Critical Mass Business Talk Show | Orange County‘s Longest-Running Business Talk Show | Hosted by Ric Franzi

Nithin Jilla is a passionate educator, social entrepreneur and philanthropist who champions building models and systems of social change that are sustainable and empower the next generation. Nithin began with his first efforts in philanthropy with his high school class – establishing a project to help raise funds to renovate educational facilities and provide students with scholarships in Kenya, to enhance the quality of education, one student and one school at a time. Nithin currently serves as the Executive Director of Dreams for Schools (DFS), an EdTech organization whose mission is to make STEAM approachable and empower students to become the critical thinkers, creative leaders and technologists of tomorrow. Nithin has also advised and helped run a few family foundations and their grant-making strategies over the years. He’s always thinking about how we can reinvent and take new approaches in philanthropy to be more equitable. Nithin is also the Co-Founder of Excelsior Creative – a creative web development agency. In the community, Nithin serves on several Non-Profit and Advisory Boards of organizations which include Harbor Day School, Asian American Futures, Electric Potential, Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman University, and UC Irvine Alumni Association. He’s a lover of comedy, a closet chef, and enjoys brewing Kombucha. He cherishes being outdoors, spending time with friends, building and creating things.  During the pandemic, Nithin co-authored a children’s book, R is for Rice, a rhyming alphabet book on Asian-American food with the goal to inspire current and future generations of Asian-Americans to feel pride in their unique American identity. Nithin holds a BS degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Nithin Jilla joins host Ric Franzi to discuss his various entrepreneurial ventures and the social impact behind his work.  -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmFLinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQPodbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRiApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863wSpotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning #collectiveintelligence #southerncalifornia

Thuy Pham-Satrappe is the President and Founder of Lux Lucet Ventures Corporation, a real estate investing firm.  In June 2019, Thuy started investing out of state in Indiana the pockets of her time, and has since grown her rental real estate portfolio to over $2M with 26 properties.   In February 2020, Thuy decided to quit her corporate job to spend more time with her 2 young children and pursue her passion and vision for real estate investing. Her vision is to create passive income for her family and her money partners, because she believes a rising tide raises all ships!  In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Thuy Pham-Satrappe joins host Ric Franzi to share her entrepreneurial journey, and leadership insights as the Founder of Lux Lucet Ventures Corporation. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmFLinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQPodbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRiApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863wSpotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning #collectiveintelligence #southerncalifornia

Lisa Nguyen is the Founder & CEO of Smart Bean Inc., a team of people with diverse entrepreneurial backgrounds that share one common goal: to revolutionize the relationship between small business entrepreneurs and their numbers through innovative and affordable products and services. Over the last 20 years, Lisa Nguyen has worked for small businesses, invested in small businesses, and owned her own small business, and has tremendous respect and empathy for small business entrepreneurs as a result, as it takes intelligence, resilience, tremendous self-awareness and guts to start and build a viable business. Lisa is realizing her dream with Smart Bean Inc., as her team develops products and services that will make intrepid entrepreneurs smile more, love more, and achieve more from life. SmartBean® uses technology to streamline the bookkeeping process, making it more efficient and therefore more affordable. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Lisa Nguyen joins host Ric Franzi to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and insights as the founder & CEO of Smart Bean Inc. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQPodbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRiApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning #collectiveintelligence #southerncalifornia

Pembe Candaner is the Co-Founder & President of JobzMall. JobzMall is the new way of finding jobs and exploring organizations, founded with the belief that humans are so much more than a resume, and companies are so much more than a job post. JobzMall Inc. strives to make the job finding process enjoyable, engaging and accessible to everyone. Prior to her work at JobzMall Inc., Pembe Candaner served as the CEO of Adecco SA Turkey, General Manager of Lee Hecht Harrison, and CEO of Kariyer.net, the largest employment portal of Turkey. She is a member of TUSIAD (Turkish Industry and Business Association), the top business association of Turkey and Society for Human Resource Management.  As a vocal activist of women rights, Candaner hosted her TV show at national ‘Artı Bir TV’ channel about Woman Leaders and Entrepreneurs. She has also lectured in Bogazici University (Bosphorus University) and UCI (University of California. Irvine) on Development of Woman Leaders, Talent Management, Protocol and Etiquette and Intercultural Relations. Additionally to her career in private sector, Pembe has authored 4 books, and was awarded as the Business Woman of the Year in 2003. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Pembe Candaner joins host Ric Franzi to discuss her career path and leadership insights as the President of JobzMall. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmFLinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQPodbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRiApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863wSpotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m

