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Are you letting perfectionism stop you from starting your next big project? In part two of our conversation, Lidija Davidson shares the honest truth about transitioning from a high-level corporate career to running her own independent consulting practice. Learn why "perfection is the enemy of getting things done" and how to focus on the work rather than the "wrappings" of a business. Plus, Lidija discusses her role teaching marketing coursework at the College of Charleston School of Business, where she bridges the gap between textbook theories and real-world marketing experience. Lidija is a marketing consultant and the owner of ⁠Sift, Cipher, & Bloom⁠ advertising and marketing agency.

How does a math and applied science degree from UCLA lead to a career launching national products every five weeks at Taco Bell? In this episode, marketing strategist Lidija Davidson explains the "Analytical Marketer" mindset, showing how data can uncover deep consumer insights that drive real innovation. We also dive into the true heart of branding, how a company’s origin story and brand purpose are far more critical to success than just a logo or a tagline. Lidija is a marketing consultant and the owner of Sift, Cipher, & Bloom advertising and marketing agency.

How do you go from being a student in Charleston to a finance professional in Europe? In this episode of the Biz-eWerk Podcast, Andrew Bartholomey (CofC ’23 – International Business, Finance, German) shares his journey building a global career, discusses the impact of his internships, and tells us how those experiences prepared him for life after college. We also get into what it takes to thrive in a foreign workplace, like the challenge of teaching yourself to write Excel formulas in German and mastering SAP on the fly. Whether you’re a student wondering how to use your campus resources or a professional curious about the reality of working across time zones, Andrew’s story is a fantastic roadmap for building a global career while keeping your professional network strong.

Everyone needs a break every now and again, and Biz-eWerk is no exception. After a little unplanned hiatus (if you noticed, it’s nice to be missed; if you didn't notice, don't tell me), we’re back with new energy, new interviews, and some big ideas on deck, including a three-part series talking about AI and nuclear power. Hit play, and let’s get back to helping you mind your business. All engines are go, and we've cleared the tower! (Music Credit: Maarten Schellenkens, To the Moon)

Biz-eWerk is on the air! In this episode, Charleston native Adam Ferrara of Ferrara Buist Contractors visits our Liberty Street Studio to discuss the philosophy behind their Design-Assist-Build (DAB) model: "Measure twice, build once". Adam also explains how AI technology is being used for real estate development site planning, generating initial concepts in minutes rather than months, and the critical role of site selection and managing the unique challenges of Lowcountry construction.

Biz-eWerk is on the air! Join us for an interview with Dolly Pelto, a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy and theExecutive Director of the Advanced Technology International Foundation. Discover her journey from shipyard operations to managing thousands of national and international technology projects for the government, often focused on national security and strengthening the nation’s maritime programs. Learn how she transitioned to her new role as Executive Director of the ATI Foundation, where she's leveraging her project management skills to tackle critical issues in education and workforce development. Don't miss this insightful conversation on how the ATI Foundation is working to address maritime workforce and shipbuilding issues in South Carolina and across the nation.

Biz-eWerk is on the air! In this episode, we interview Darren Hartford, retired Air Force general and the owner of Oliver Pluff & Company! Discover the fascinating origin story of this company, how Oliver Pluff & Co. sources and recreates historic beverages such as Martha Washington's favorite cacao tea, and how they partner with iconic locations like Mount Vernon to help historic sites tell their stories through custom-labeled teas and coffees. Darren, a 28-year veteran of the Air Force and pilot, explains how his interest in history led to this business venture. He also discusses the creative process, from aging tea in whiskey barrels to tell the story of the Whiskey Rebellion, to the story behind "Jasmint" tea inspired by Charleston's spring florals. Plus, get the inside scoop on their storefront at 49 John Street in Charleston, designed to offer an immersive experience. Tune in now to hear how this unique business blends history, storytelling, and delicious beverages!

Episode 2 of 2: In the age of video conferencing and packages delivered by a drone, we ofttimes forget that at one time, the railroads were our link to the world and the business titans of their day. Iron and steel rails crisscrossed the country, connecting communities and supercharging commerce and communication throughout the tectonic changes of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Join us for part 2 of Biz-eWerk's first video interview, a two-part series with Albert Churella, historian and author of a three-volume history of the storied Pennsylvania Railroad. For more information about Al's PRR trilogy: ⁠⁠The Pennsylvania Railroad, Volume 1, Building an Empire, 1846-1917⁠⁠⁠⁠Volume 2, The Age of Limits, 1917–1933⁠⁠⁠⁠Volume 3, The Long Decline, 1933–1968

