What do hacking attempts, dark web threats, and AI trickery have in common? They’re all part of the modern digital battlefield - and Darwin Lara is on the front lines. As the founder of EVO Corp, a premier cybersecurity and managed IT services firm, Darwin brings a unique blend of tech expertise, entrepreneurial grit, and sales savvy to his mission of protecting businesses from today’s digital threats.

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Darwin to hear how a kid from Ecuador who dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player ended up running a cutting-edge tech company in Connecticut. After earning a spot on his national team and moving to the U.S. on a soccer scholarship, Darwin discovered a new passion - computers. But he didn’t want to just sit behind one. So he taught himself to sell, got certified in cybersecurity at MIT, and began building a business that’s now helping companies stay safe in an increasingly risky online world.

From email protection and infrastructure support to helping teams spot phishing scams before they click, Darwin shares why cybersecurity is about more than software - it’s about people, training, and staying one step ahead of the bad guys. He also opens up about the importance of constant learning, the power of networking, and how EVO Corp got its name from Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution: survival of the fittest.

If you’ve ever wondered what you can really do to protect yourself and your business - or how to turn a passion for tech into a thriving company - this episode is for you.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What happens when two longtime leaders are suddenly asked to steer a statewide organization through a global crisis? For Kelly Juleson, Co-President of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership (GPP), the answer was: lead with clarity, compassion, and connection.

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Kelly to explore how she and her co-president Roland Harmon stepped into co-leadership just as the world shut down. After more than a decade each at GPP, the two were asked to take the helm on an interim basis after the sudden retirement of their CEO - just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began. With an uncertain future ahead, they proposed an 18-month trial period to the board and began navigating one of the most critical moments in the organization’s history.

From quickly moving mentoring and prevention programming to virtual platforms, to setting up weekly all-staff check-ins that prioritized both progress and people’s well-being, Kelly shares how they kept the mission alive while giving their team space to adapt, grieve, and grow.

If you’ve ever faced a moment where the path wasn’t clear and leadership meant improvising with heart, this episode will resonate. It’s a testament to what can happen when experience, trust, and shared purpose meet a defining moment - and rise to it.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do commercial banking and community development have in common? According to Nick Sentementes, it’s all about relationships. After a 30-year career in commercial banking, Nick made a bold shift - from helping businesses grow capital to helping people grow stronger communities. Now serving as the Director of Development at Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport, Nick brings the same authenticity, hustle, and people-first mindset to nonprofit fundraising that he once brought to corporate finance.

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Nick to explore how the principles of trust, likability, and character - core to his decorated banking career - are fueling his work in community service. From growing up in a hardworking immigrant family in Stamford to building an influential network across Connecticut’s business world, Nick shares how helping others has always come full circle.

They dive into his transition from the fast-paced world of finance to the more heart-centered space of nonprofit development, where smiles, hugs, and “thank yous” replace profit margins. Nick opens up about how his longstanding relationships with former clients and colleagues are now opening doors for donations, partnerships, and impact at Hall Neighborhood House - an intergenerational community center serving children, teens, and seniors alike.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to pivot from profit to purpose without leaving behind what made you successful, this episode will inspire you. Nick’s story is a testament to doing business - and life - the right way: with integrity, generosity, and a genuine care for others.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What does it really mean to be an entrepreneur in today’s world - and how do you monetize not just your skills, but your mindset? According to Flory Hiatrides, it’s not just about what you do, it’s about how you think. This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with returning guest Flory Hiatrides - entrepreneur, retreat host, and mindset coach - for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of work, purpose, and personal growth. From the post-pandemic rise of virtual workplaces to the explosion of multi-hustle lifestyles, Flory breaks down why more people than ever are seeking meaning and autonomy beyond their traditional 9-5.

They discuss how Flory’s retreats are built on a powerful mix of inner work and practical business strategies - and why entrepreneurial thinking isn’t just for CEOs anymore. Whether you’re juggling a day job and side hustle, running multiple freelance gigs, or leading a team, cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit is the key to thriving in a world where flexibility and fulfillment go hand in hand.

Flory and Ramon also discuss their travels to Cuba, where they met with local established and aspiring entrepreneurs, who navigate limited resources with incredible resilience and ingenuity. In a country where power outages are common and markets range from repurposed to high-end goods, Cuban business owners are proving that creativity can thrive even under pressure.

This episode is a powerful reminder that success starts with mindset and that the future of work belongs to the bold. Whether you're looking to grow your business, find your next big idea, or just get inspired, don’t miss this one.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What happens when a global pandemic disrupts your life plans and shuts down the company you’ve worked at for 16 years? If you’re Ann Casarella, you turn the pause into purpose—and open your own esthetics academy.

