Close Up Radio
Close Up Radio with veteran award-winning broadcast TV and radio hosts/media personalities Jim Masters and Doug Llewelyn is an exciting, informative, entertaini
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Part 1: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Career Strategist and Leadership Development Expert Philip Berry of Philip Berry Associates
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Navigating change can be daunting, whether you’re a newly appointed department head, a mid-career professional wondering about your next move, or a student contemplating the value of another degree. For over thirty years, Philip Berry, founder of Philip Berry Associates, has helped thousands of individuals and organizations worldwide successfully tackle these pivotal transitions. Now, Berry is sharing his trusted approach to planning and executing life and career moves, offering clear steps that anyone can apply to chart a unique path forward.Having worked in more than 60 countries and mentored professionals from countless backgrounds, Berry has seen one universal truth: People everywhere are eager to grow, seek meaningful change, and consider, “What’s next for me?” Drawing on extensive corporate experience, including leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive, Berry’s new book, “Being Better Than You Believe: 8 Steps to Ultimate Success” and consulting work distill his global insights into practical strategies for those facing life’s inevitable turning points.“Individuals often reach moments in their journey where they feel restless, even after achieving significant milestones,” Berry explains. “They might have landed the job, earned the degree, or moved to a new city, but wonder, ‘Is this all there is?’ My work is about helping people re-imagine what comes next and chart a course toward it.”Berry’s approach begins with a simple but crucial first question: Should I change? Through self-reflection, he prompts clients to examine their satisfaction and motivations, then guides them to develop a personal vision and mission. From there, the process becomes highly actionable: Berry helps individuals map out needed skills, identify new competencies, and consider how to stand out in their chosen arena.“Degrees and job titles are important,” says Berry, “but what really sets someone apart is their distinct combination of experience and capability. I encourage people to look beyond the obvious and ask, ‘What puts me head and shoulders above the rest?’”This philosophy extends to Berry’s work with clients in transition at every level and industry. He recounts success stories like the Connecticut lawyer who expanded his practice internationally, building a thriving business in the Philippines by leveraging unique strengths and identifying unaddressed needs. Another client, a finance professional, found an unexpected niche by supporting athletes with specialized banking services, blending personal interests with professional acumen.A signature element of Berry’s methodology is the application of Blue Ocean Strategy to personal growth. Rather than simply competing harder in established fields, Berry urges professionals to explore new, untapped territories, just as innovative companies do. By focusing on the evolving needs of “customers” (whether they are clients, employers, or communities) individuals can create value in ways that others overlook.“Most people, and organizations too, default to building incrementally on what worked last year,” Berry observes. “But the real breakthroughs come when you step back, listen to unmet needs, and have the courage to try something different. Whether that means shifting industries, moving to a new geography, or redefining your brand, the rewards can be tremendous.”Berry’s experience is not confined to career coaching. He has advised on complex cross-border assignments, helped organizations rethink their strategic planning, and assisted students questioning the next step along their educational journeys. His consulting engagements often employ a 360-degree lens, assessing feedback from peers, clients, and industry leaders to help clients identify areas for growth and opportunity.Having lived and worked in diverse settings from Central Europe and the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, Berry appreciates the nuances of global transitions. He has developed resources in English, Spanish, and French to be accessible to a wide audience and understands firsthand the importance of cultural context in personal and professional development.Despite dramatic technological advances, Berry is quick to balance optimism with pragmatism. He urges clients to embrace new tools such as artificial intelligence, seeing them as resources to master rather than threats to fear. “Every generation faces change,” he notes. “The key is not to fixate on what technology may take away, but to ask how it can help you differentiate yourself and add value.”At the core of Berry’s philosophy is