Do you enjoy going out to eat where you know the food is not just good, but really good like you can already taste it good? Do you know what makes the food and experience even better? Knowing about the chef, their story, their connection to their community, and why they are inspired by their chosen cuisine. You can just taste the love and richness. It’s a big reason why 19 million people visit New Orleans each year, even though the NOLA region is home to only 1.5 million. 

Today’s guest is one of those kinds of chefs. Chef Dee Lavigne is a New Orleans native born and raised in the 9th ward. She started baking and cooking at the age of 7. Being the middle sibling of 8, her mom would only allow her to use ingredients plentiful in the family kitchen, such as flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. With those items, her pastry bones were born. Fast forward, Chef Dee Lavigne graduated from The Culinary Institute of America, worked at Whole Foods Markets in the bakery department for 15 years, and hosts the food Segment on WWL-TV4. Plus, she has a special place in her heart for Chef Lena Richards, which you just gotta hear from Chef Dee herself. 

Listen and Learn:

• How to save a small business when hope is in small supply, such as during a pandemic

• Why the Smithsonian asked Chef Dee for help twice

• Why Chef Dee says her cooking school is where skill meets history 

• What makes Chef Lena Richards an important part of New Orleans’ culinary history 

• How stepping outside of your comfort zone and asking for help can lead to business success

• What types of recipes will be in Chef Dee’s forth cookbook

• Information about the month-long P.O.W.E.R Plates program that supports female-owned restaurants

• The many ways the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation helps those in need

chefdee@deelightfulroux.com

www.chefdeelavigne.com

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/chefdeelavigne)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/deelightfulroux/

TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@deelightfulroux)

Smithsonian Cook Up History (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/smithsonian-associates/2021/07/07/cooking-history-national-museum-american-history-and-smithsonian-associates/)

Side Door Podcast with Chef Dee (https://www.si.edu/sidedoor/ep-6-lena-richard-americas-unknown-celebrity-chef)

Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans Chapter (https://www.lesdamesnola.org/)

5th Annual P.O.W.E.R. Plates (https://power-plates.com/ )

Today we’re talking with Jolie Bernard, CEO of The Bernard Group, a full-service strategic branding and communications firm she started in 2010. She was on the podcast last June. and she’s back for a repeat visit because she was recently named the Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. Woman of the Year at its inaugural awards ceremony!

Jolie received multiple nominations. Some of the words used to describe her included “champion,” “goal-oriented,” “solutions-driven,” “natural leader,” “passionate,” and “connector.” That is because she aligns herself with causes and non-profit organizations that are anchored in the spirit and mission of helping those that do not have traditional access to resources. In today’s conversation, I can’t wait to find out more about what this powerful woman is up to and what makes her tick.

Listen and Learn:

• What connected Jolie to the P.O.W.E.R. program

• How Jolie transitioned from television news to entrepreneurship

• The moment when potential, purpose, and passion solidified for Jolie

• What is servant leadership?

• The theme behind Jolie’s various non-profit organizations

•  Advice for those in the fund-raising space

• Three keys to having the life you want and enjoying it

• What makes Jolie’s partnership with the P.O.W.E.R program and the Fidelity family more than transactional

• The greatest life lessons Jolie has learned in the past few years

thebernardgroupnola.com

504-909-5650

LinkedIn @joliebernard

Instagram @joliebernard 

Facebook @joliedugasbernard

Twitter @TheBernardGroup

Do you work or lead a business that’s in a male-dominated industry? As a woman, do you find yourself being the only person “like you” in the room and struggle with owning your voice or navigating the situation? I think just about every woman in business is nodding yes, yes, and YES! That’s why you’re going to love today’s guest whose experience, insights, and practical advice will inspire you to show up differently and more powerfully than ever before.

Today, Host Mary Foley speaks with Iam Christian Tucker, President, CEO, and Owner of Integrated Logistical Support, Inc. (ILSI), a Civil Engineering Firm. Before this role, Iam was a Correctional Officer and Police Officer for the Baton Rouge Police Department. She is also passionate about New Orleans and serves on various community Boards including the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, Industrial Development Board of New Orleans, and Greater New Orleans, Inc. Throughout her professional career, Iam has figured out how to be successful in male-dominated organizations where she was often “the only” person like her in the room.  