Rodney Brenneman is a seasoned veteran in the medical device space. He has been CEO, board member, advisor and consultant to many early-stage medical technology companies. He is a mechanical engineer by training, with over 30 years of experience in medical device development, mostly in early-stage start-up companies. His experience spans many specialties including vascular, general surgery, interventional cardiology, pulmonology, emergency medicine, ENT, GI, urology and orthopedics. Rodney is currently the CEO of PhageTech and prior to that, founded and lead ROX Medical for 14 years, raising $90M in venture funding. Rodney counts innovative problem solving as one of his core talents and is a named inventor on over 130 patents. Rodney has worked closely with all aspects of medical device development including fundraising, board management, R&D, quality, manufacturing, finance, regulatory, clinical, and physician training. Rodney most enjoys the leadership of small efficient teams solving important medical device and procedure challenges. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Rodney Brenneman joins host Ric Franzi to share his career journey and insights as CEO of PhageTech. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m

Nicole Suydam has more than 20 years of management and leadership experience working with local and national nonprofits dedicated to meeting human service needs. She currently serves as president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County, one of Orange County’s largest nonprofits by revenue. Suydam leads Goodwill’s social enterprise operation that employs nearly 1,800, manages 24 local thrift stores and ShopGoodwill.com – the online e-commerce marketplace for Goodwills across the country – and serves more than 18,000 individuals annually through its innovative programs and services aimed at providing purpose through employment. Suydam has received several accolades for her commitment to creating a better and brighter Orange County for all, including being named to the Orange County Business Journal’s “OC 50” list for 2020 and 2021 for her influence and impact in the community. She was also named one of just six 2019 Women of Coast by Coast Magazine and received the 2018 Women of the Year Award by the Orange County Business Journal. Suydam graduated from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa and lives in Aliso Viejo with her husband and two teenage daughters.  In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Nicole Suydam joins host Ric Franzi for an update on Goodwill of Orange County's work in our community. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmFLinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQPodbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRiApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863wSpotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m

Debora Wondercheck is the CEO of Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC). An effective corporate leader with seventeen years of experience in strategy development, program management, and implementation, Debora focuses on culturally sensitive and inclusive afterschool artistic training and education for all children in k-12 schools, particularly those who are underresourced. As the founder of the nationally acclaimed Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC), Wondercheck has a proven track record in fundraising, public education, executive leadership, non-profit governance, community building, and program development. Her professional interests include arts education sustainability, board development, and equitable access to the arts. Her extensive expertise in music and education, combined with her ability to build strong partnerships across the public and private sectors has delivered powerful results throughout her career. As the go-to for afterschool programs, Wondercheck’s relationships have created artistic experiences for over 40 schools throughout Southern California. She is particularly proud of her recent partnerships with the Orange County Department of Education and the YMCA of Orange County. In addition to her work at the Arts & Learning Conservatory, Wondercheck serves on the Board of Directors for Arts Orange County, The Cultural Committee for the City of Costa Mesa, Philharmonic Society, Copper Tree Management, Orange County Theater Guild, and the Waldorf School of Orange County DEI committee among others. She is committed to using her experience to broaden access to high-quality education by supporting innovation, reducing barriers to entry, and building strong communities. Some of her accomplishments include 2021 National Association of Women in Business, Board Pathways Graduate, 2021 Fieldstone Executive Graduate, 2021 Orange County Business Journal Women in Business Nomination, 2019, California State University, Gianneschi Leadership Fellow. Wondercheck is an accomplished conductor and cellist and volunteers with the children’s ministry at the Rock Church of Anaheim. Debora, a product of Orange County, is married to Gary, they have three teenage children and reside in Garden Grove, CA. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmFLinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQPodbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRiApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863wSpotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m

Rick Van Kirk is an executive who has worked in the Southern California region for 36 years in various manufacturing industries. Following his graduation from California State University, Fullerton in 1982 he has worked in the aerospace, computer, commercial electronics, diecasting, and medical device industries. During this time Van Kirk completed his MBA from Claremont Graduate School in 1991. Currently, Rick serves as President and CEO of Pro-Dex Inc., a design and manufacturing company in the medical device industry. He joined Pro-Dex as Director of Manufacturing in 2006, and was subsequently promoted to Vice President of Operations and then Chief Operating Officer in April 2013 and then to CEO in January 2015. During his time as CEO Pro-Dex, he has led a successful turnaround of the company and positioned it for further growth. Previously, Rick served as Manufacturing Manager and Manager of Product Development for the ChargeSource division of Comarco Wireless Technologies, a provider of power and charging functionality for popular electronic devices and wireless accessories, and as General Manager at Dynacast, a leader in precision diecasting. Recently Rick joined the Board of Directors for the Southern California Special Olympics and is Chair of the Nominating and Governance committee. He has lived in Orange County, California since 1989. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.   Connect with Ric Franzi on LinkedIn HERE.   Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmFLinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQPodbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRiApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863wSpotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m