the belief that everyone has the capacity to contribute meaningfully and navigate change with confidence. Whether helping a seasoned executive redefine their legacy or a recent graduate plot an unconventional course, his guidance centers on practical steps and actionable insight.Berry’s new book, “Being Better Than You Believe: 8 Steps to Ultimate Success,” and services with Philip Berry Associates are available now, inviting anyone facing change, no matter how daunting, to take charge of their story and pursue their next chapter with clarity and purpose.About Philip Berry Associates:Philip Berry Associates specializes in leadership development, career strategy, and personal growth solutions for individuals and organizations worldwide. With decades of expertise across multiple industries and geographies, the firm delivers personalized coaching, workshops, and resources that help clients move beyond boundaries and realize their full potential.For more information about Philip Berry and Philip Berry Associates, please visit https://www.philipberryassociates.com/
Part 3: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Coach and Consultant Catherine Oleksiw of Measured Transitions
Plano, TX - Catherine Oleksiw, PhD is a woman to listen to. She has decades of experience in education, government, and a special arm of consulting work known as measurement and evaluation. She is the founder of a dual-sided practice Measured Transitions--a self-explanatory name for the course of helping people to develop tools and systems used in evaluating every aspect of their organizations—goals, processes, team activities, and outcomes. She stays in it for the long term, guiding each organization to take steps to change the trajectory of success, and acting as a coach in making it all happen. Her business card says a mouthful: Focus. Measure. Change.Doctor O, as she is informally known, had a progressive education herself, culminating with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology: Measurement & Evaluation from Columbia University in New York City. The analysis involved in what she does relates to organizational and program needs and actionable data (not mental health as some might mistakenly think.)Doctor O has worked in some government data analysis and information asset positions, including for the tax assessor’s office and as the very first City CIO (Chief Information Officer). One of her greatest gifts is serving as the bridge between IT, other departments, and all the users and the customers down the line. This is also what makes her so effective in consulting roles, she not only evaluates data and situations, but Catherine O also makes information into something tangible for improvement across the organization. As she puts it, there is a way to turn numbers into words.In her December and January shows, she will look at what launching an evaluation program can be like in two different scenarios: when going at it alone and when using a consultant. Having new eyes on things can be powerful, she notes.Dr. O’s approach is both pragmatic and profoundly human. Clients and students respond to her because of her wisdom, patience, and the way she gives them permission to be who and where they are. Once when a client was late for a meeting, she told him it was fine, and that we all get to be human! Life, she says, happens while we are being human; open, vulnerable, and imperfect.Over the course of her engagements training clients in the implementation and ongoing use of their programs and systems, she realized that she was in effect coaching her clients. She helped them to improve team cooperation and communication, and in cultivating an accountability mindset. To further develop her coaching skills, she studied at a coaching school accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She has now held the ICF Professional Coach Certification (PCC) for over ten years.Dr. O has been engaged in scholarly positions over the years as an adjunct professor of research and statistics, director of education research, and most recently as department chair of Business Psychology for The Chicago School Dallas campus. Her sweet spot is advising PhD students on their dissertation research. Over the years, she has added coaching to her favorite interactions with her students, supporting them in addressing the inevitable psychological and emotional challenges of staying focused on their dissertations.The radio team has conducted a recurring series with Dr. O, with increasing opportunities to hear and learn from her as a subject matter expert in measurement and systems thinking. She is a definitive authority who has been both published in and written about in media, such as Who’s Who from whom she received a Lifetime Achievement Award. In her radio interviews Catherine has proven to be an informative and engaging guest, which is not that easy considering the technical minutiae of the consulting work and evaluation program follow up.For more information about Dr. Catherine Oleksiw and her accomplishments, please visit www.measuredtransitions.com
