In this episode of Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman interviews Graciela Casillas, a former undefeated world champion in boxing and kickboxing, and a true pioneer in women's combat sports. Graciela shares her unconventional journey, beginning with martial arts training in the Catholic church and moving into the professional fighting world at a time when women were rarely involved. She discusses how her rigorous training, driven by a passion for self-improvement and teaching led her to find success, not only in the ring but also in education and her own martial arts studio, where she now focuses on empowering women through self-defense. The conversation highlights how Graciela’s dedication, confidence building, and trailblazing spirit led to her breaking barriers to finally be recognized and inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

In this episode of "Business Decoded," Ronnie Spellman interviews Max Alvarez, the founder of Sunshine Gasoline, to discuss his journey from being a Cuban refugee to a successful businessman. Max details his early life, including being sent away from Cuba as a child, losing his brother shortly after, and being placed in a program for unaccompanied minors under the care of Monsignor Brian Walsh. He emphasizes the importance of family values instilled by his parents and the Catholic education, as well as hard work, resilience, and a drive to be the best. He shares his experiences in various jobs before his career in Oil and Gas, which led him to create his own company, and build a family environment with his staff. Throughout the interview, Max highlights the influence of Monsignor Walsh’s selfless actions and how it shaped him. He encourages listeners to overcome fear and focus on working hard to achieve excellence, as well as the importance of gratitude and loyalty as foundations for success. He expresses concern over changing values and the need for future generations to understand the principles that made America great. For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

In a captivating interview, Riva Levinson, President and CEO of KRL International, shares her remarkable journey from a young intern with no political connections to a major international power broker. She recounts her early experiences working for the controversial firm, Black, Manafort, Stone and Kelly, and her transition into international advocacy. She details her work across Africa, especially her pivotal role in supporting Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s rise to the presidency of Liberia and her own journey of building her own successful consulting firm with purpose and passion, not based on political power, but on delivering real results. Levinson stresses the importance of ground-level experience, the power of storytelling, and staying true to one's values amidst complicated situations, drawing inspiration from her family’s Holocaust survival and her commitment to making a difference in the world.

In a recent Article K. Riva Levinson talks about a new meaning for courage.

In a World Turned Upside Down, Courage Has New Meaning for Me

Recent USA Today Article about K. Riva Levinson

Her ancestors left in chains. She came back as a guest of the president

For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com