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and Maggie sit down with Ann Casarella, Founder of Glow And Grow Esthetics Academy in Danbury, CT. Ann shares how losing her corporate job and having to cancel her wedding during Covid became the catalyst for her greatest career pivot yet. With nothing but a pen, paper, and a dream, she and her husband mapped out what it would take to start a skincare school from scratch—and made it happen.

They unpack how Ann went from receptionist to national educator at a top spa chain, why Connecticut’s licensing changes opened the door for her business, and how she designed her academy to feel like home for her students. From choosing premium international skincare brands to building a curriculum that blends theory with real-world experience, Ann’s mission is clear: elevate the industry by empowering the next generation.

This episode is for anyone thinking about starting a business, changing careers, or finding new purpose in unexpected pauses. Ann keeps it real about the emotional and logistical challenges of entrepreneurship—and why your business plan needs to evolve like a living, breathing thing. Whether you’re in beauty, business, or just love a good comeback story, you’ll want to tune in for this inspiring, no-fluff conversation on resilience, reinvention, and glowing from the inside out.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What does it mean to really lead with positivity? This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge chopped it up with Tom Matthews, Managing Partner at M.C. Fence, to unpack how intentional optimism and emotional intelligence are reshaping the workplace.

Tom doesn’t just talk about leadership—he lives it. From fist bumps and thank-you notes to sharing tough truths with grace, he’s mastered the balance between being relentlessly encouraging and refreshingly real. In this episode, he breaks down the difference between regular positivity and toxic positivity, and why it’s crucial for leaders to set the right tone everyday in the office.

They dive into how sports coaching and business leadership overlap, why soft skills deliver hard results, and how to lead a multigenerational team. Tom shares actionable takeaways you can bring to your business right now, including how to promote progress, build trust, and eliminate gossip culture in the workplace.

With insights from decades of leadership, Tom shows us that great leadership isn’t about ego, it’s about empathy. Whether you’re a startup founder, a coach, or business owner, this episode is packed with strategies, actionable steps, and heart. Tune in and learn how to lead with humility, consistency, and trust.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What does it take to turn a “no” into a movement? This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Kevin sit down with Lucas Pimentel, founder of Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD), to unpack how one man’s fight for educational equity sparked a statewide transformation.

Lucas was just a teacher when he decided to help a group of parents bring a charter school to Danbury, Connecticut—a city where 68% of students are Latino but lacked this crucial option. When the project was blocked by a legislator, something clicked. With no nonprofit experience, but a fire in his gut, he stepped into advocacy with nothing but a vision, a Canva logo, and a mission to unify Latino voices.

From drafting LEAD’s logo on a Starbucks napkin to opening a fully operational community center in Danbury in 2021, Lucas has grown the organization into a powerhouse with seven locations across Connecticut—and plans for more. LEAD provides everything from financial literacy to civic engagement workshops, ESL classes, and health education.

Born in the Dominican Republic, raised with political legacy and personal loss, Lucas’ story is one of passion, persistence, and purpose. He’s redefining what advocacy looks like—and proving that when you can’t get a seat at the table, you build your own.

Tune in as the MissionCTRL crew explores how grassroots activism, strategic storytelling, and relentless belief can create systems-level change. If you're fired up about education, entrepreneurship, and empowering underrepresented communities, this is an episode you can’t miss.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What role do utilities play in strengthening small businesses and the economy? This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Kevin sit down with Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), to explore the critical connection between energy, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Frank shares insights into the Energize CT Small Business Energy Advantage Program (SBEA) which provides incentives to small businesses to make energy efficiency improvements, to help manage their monthly bills and reduce their carbon footprint. He highlights real-world examples, such as Duffy’s Tavern in West Haven benefited from the program, reinforcing the idea that when small businesses thrive, everyone does.

Beyond his corporate leadership, Frank’s journey is one of resilience and service. Born in Jamaica and raised in Connecticut, he navigated personal loss, military service, and career pivots to become a top executive in the utilities industry. From his time in the military - where he led teams while earning his degree - to his transition from manufacturing to energy, Frank’s leadership philosophy is shaped by experience, adaptability, and a commitment to progress.

Tune in as the MissionCTRL team dives into what makes a great leader, how utilities fuel business success, and why ensuring reliable energy is just as crucial at work as it is at home. If you’re interested in economic development, leadership, and the future of utilities, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories #video #photography