Close Up Radio Spotlights Certified Fraud Examiner Henry Fuentes of Fuentes Forensics LLC
Clinton, NJ - Henry Fuentes wants us to know that his career as a litigation support consultant and certified fraud examiner has been exciting, diverse, multifaceted and ever evolving. There is no such thing as a typical day, he states, with each case presenting new challenges to uncover fraud and measure economic losses With decades of experience, Henry along with other economic experts at Economatrix Research Associates work to measure economic losses and detect fraud within organizations that is designed to fairly compensate those individuals and organizations that have suffered losses at the hands of others, often in the tens of millions of dollars.Henry is also the owner of Fuentes Forensics, LLC, is a Certified Public Accountant and Accredited in Business Valuation but the bulk of his work is economic damages consulting and fraud which he considers the heart and soul of his business and far more interesting than regular accounting and tax work often associated with CPA’s by the general public. Currently Henry maintains a general consulting practice in Clinton, NJ where he engages in measuring economic damages, detecting fraudulent activities and valuing businesses while being recognized as an expert in these fields.Fraudulent activities encompass both fraudulent financial statements by corporations and other entities, but also occupational fraud committed by the employees of the organization. Although famous fraudulent cases such as Enron and Bernie Madoff catch the public’s attention and wind up in Netflix documentaries, the overwhelming number of fraudulent cases take place in privately held small and medium size companies and may even involve family members.And in today's digital era with the growing threat of sophisticated financial fraud being on the rise, Henry's work is more critical than ever. From employee theft to sophisticated cybercrimes, embezzlement, falsified financial records, misuse of company funds, or unauthorized transactions, businesses need to be more prepared than ever before. Whether it's analyzing business records, tracing missing funds, or identifying patterns of misconduct, the work must be navigated correctly and with exact precision.When fraud escalates to legal action, Henry must also be ready to step into the courtroom and quite often he is testifying in court as an expert witness during depositions and trials that involve both economic damages and fraud.But Henry's true passion isn't limited to forensic accounting. He was also a highly regarded tenured Associate Professor in the College of Business at Fairleigh Dickinson University where he taught accounting and auditing for 39 years. There he also served as the chairperson of the Department of Accounting and Associate Dean of the College.A staunch advocate for education, he often reflects on those early days of his career in academia when he was educating and preparing young graduates to embark on professional careers. For Henry it's deeply personal. He made an impact on students that went far beyond the classroom walls, inspiring them to indulge in self-exploration, cultivate a success-oriented mindset, and unapologetically clarify their vision. But even though his full-time teaching days are behind him, his innovative approach to education remains intact and he wholeheartedly expresses how young people should continue to pursue a quality college education which he believes is the key to a successful and fulfilling life. Not only does college provide a platform to equip students with the most optimal knowledge and tools, explains Henry, it fosters critical thinking skills and an analytical mindset.Over his extensive career, Henry has achieved significant milestones. He holds an undergraduate degree in accounting and a Master’s degree in Finance along with his other licenses and accreditation. He was recognized by the New Jersey Society of CPA’s as the leading accounting educator in the State of New Jersey for his contributions to both accounting education and the field of public accounting. He regularly teaches in-house seminars at accounting firms and continuing legal and accounting education seminars.Henry has also given a number of lectures on accounting, auditing, fraud and valuation matters to various organizations including public accounting firms, the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, and the NJSCPA. With a remarkable career, spanning decades, Henry exemplifies how his steadfast commitment to his work never waivers. In fact, retirement for him is not an option.On his podcast interview with Jim Masters, he reflects on the notable accomplishments of his personal life as well as throughout his career. He will share some of his exciting cases. You will hear more of his wisdom, insights, and strategies that help you navigate today's rapidly changing environment.