Listen and Learn:

• The challenges of joining the family business

• Immersion is the fastest way to learn the ropes of a new business

• How to overcome hiring challenges

• Why women need to assert themselves in business

• Strategies to instantly destress when you may feel frustrated

• Advice for young women beginning their careers

• Stepping away from your business to continue your education

• Keeping your business afloat in the NOLA area

Ilsi Engineering — https://www.ilsiengineering.com/

iamtucker@ilsiengineering.com

@IamNOLA1 on Instagram

Happy 2023! Are you dreaming and scheming about what you’d like to make happen this year? What about 5 years from now? Seems like a long time away, but it always goes so fast. I can hardly believe it, but in early 2018 Fidelity Bank launched POWER with a handful of members. Now, 5 years later, there are over 1700 members and what the program offers keeps growing. So, we’re kicking off 2023, celebrating what has been done and what is coming up next for the greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge region.

Since January 1, 2018, Chris Ferris has led as President and CEO of Fidelity Bank and NOLA Lending Group. Before he was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Chris served as the Bank's Chief Retail and Small Business and Operations Officer. He’s known for re-designing the client experience by using a consultative approach to identify client needs with a focus on simple, easy, and fast banking services that provide real value.  

Listen and Learn:

• How the P.O.W.E.R. program has impacted the NOLA community

• The consultative approach helps P.O.W.E.R. members achieve financial success

• How approaching the P.O.W.E.R. advisory board elicits more beneficial initiatives 

• The impact of the 1700 P.O.W.E.R. program members have on the financial well-being of Fidelity Bank

• Chris explains what Fidelity’s mission of being ‘Here for Good’ means for the community

• Chris’ grandmother became an empowered business woman in the community

• Access to supportive, experienced mentors is a highlight of the P.O.W.E.R. program

• As Fidelity expands into new communities so does access to the P.O.W.E.R. program for the business women in those communities

• How member feedback helps grow the P.O.W.E.R. program

Bank with Fidelity — bankwithfidelity.com

For the POWER program: fidelitybankpower.com 

ceochris@bankwithfidelity.com

Podcast episode with Jolie Bernard: https://www.fidelitybankpower.com/podcast/episode-58-apply-for-grants-nonprofit-funding/

When you hear the term opera, what comes to mind? Something that’s exclusive, pretentious, maybe even boring? Keep listening because today’s guest may surprise you about what an opera is, what it’s about, and how it can help you be a better businesswoman.

In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Plug Podcast Host, Mary Foley speaks with Clare Burovac, General and Artistic Director of the New Orleans Opera. Clare took on this role in September 2020 when the pandemic party was in full swing – a tough challenge. She’s also the first woman to be General Director in New Orleans Opera history. Clare came to New Orleans from Portland, Oregon, where for the past eleven years she served as Director of Artistic Operations for Portland Opera. She’s also professionally trained as a violinist.

Listen and Learn:

• How opera helps us get back to our humanity.
• Surprising facts about opera and the New Orleans Opera house.
• Does the operatic experience require a certain wardrobe?
• What other activities and events does the New Orleans opera offer?
• What is the world-famous opera Madame Butterfly about? 
• How to secure a ticket for Madame Butterfly in March at the New Orleans Opera house.
• The benefits of joining the New Orleans Opera for women in business.
• The type of positions available on the business side of the operatic performance.

NewOrleansOpera.org

Madame Butterfly: March 24 & 26, 2023

Box Office: (504) 529-3000

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NewOrleansOperaAssociation/)

@NewOrleansOpera on Twitter

@NewOrleansOpera on Instagram

OperaCreole.com

Do you want to grow your business this year? Are you financially prepared for unexpected needs in capital or cash flow? Because as a business owner you know the tide can change overnight. If you want to grow your business and be able to weather unpredictable storms, what’s essential to ask yourself is: Is your business bankable? What difference would that make to your business now and in the future? How do you put your business on the path to bankability?

