging infrastructure.

Additionally, she sheds light on thriving economic development, highlighting new businesses, restaurants, and retail spaces that are energizing various areas of the community.

As the conversation unfolds, Mayor Kearns addresses how the City of Grandview Heights balances change and growth while maintaining its fiscal responsibility amid inflation, offering insights into the city's communication platforms and encouraging community involvement.

Discover the vibrancy and forward-thinking initiatives of the City of Grandview Heights, capturing the essence of a thriving city that values resilience and community spirit.

Key Moments

00:00 Centennial Building's Future and Upgrades

05:23 Grandview Avenue Development Plans

07:03 New Openings in Grandview Area

11:06 Enhanced Community Reporting System

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

• City of Upper Arlington.

To schedule a guest appearance, or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Please leave us a review on Google!

We'd love it if you could please share this podcast with your social media friends!

Discover more podcasts like this at Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/kitchen-dance - License code: U9SOBWUIY0PUOLOY

Copyright 2025 Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

In a challenging health insurance landscape, learn key strategies to employ to save small businesses money on insurance plans.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Parton from HealthMarkets Insurance Agency! Discover the journey and expertise of a local health insurance agent who emphasizes the importance of personalized, face-to-face interactions and comprehensive coverage planning.

Here's what you can learn from our conversation:

• Value of Personalized Service: Understanding your client's needs goes beyond basic information. Kelly's approach of knowing at least ten personal details unrelated to business fosters stronger client relationships.
• Stay Updated with Industry Changes: Continuous training and keeping abreast of Medicare and other insurance plan developments are crucial. Kelly emphasizes the importance of being proactive and informed in this ever-evolving field.
• Holistic Insurance Solutions: Beyond just health insurance, considering supplemental products like accident and critical illness plans ensures comprehensive coverage and financial protection for unforeseen events.

Inspiring Moments

05:05 Short-Term Health Plan Shift

09:42 Truthful, Question-Based Business Approach

13:31 Understanding Value Post-Crisis

16:22 Ohio Health Insurance Offerings

20:05 Honest Business Practices

20:56 Beyond Health Insurance Basics

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

• City of Upper Arlington.

To schedule a guest appearance, or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Please leave us a review on Google!

We'd love it if you could please share this podcast with your social media friends!

Discover more podcasts like this at Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/kitchen-dance - License code: U9SOBWUIY0PUOLOY

Copyright 2025 Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Join hosts Brett Johnson, Katie Ellis, Tonnisha English-Amamoo, and our incredible guests Meredith Ulmer, and Kelsea Cozad as we talk about the crucial topic of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the workplace.

Our discussions are filled with actionable insights and inspiring stories, perfect for anyone looking to create an inclusive and forward-thinking work environment.

🔹 Adapt and Innovate:

• Learn from Kelsea Cozad on the importance of evolving with technology and how platforms like TikTok can be leveraged even if you're not in their prime demographic.

🔹 Strategic Communication:

• Tonnisha English-Amamoo stresses understanding your audience's language—whether that's ROI, legal, or corporate speak—to align your execution with agreed strategies effectively.

🔹 Empowering Leadership:

• Meredith Ulmer offers insight on leading diverse, multi-generational teams and emphasizes the importance of mentoring and supporting the next generation of leaders.

Our guests also weigh in on the importance of open communication across generations, promoting inclusivity in hiring practices, and leveraging social media trends to impact business success.

Inspiring Moments

04:43 Leading marketing for housing authority and resident initiatives.

06:59 Emotionally charged LinkedIn posts prompt private responses.

11:09 Challenging corporate structures, valuing ideas over titles.

13:33 Explaining viral internet trends to leaders is difficult.

17:57 New dictionary requires understanding generational learning.

22:38 Ask how leaders best digest information.

25:19 Promote achievements; self-advocate to gain recognition.

29:17 Promoting diversity by consciously inclusivity in careers.

31:32 Addressing past misses by improving leadership practices.

Inspiring Takeaways

• Adapt and Evolve with Technology
• Innovate Within Constraints
• Speak Your Audience's Language
• Tailor Information Delivery
• Learn from Organizational Communication Patterns:
• Self-Promotion and Networking
• Genuine Advocacy in the Workplace
• Breaking Traditional Hierarchies
• Educate on Social Media's Impact
• Inclusivity and Mentorship

The Individual Contributor on Spotify

The Individual Contributor on Apple Podcasts

Kelsea on LinkedIn

Meredith on LinkedIn

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

• City of Upper Arlington.

To schedule a guest appearance, or find out