Based in Mission Viejo, Amour Propre®️ is a beauty brand that strives to make the world a better place, one person and one natural product at a time. Translating to “Self-Love” in French, Amour Propre®️ is centered in self-love, enhanced by science, inspired by nature and fueled by positive energy. Amour Propre®️ is in business to encourage our customers to practice self-love by experiencing the joy of utilizing natural, organic, and aromatherapeutic wellness and beauty products. Established in March of 2020, Amour Propre®️ saw $20k in profit in its first month in business alone. With over 150 products and variations made for women and men alike, the brand offers a luxury experience at an affordable price. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Founder & CEO Tahera Christy joins host Ric Franzi to share her success with Amour Propre®️, and what she has learned throughout her business journey. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.   Connect with Ric Franzi on LinkedIn HERE.   Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews...   YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m

Robert Ming is Founder and CEO of ThoughtWorld and is responsible for setting the overall policy and direction of the company and platform. His deep desire to bring people together and make the world a better place shows up both in the platform and in how he has invested his energy throughout life. As a practicing attorney and founding partner of Quadrant Law Group, a law firm specializing in technology contract negotiation, Robert found his love for bringing people together and making complex things simple. He used those skills politically while Mayor of Laguna Niguel, California, where he served as a council member for 8 years. During that time, he founded the Association of California Cities – Orange County, a public policy think tank for bringing elected officials together to tackle some of the most difficult political issues of the day. He loves making safe places where people can learn and expand their minds, as he has done as Chairman of Stoneybrooke Christian Schools, where he has served for 17 years. Together with his wife, Susie, Robert is committed to creating a brave new world where their four children can hear and be heard without fear or violence, where they can think and understand the opinions of others and bridge the gaps between people. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Robert Ming joins host Ric Franzi to share his inspiration to found ThoughtWorld, and his insights as the company's CEO. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.   Connect with Ric Franzi on LinkedIn HERE.   Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews...   YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m  

Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan made history in November of 2020. She not only received the highest number of votes for the position of Mayor in the city’s history, but also shattered glass ceilings as the first woman of color to hold the position, and the first Muslim woman to lead a large city in the United States.   In addition to serving as Irvine Mayor, Farrah Khan is also the President of Horizon Consulting USA, where she serves as a recruitment consultant working with businesses, community organizations, and governments to find short-term and direct hires. She has 8 years of corporate management, 15 years of small business, and 5 years non-profit experience. Mayor Khan grew up in northern California and began her career in the biotech and innovation industry as a regulatory manager focusing on streamlining complex products and international research. She and her family moved to Irvine in 2004 where her two sons have had the privilege of attending Irvine schools since Kindergarten. She and her husband also serve as Legacy Partners with the Irvine Public School Foundation.  Mayor Khan is focused on ensuring that the City of Irvine is a leader throughout Orange County and California when it comes to innovation and technology, maintaining a healthy environment, combating climate change, and protecting the health and wellness of Irvine’s diverse communities. In her short time as Mayor, she has initiated several new strategies leading to Irvine becoming the first City in Orange County to spearhead COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in local neighborhoods and senior centers, passed HERO pay for frontline grocery workers, created a new committee focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and passed an ordinance to make Irvine carbon neutral by 2030. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Farrah Khan joins host Ric Franzi to discuss her work as the Mayor of Irvine, and as the president of Horizon Consulting USA. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County.  