Close Up Radio Spotlights Poet and Empowered Christian Woman of Faith Nancian Hall
Bradenton, FL / Wausau, WI - Nancian Hall is an inspiring woman who has made God’s work her life’s work. She was born into a family of missionaries in Africa and raised both in and out of the US. Her extended family continued to accept mission trips around the world. She is now living part time near Anna Maria Island, Florida with her retired husband, where she has been a central figure at Roser Church. She credits her coworkers there as being awesome and supportive.She has served as Co-President; and is currently serving again as Vice-President and a Spiritual Life Chair of The Women’s Guild. Hall spends her days writing devotions, leading prayers for those who are sick, discouraged, or just needing an extra lift. She also composes spiritual poetry and is hoping to have them turned into songs, sung by favorite artists and Christians like Dolly Parton, Bart Millard, or Amy Grant. She enjoys family time. She has four children, two grandchildren, and enjoys taking meditative walks.As a youngster, Nancian did not immediately embrace God because of the lectures and fear instilled by a pastor who pounded his hand on the lectern and shouted messages about sin and repentance. When she attended a summer camp and heard the Easter Story and how Christ came to earth to spread his love, she finally accepted Him as her Savior. She has, as she jokes, been gung-ho for God ever since. Nancian also worked as a teacher while living in Indiana and then in Wisconsin.Respectfully, she followed the new rules, not mentioning God in the classroom. However, if her young students asked her, she was available to hear their concerns and pray with them outside of school (of course with parental consent).Nancian was born Nancy Ann Davis and chose to maintain her identity after marriage, which is how her name Nancian came about. Her father was a missionary doctor stationed in Africa at the time of her birth. She is on the Mission’s Board with the Florida church, and their World Ventures initiative is a way of helping those abroad while staying true to her roots.The Women’s Guild is involved in fundraising efforts and also works together to sew quilts for Migrant Worker’s children. They also do social and fun activities, such as the annual Style Show, a fashion event which has 100 seats that sell out year after year. Nancian and her friends will be modelling in it this Spring.Nancian gets very enthused by leading prayers (many of which are spontaneous) for people who are aging and need support. She calls it fixing what’s broken and wove that idea into one of the poems she wrote, Carpenter Meets Carpenter. It pays homage to a community member who worked as a builder and when he passed on, Jesus was there with a hammer to escort him to heaven, where there were many mansions to be built.Nancian also wrote a poem for a neighbor who lost their home to a terrible fire. It includes the line “When things turn to ashes and it seems all hope is gone, turn to Jesus.” “It goes on to remind us that seeds of strength are in the ashes of each trial that we bear.Nancian has been touched by angels and found strength in God so many times and for so many years. She pours the comfort she feels into words of solace for others. Nancian copyrights some of her poems with the Library of Congress and had several published where they were displayed and sold at Red Mill in Wisconsin as greeting cards and plaques. In appearing on the podcast, she will share her poems and hopes to get more recognition for her devotional lines from music icons.She was recognized as one of the Empowering Women by Close Up Rado, for being such an uplifting force for her church and community. Nancian Hall was similarly recognized last year by other media such as Women of Power magazine. She is involved in the Anna Maria Garden Club too.“I see the light of God in everyone. I want people to see that in themselves and those around them. I want them to know that growing up poor or being sick or deaf can turn out okay. I want them to know that we are all born to use our voice and make a difference.”She certainly has made a difference, and it deserves high praise.For more information about Nancian’s Godly work, please visit the Roser Church Website at https:///www.roserchurch.com
Close Up Radio Spotlights Integrative Health Practitioner Winnie Odhiambo of Thrive Beyond the Spectrum
Schertz, TX – One of the most widely-discussed ailments of recent times is Autism. Summarized as a sensory processing spectrum disorder, the knowledge regarding this has increased by leaps and bounds over the past few decades. However, even with increased knowledge, certain aspects of Autism remain the subject of ongoing debate, including its underlying causes and the most effective approaches for support and intervention. While the struggles are real for those enduring Autism, it especially affects their families, especially mothers. “Mothes are the most burnt-out demographic,” our guest observes. The good news is that our guest offers a unique approach to how Autism can be handled by helping Autistic children, along with their mothers. This is the story of Winnie Odhiambo.Winnie Odhiambo is the founder of Thrive Beyond the Spectrum as an integrative health practitioner, helping children on the Autism spectrum, as well as the mothers dealing with this daily.