We explore bankability in this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Plug Podcast Host, Mary Foley speaks with a panel of experts at Fidelity Bank who work and support business owners every day. Kiva Reynolds is a Small Business Relationship Manager at Fidelity Bank where she helps small business owners achieve their financial goals. Next, is Jonna Turner, a Commercial Relationship Manager at Fidelity Bank, who brings over 20 years of experience in commercial banking, specializing in investment property and residential builder financing. And rounding out our panel is Brigitte Rener, a Senior Credit Officer at Fidelity Bank. In her role, she leads the bank’s efforts to evaluate and underwrite lending applications for the bank. 

Listen and Learn:

• An introduction to the various roles of Fidelity’s Finance and Lending team.
• What it means to be bankable and why it is important.
• The main differences between a conventional loan and an SBA loan.
• Why a long-term relationship with a bank is essential.
• What prevents a business from being bankable. 
• Understanding cash flow, credit scores, and personal credit requirements.
• Tips for business owners on how to be bankable.
• The importance of having a business continuity plan.
• Limits on line-of-credit and business expansion loans.
• How a bank measures a client's trustworthiness.
• Professional recommendations for businesses who may not qualify for a loan.
• Resources for those who want to further develop their business. 

Kiva Reynolds: kiva.reynolds@bankwithfidelity.com

Jonna Turner: jonna.turner@bankwithfidelity.com

Brigitte Rener: BrigitteRener@bankwithfidelity.com 

Episode 56: Shane Purvis explains SBA Loans: https://www.fidelitybankpower.com/podcast/episode-56-sba-loans-fidelity-bank/

The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful time of the year. Maybe, it’s financial stress due to all the extra expenses. Maybe, it’s the time stress of extra invites and gatherings. Maybe it's the emotional stress of family relationships or missing someone dear. And what about end-of-year project deadlines or new year planning? For the next few minutes, you have permission to let go of the stress and consider how to make the most of your holiday personally and professionally. 

In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Plug Podcast Host, Mary Foley speaks with Tammy O’Shea and Jennifer Archer Hayes. Tammy is a lover of glitter, fun costumes, and serves as the Chief Marketing Officer of Fidelity Bank. And, Jennifer throws on her red cape to help people with tax problems save money and get into compliance with the IRS through her company Archer Hayes Tax Relief. Together they share their best tips for making the most of the holiday season and how to start the New Year ready to excel at life and business!

Listen and Learn:

• How the last quarter of the year can be about reflection and gratitude as well as celebrating. 
• How making a Christmas music playlist can create and bring back special memories.
• How entrepreneurs can pivot and go with the flow when things don’t go as planned.
• Keeping fun things in your car prepares you for fun wherever you are.
• The email bankruptcy process helps to start the New Year with a renewed focus.
• Eliminating tedious tasks by automating business and management processes offers clients a better experience.
• Using the slower business period between Christmas and New Year to elevate your game.
• Tips to say no graciously when invitations to events become overwhelming.
• Connections through the P.O.W.E.R. program offer support and opportunity all year long. 

Archer Hayes Tax Relief — archerhayestax.com

info@archerhayestax.com

tammy.oshea@bankwithfidelity.com

Crowned By Ellie on Etsy — etsy.com/shop/CrownedByEllie

Have you had unexpected challenges in your career or personal life that caused you to consider doing something bigger than yourself to positively impact others? That’s what happened to today’s guest. Her years working with the Louisiana legislature regarding policy inspired her to create a new kind of organization to empower women leaders throughout the state to create a better future for Louisiana. Then, a surprising cancer diagnosis inspired her to solve missing links in the cancer recovery process. Can’t wait for you to meet her!

In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Plug Podcast Host, Mary Foley speaks with Julie Stokes, a CPA, a non-partisan policy advocate with seven years of service in the Louisiana Legislature, plus the founder of several non-profit organizations including Ellevate Louisiana and Survivor’s Cancer Action Network or SCAN.

Listen and Learn:

• The purpose of Ellevate Louisiana 
• How cross-partisanship creates a better community for everyone in Louisiana
• Best practices for getting care for children and seniors for working parents
• How to get involved in making impactful changes with Ellevate Louisiana
• Why Julie spearheaded Survivor’s Cancer Action Network or SCAN
• How SCAN makes cancer survivor’s lives better
• The process of connecting available resources to the people who need them
• The social network for those who want to repurpose their cancer
• The potential of changing the paradigm of cancer

Ellevate Louisiana — ellevatela.org

SCAN LA — scan-la.org