Stephanie Oddo is an educator, entrepreneur, and Laguna Niguel City Council candidate. Most recently, Stephanie has found much reward in serving as Director of Government for the League of Women Voters of Orange Coast. She launched the League’s first-ever Observer Corps. The Corps inspires, trains and empowers volunteers to observe and report on their local city and county public meetings. The program currently observes 7 cities and 4 county boards.  Stephanie is the founder of Healthcare Mask Collaborative (HMC). HMC served almost 150 organizations, had over 220 sewers who sewed and distributed over 65,000 cloth masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the first Democrat to ever run a serious campaign in Laguna Niguel, Stephanie earned over 11,000 votes and was the next on the ballot to win in the 2020 election. Stephanie is now launching a new nonprofit with her business partner that will empower and educate women on how to report certain crimes against them. Stephanie has also served as President of the Laguna Niguel Rotary Club where she spearheaded two efforts that are still in practice today: a free local dental clinic that serves approx. 100 people a year and an effort to obtain the club’s first Global Grant (raising money for medical equipment that trained doctors in Latin America how to perform free surgeries to burned children). This propelled her to serve as Chair of International Service for Rotary District 5320 (Orange County and Long Beach) and to train others how to obtain Global Grants.   Previously, Stephanie was a public relations and web services consultant for government, nonprofits, and businesses in the Washington, DC. area. Some of her clients included Microsoft Government, Verisign, Maryland Dept. of Energy, EPA, NASA, U.S. Dept. of Justice, DC Healthy Families, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the nationally televised Hispanic Heritage Awards. In this episode of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Stephanie joins host Ric Franzi to discuss her career path, as well as her initiatives in Orange County and beyond! -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County.

Paul Nelson, Esq. is recognized throughout Orange County as an expert in Family Law Litigation. As Managing Partner at Nelson Kirkman, Paul has built an excellent reputation in the legal community and has been quoted as a legal expert by Fox News and Forbes. Paul's many honors and awards speak to his expertise: AV Preminent® & Judicial and Bar Highest Possible Rating (Martindale Hubbel®), two-time Super Lawyers Honoree (2021 & 2022), Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council (2009), OC’s Most Talked-About Lawyers (2008), Premier Attorneys of Orange County (Orange Coast Magazine, 2008), as well as a National Leadership Award from the National Republican Congressional Committee. With a strategic approach to high-stakes cases, Paul handles roadblocks by utilizing outside-the-box thinking to get it done, believing that there is always a way. In his work, Paul is guided by the principle that being a successful attorney is like playing a game of chess: it’s all about the long game. He joins host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to share more about his industry leadership in Orange County, as well as his professional philosophies! -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County.

Monica Challingsworth is President and Co-Founder of Eustress and Demeter, a full-service restaurant consulting firm specializing in building sales programs for multi-unit restaurants and independent operators. Eustress and Demeter started in 2017 to fill a void in the restaurant industry. With an ever-changing landscape, they knew there was an opportunity to help brands of all sizes build incremental revenue programs. They have worked with some of the top names in hospitality and private equity and have curated a record generation of over $50 million in off-premises sales.  At Eustress and Demeter, Monica has responsibility for developing, engaging, and sustaining her clients’ most important assets – their people and top-line revenue. In addition to Eustress and Demeter, Monica is the Co-founder of ED Distribution Group; the exclusive distributor for V10 Plus USA, a Japanese skincare brand whose core focus is to build confidence from within. Monica has hosted many Women’s Mastermind networking groups has been a speaker for multiple Business Councils and is building a Women’s Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County.

Leigh Lester is the Founder & Executive Director of Ubuntu Institute of Learning, an international training organization focused on social justice issues ranging from Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to Entrepreneurship to Affordable Housing.  As a trainer, consultant, educator, public speaker, serial ideator, and occasionally a coach, Leigh is always a positive force for her clients and co-conspirators. She is active in her community of Long Beach, She serves on a national Board of Directors for industry and nonprofit organizations. Her passion is service. She focuses that passion in affordable housing, under-invested entrepreneurship programs and/or diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.   Known for her ability to break big ideas into bite-sized pieces, Leigh’s magic powers include public speaking, training, schmoozing, collaborating and totally out-of-the-box ideation.  With over 20+ years industry experience, her main focus now is helping others create the right action steps to solve their problems.  Her approach is hands-on, practical application focused on outcomes, steeped in years of personal experience. As the one minority in the room for many years, she puts her experience to use affecting policy at the national level. She serves on the board of a national appraisal organization, a member of the advisory board for the Ashoka-Brookings Partnership Initiative: Valuing Homes in Black-Majority Neighborhoods, an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Navigator with Forward Cities Initiative in Long Beach, California and she serves as a Global Advisor with How Women Lead, a Bay Area leadership network that brings together influential women in an inclusive and highly supportive community to connect, learn, and promote the voices of all women and propel their leadership forward. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Leigh Lester joins host Ric Franzi to discuss her leadership of the Ubuntu Institute of Learning, as well as her latest initiative, Launch Long Beach. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County.