“My focus is to help children on the Autism spectrum who are exhibiting the symptoms,” Winnie summarizes. “I support them using integrative health modalities that are mostly holistic in nature. I work with parents and most of the time, mothers.”Thrive Beyond the Spectrum utilizes a four-pillar approach to support both the child and the mother or primary care giverFirst Pillar: Healing the Body Through Functional Medicine“Many of the children that I work with carry a high total load,” Winnie explains. “Their system is overwhelmed by a combination of environmental toxins, imbalances, hidden infections, heavy metals, mold exposure, food sensitivities and chronic inflammation.” Chronic overexposure to this can contribute to challenges like autistic meltdowns, hyperactivity, and digestive issues. Her goal is to help reduce this cumulative burden. This process begins with functional medicine labs to uncover hidden imbalances or contributors. Based on the findings, she develops personalized wellness plans to restore balance. When the body receives the right support, the brain has more energy to regulate, grow and connect.Second Pilar: Primitive Reflex Integration and Nervous System Regulation“Primitive reflexes are the movements that babies are instinctively born with.’ Winnie shares. “These survival reflexes are essential in early life.” This includes sucking and startling, which are meant to shut off after infancy. However, when these reflexes remain stuck, it may be indicative of Autism symptoms, as they are not reaching age-appropriate milestones. Through specific movement patterns and exercises, the brain and body integrate these reflexes, so the child can access higher-order brain function like self-regulation, speech, and connection.” Winnie notes.Third Pillar: Nervous System Co-Regulation With Parents“Children who are living in survival mode need calmness and a home that is predictable,” Winnie declares. “They also need activities to help calm the system.” Winnie works with parents on how to create that calm for their Autistic children. Children don’t heal in isolation. They heal in relationship, where the mother or primary caregiver is calm and grounded. This is co-regulation. It’s more than parenting, it’s biology.Fourth Pillar: Emotional Healing and Empowerment for Mothers/Parents“The mother plays a big role in facilitating the healing at home,” Winnie shares. “I provide a lot of information and support when they need me. I also encourage them to not give up on the process and to keep their eyes on the goal.” Through emotional healing, energy work, and practical empowerment, mothers rediscover their strength and intuition. When moms heal, children flourish.Winnie’s website offers a free e-guide which provides mothers with essential information about the different modalities that may help their children with Autism. This e-guide also offers additional details about Winnie’s Four Pillars.While Thrive Beyond the Spectrum primarily works with the mothers of children with Autism, fathers, and other caregivers also can benefit from this service as well. “It’s about empowering the parent,” Winnie explains.“My backstory as to what inspired me to establish Thrive Beyond the Spectrum is a very personal one,” Winnie recalls. “My son was born fine, but at the age of two, he started presenting Autism symptoms. It was the most painful part of the process. I couldn’t reach him and progress was slow.” Along the way, including early intervention and discovering holistic approaches to Autism, her son is doing much better, as is explained via her website.“Today, he’s engaged, playful, expressive, and thriving in ways many said would never be possible. He attends a mainstream school, where he is an honor student, socially connected, and deeply engaged with the world around him. He’s an avid LEGO builder, able to sit with focus and joy for hours - completing intricate 3,000-piece sets with ease. He laughs freely, connects deeply, and is fully present in his life.”“I am grateful for the journey,” Winnie declares. “Nothing beats seeing my child healing.” This journey is what inspired her to establish Thrive Beyond the Spectrum. This journey also continues to inspire Winnie in other waysShe is in the process of writing a book titled, Calm the Storm: A Guide to Raising a Thriving Neurodivergent Child. This upcoming book serves as a personal account of her journey in working with her Autistic son, all the way from discovery to treatment to her son’s current life. She also emphasizes the role of mothers, as she needed to get educated and empowered regarding her son’s Autism.“Healing is possible,” inspires Winnie. “It is different for everybody. There are so many modalities that can support your child’s healing. The most important thing is that you are not giving up hope. Your child’s healing and extent to which symptoms can be reversed is significantly influenced by your internal vision of possibility and your consistency in implementing supportive interventions aligned with that vision.”For more information, please visit https://www.thrivebeyondthespectrum.com/ For Winnie’s E-Guide and other resources, please visit https://www.thrivebeyondthespectrum.com/resources
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