This weeks talk covers how we can identify value within an employer for ourselves and ultimately, how we extract the value we need from our employment. This isn't to be in a malicious way but we want to ensure that we are providing ourselves with the most use of our time being with that employer. Lay offs and other impacts out of our control happen, how do we best utilize the time that we have in our roles? 

Average Professional EP 4 - April 23rd, 2025

Recorded live at the NTCA’s 2025 R-TIME Conference in San Antonio, this episode of The Broadband Bunch features a conversation between host Brad Hine and Roxie Jorgenson—Chair of the NTCA Board of Directors and owner of Roxberry LLC.

Roxie shares the latest from NTCA’s new strategic plan, covering universal service funding, BEAD rollout challenges, and the critical need for workforce development in rural America. Drawing from her 25+ years in leadership and her work with Roxbury LLC, she explains how broken relationships—within organizations and with customers—often hold companies back from growth. Her programs like the Client Loyalty Accelerator™ and Trust-to-Profit™ system offer actionable strategies to reduce attrition, align teams, and turn relationships into long-term revenue.

Episode 429: Roxie Jorgenson on Relationships, Leadership & Rural Networks

In this weeks episode we are discussing how we navigate the emotional challenges associated with working in a high productivity atmosphere. Ultimately, how we compartmentalize emotion to operate objectively in the face of adversity. We then move into how we move beyond emotion and learn to take control of our own future by conquesting for your own success. 

Average Professional EP 6 - May 7th, 2025

David Boynton and Martin Newman turn their focus to the UK government’s apprenticeship levy—what it was meant to achieve, and why it’s falling short. Introduced to boost vocational opportunities and upskill the next generation, the levy has been widely underused, with millions in funds returning to the government. The hosts call for a reevaluation of the levy and emphasize the need for stronger communication and collaboration between government, retailers, and educators to unlock its full potential.

From Levy to Legacy: Unlocking Apprenticeship Potential

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, host Brad Hine sits down with Anis Khemakhem, Chief Marketing Officer of Clearfield. With over 25 years of experience in telecommunications and technology, Anis shares his unique perspective on the evolution of fiber networks, customer-driven innovation, and the future of connectivity.

The conversation explores Clearfield’s commitment to labor-light, plug-and-play solutions that accelerate deployment and reduce operational bottlenecks, especially in underserved and rural communities. Anis also emphasizes the importance of listening to customers to drive product design, preparing networks for the demands of IoT and edge computing, and supporting the next generation of broadband technicians with tools like Clearfield’s new built app and VR-based training.

Additional topics include BABA compliance, domestic manufacturing, the impact of AI on infrastructure planning, and how Clearfield is addressing the growing need for modular, high-density fiber solutions in data centers and central offices.

Episode 435: Clearfield’s Anis Khemakhem on Labor-Light Solutions and Fiber Efficiency

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, recorded live at WISPAmerica 2025 in Oklahoma City, host Brad Hine sits down with Cameron Kilton, CTO of Nextlink, for a conversation about AI, automation, and the future of broadband in rural America. Cameron shares his journey from Maine to Texas, helping scale Nextlink from 38,000 to over 100,000 subscribers across 10+ states.

He dives into the practical use of AI in network operations—from predictive churn and sentiment analysis to internal tools that speed up diagnostics and ensure data integrity. Cameron also offers candid insights on the difference between real AI and automation hype, the importance of internal innovation, and why his team values initiative over degrees.

Episode 438: Cameron Kilton on Building Smarter Networks with AI and Automation

This month’s The Welsh Wire podcast, sponsored by the Family Business Alliance, features Sheri Welsh talking with Paul Hendricks, the President and CEO of Grand Rapids-based Creston Industrial Sales.

Together they discuss his company, leadership style, and the Advanced Manufacturing Expo happening Aug. 6-7, 2025, in Grand Rapids.

Inside the Advanced Manufacturing Expo with Creston Industrial’s CEO

The future of work is here! 🚀
In this episode, we explore how skill-based hiring is overtaking degree-based hiring and why employers now value practical skills, problem-solving, and adaptability more than traditional qualifications.

At CII Skills, our training programs are designed to make students job-ready and future-proof, equipping them with the right skills to succeed in today’s dynamic workforce. 🌟

Listen now and discover why in the new job market, skills are your true degree.

Skill-Based Hiring: Why Skills Are Becoming the New Degree | CII Skills

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Jeff Wabik of DC BLOX for a tour of how modern data centers are conceived, powered, cooled, and connected—especially across the underserved Southeast. Jeff traces his tinkerer roots (think Heathkit computers at age 12) through launching one of the earliest ISPs in the late ’80s, to helping build DC BLOX’s “bunker-plus-connectivity” model and its evolution from regional edge facilities to hyperscale projects—including a Myrtle Beach cable landing station serving global web giants.

Jeff discusses what it takes—from site selection and power realities to five-nines reliability and Tier III design—to deliver on the simple promise of “doing what you said you would do.” He talks through today’s biggest constraints—grid capacity, generator and fiber lead times, and skilled labor gaps—and where innovation fits, from AI-assisted construction verification to smarter alarm reduction across tens of thousands of sensors. Along the way, he offers candid career advice (keep reinventing yourself—and don’t forget sunscreen) and a pragmatic view on on-site generation (natural gas today, nuclear tomorrow?) to meet AI-era demand.

Episode 468: Jeff Wabik on Data Center Design, Power Challenges, and Delivering True Reliability

In this podcast, Pauline Muswere shares her practical approach to closing key gaps in the social care sector. She discusses workforce development, consistent care delivery, and simple innovations that make daily support more effective. With real experience and a people-first mindset, Pauline explores how meaningful solutions can strengthen services and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.

Pauline Muswere Offering Practical Solutions to Key Care Gaps

Welcome to The Great Retail Debate—where the biggest questions in retail meet expert insight, bold opinions, and a touch of controversy.
Hosted by Martin Newman, the champion of customer-centric retail, and David Boynton, the beauty and brand visionary, this podcast features dynamic discussions and fresh perspectives on the evolving world of retail.

I am Dhruv Banga, currently working with CII Skills, where I focus on initiatives that empower youth through skill development, vocational training, and career readiness.

I’m passionate about creating real impact by connecting students and job seekers with industry-aligned opportunities. At CII, I work closely on promoting Model Career Centres (MCCs), supporting employer-led training programs, and building scalable solutions for a job-ready workforce. I regularly share updates, insights, and resources that help bridge the gap between education and employment in India.

Pauline Muswere-Enagbonma, CEO and social care entrepreneur, leads Jessamy Staffing Solutions, innovating homecare, housing, and training in the UK.

The Welsh Wire - Where Talent & Business Connect in West Michigan

The Welsh Wire features moderator Mike Rogers and professional recruiting expert Sheri Welsh in this weekly podcast. Listen in as leaders from a wide array of small to mid-size West Michigan companies weigh in and share their experiences and insights on a variety of business topics including employee retention challenges and recruitment success stories. For more information, visit www.welshandassociates.net.

Welcome to the Broadband Bunch, a podcast about broadband and how it impacts all of us.  Join us to learn about the state of the industry and the latest innovations and trends. Connect with the thought leaders, pioneers and policymakers helping to shape your future through broadband.

The Broadband Bunch is sponsored by:
ETI Software:  www.etisoftware.com
VETRO: www.vetrofibermap.com

New tracks tagged #WorkforceDevelopment