Episode 1 of 2: In the age of video conferencing and packages delivered by a drone, we ofttimes forget that at one time, the railroads were our link to the world and the business titans of their day. Iron and steel rails crisscrossed the country, connecting communities and supercharging commerce and communication throughout the tectonic changes of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Join us for part 1 of Biz-eWerk's first video interview, a two-part series with Albert Churella, historian and author of a three-volume history of the storied Pennsylvania Railroad. For more information about Al's PRR trilogy: ⁠The Pennsylvania Railroad, Volume 1, Building an Empire, 1846-1917⁠⁠Volume 2, The Age of Limits, 1917–1933⁠⁠Volume 3, The Long Decline, 1933–1968

In the age of video conferencing and packages delivered by a drone, we ofttimes forget that at one time, the railroads were our link to the world and the business titans of their day. Iron and steel rails crisscrossed the country, connecting communities and supercharging commerce and communication throughout the tectonic changes of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Join us for Biz-eWerk's first video interview, a two-part series with Albert Churella, historian and author of a three-volume history of the storied Pennsylvania Railroad. Be sure to subscribe to Biz-eWerk so you don't miss any episodes of this special two-part video podcast premiering August 12th. For more information about Al's PRR trilogy: The Pennsylvania Railroad, Volume 1, Building an Empire, 1846-1917Volume 2, The Age of Limits, 1917–1933Volume 3, The Long Decline, 1933–1968

Episode 2 of 2: Running a business is a race, and when your business is running, walking, jogging, and exercising, it’s a race to ensure the best possible customer experience. In this episode, Biz-eWerk speaks with Amy and Chris Minkle, co-owners of ⁠Fleet Feet Charleston⁠, about changing career paths, launching a successful franchise, overcoming challenges, and utilizing complementary skills. They'll share how their collaboration, including Chris's financial acumen and Amy's marketing and HR expertise, drives their business and how they've built a thriving brick-and-mortar experience in an online world by focusing on unparalleled customer experience and community engagement.

Episode 1 of 2: Running a business is a race, and when your business is running, walking, jogging, and exercising, it’s a race to ensure the best possible customer experience. In this episode, Biz-eWerk speaks with Amy and Chris Minkle, co-owners of Fleet Feet Charleston, about changing career paths, launching a successful franchise, overcoming challenges, and utilizing complementary skills. They'll share how their collaboration, including Chris's financial acumen and Amy's marketing and HR expertise, drives their business and how they've built a thriving brick-and-mortar experience in an online world by focusing on unparalleled customer experience and community engagement.

Episode 1 of 2: Join us for an insightful conversation with Melissa Latham, President and Managing Director of Global Recruiters of Lowcountry, where she shares her incredible journey through the retail and fashion world beginning in Biz-eWerk’s fav decade, the Awesome Eighties. In this episode, Melissa recounts her rise through the ranks, holding positions from Fourth Key to corporate Vice President at well-known brands like The Limited, Lane Bryant, Vera Bradley, and Jockey International. She also shares fascinating details about her international work experience, including traveling to Saudi Arabia and across Europe. Recently, Melissa made the leap from corporate leadership to founding an executive recruitment firm with a passion for people and the power of networking, which she identifies as the true driver of her career success. Find out how her advice to “make two friends a day" can help you build your network for long-term professional development and career growth.

Episode 2 of 2: Join us for an insightful conversation with ⁠Melissa Latham⁠, President and Managing Director of ⁠Global Recruiters of Lowcountry⁠, where she shares her incredible journey through the retail and fashion world beginning in Biz-eWerk’s fav decade, the Awesome Eighties. In this episode, Melissa recounts her rise through the ranks, holding positions from Fourth Key to corporate Vice President at well-known brands like The Limited, Lane Bryant, Vera Bradley, and Jockey International. She also shares fascinating details about her international work experience, including traveling to Saudi Arabia and across Europe. Recently, Melissa made the leap from corporate leadership to founding an executive recruitment firm with a passion for people and the power of networking, which she identifies as the true driver of her career success. Find out how her advice to “make two friends a day" can help you build your network for long-term professional development and career growth.

Have you ever met someone at work and thought, I’d like to try that job! For Tony Horwath, that eureka moment meant changing his career path from engineering to sales. And then, moving into a founding role for a whole new business pioneering sales outsourcing. In this episode of Biz-eWerk, Tony tells us about his career shift ultimately leading to the establishment of his business, Sales Focus, in 1998. He explains the core mission of Sales Focus: helping clients grow through dedicated sales teams with a process and adaptability that works across various industries, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Tony also shares insights on the evolution of sales and the impact of technology like AI and offers advice for entrepreneurs facing growth challenges.