Networking

Why the Trades Need a Cultural Reset to Attract and Retain the Next Generation

The skilled trades are at a critical crossroads. According to an August 2025 report from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), the number of women working in construction and extraction occupations rose to 366,360 in 2024, the highest level ever recorded. Yet despite that growth, women still account for only about 4.3% of construction…

Field Service Growth Depends on Leading With People, Not Just Technology

Skilled trades are facing accelerating retirements, rising customer expectations, and rapid advances in AI—putting the field service industry at a critical inflection point. Industry estimates suggest millions of frontline roles could go unfilled over the next decade, even as technology promises to automate more tasks than ever before. The stakes are high: decisions made now…

HVAC Thrives on People-First Leadership, Not Just Technical Know-How

The skilled trades are undergoing a shift as experienced workers retire faster than new talent enters the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for HVAC technicians is projected to grow 8% by 2034. That’s much faster than average — and shows the urgency of attracting and keeping new talent.  While…

Rob Paylor’s Mindset Masterclass After a Life-Changing Rugby Injury: Rise, Recover, and Redefine What’s Possible

Every year, an estimated 17,000 Americans suffer spinal cord injuries, many of which permanently alter the course of their lives.. For former collegiate rugby player Rob Paylor, a devastating injury left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors told him he would never walk or move his hands again. But instead of accepting that fate,…

Soft Skills, Real Impact: Rethinking What Makes Talent Stand Out with Client Success Executive Ben Brandon

Work feels different today. Conversations about AI, hybrid schedules, shifting career paths, and talent shortages aren’t just industry headlines—they’re shaping everyday decisions for workers and employers alike. As people rethink what they want from their careers and companies rethink what they need from their teams, one theme keeps rising to the surface: the skills that…

Build As You Grow: Lessons in Career, Connection, and Confidence

Growth isn’t just about climbing the career ladder — it’s about becoming the kind of person who can lead with empathy, curiosity, and authenticity. In a world that often celebrates titles and achievements, the real work lies in learning to communicate clearly, connect genuinely, and turn moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth. In this…

Building Success from the Ground Up: How GreenTeam Found Its Niche in Commercial Infrastructure

Aging infrastructure and growing urban demands are straining America’s commercial facilities. But specialized service providers like GreenTeam are stepping up to fill these gaps. With over 5.9 million commercial buildings in the U.S., many facing deteriorating plumbing and utility systems, the need for reliable, professional contractors has never been greater. This latest episode explores…

Why In-Person Still Wins: How DallasMeetup Is Changing the Way Dallas Networks

As digital networking dominates, one Dallas entrepreneur proves that authentic business relationships still require a handshake and a conversation

A Global Conversation: Coupa Inspire 2025 Brings Innovation to Your Doorstep

Coupa Inspire 2025 is taking its flagship experience on the road with the Inspire World Tour, bringing the spirit of its celebrated event to five cities across four continents. By condensing the energy of its global gathering into free, one-day sessions, Coupa is expanding access to knowledge, innovation, and community-building opportunities for finance, procurement, and…

Mastering the Game: Akshay Bhatia and Coupa Inspire at the Royal Dublin

At the Royal Dublin, Coupa brought together community and competition with PGA pro and brand ambassador Akshay Bhatia, who shared lessons from the course that extend far beyond golf. His message, “Master your swing. Master your spend,” underscored the power of precision, discipline, and strategy in both sport and business. The event was not just…

Women in HVACR Are Driving Change Across the Skilled Trades

Trade school enrollment climbed 4.9% between fall 2020 and fall 2023, signaling a national shift toward skills-based careers as alternatives to four-year degrees. This modest but meaningful rebound underscores growing interest in trades like HVACR, where demand is high, but representation remains lopsided. For decades, women in the field have been overlooked despite playing…

Community Building Through Marketing—Powered by Showing Up and Staying Open

In this episode of Professional Quotient: Conversations That Build Equity, host Jason Winningham sits down with Alicia Layfield, founder of Casa Layfield, a boutique marketing agency in Houston, Texas. Alicia shares how she built her business from the ground up—not by following a perfect plan, but by showing up, staying open, and turning connections…

Scale Smarter in HVAC: Balancing Growth with Employee Engagement

The HVAC industry is undergoing significant growth, driven by increased suburban migration and a surge in home renovations requiring system upgrades. The U.S. HVAC market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030. As businesses scale to meet this demand, balancing expansion with retaining strong…

Spring Momentum: SFPGA Southwest Chapter Builds Community, Education, and Opportunity

A regional golf chapter's strategic initiatives are creating pathways for both skill advancement and industry networking across Florida

Building Trust and Simplifying Stories Strengthens Public Relations Strategies

Companies that master transparent communication and authentic messaging gain crucial competitive advantage in earning consumer confidence

Building Trust in Real Estate Through Quality Services and Client Education

Clients entrust companies with major investments, making transparency and quality service the foundation of competitive advantage in property markets

Data Center Sector Opens Doors for Non-Traditional Career Seekers

Rapid expansion in data centers is creating unexpected opportunities for workers without traditional tech backgrounds to fill critical roles

Balance HVAC is Raising Industry Standards Through Quality, Transparency and Customer-Centric Approach

As indoor air quality concerns mount, one Florida-based contractor is proving that prioritizing health standards and honest service can reshape customer expecta

Tim Oldman: Driving Growth and Inclusion at Extreme Networks

The account executive balances technical expertise with a commitment to building inclusive communities that strengthen partner ecosystems

Extreme Networks: Redefining Scalable Networking Solutions

Unified cloud infrastructure and universal licensing enable businesses to simplify network management across wired, wireless, and branch locations

A Quantum Leap: Universidade Estadual Paulista Partners with Extreme Networks

A Brazilian university transforms connectivity across 24 campuses with a scalable networking partner that accelerates performance and simplifies management

The Future of Digital Infrastructure Lies in Stability of Sustainable Technology

As global data demands explode, organizations must balance rapid innovation with the infrastructure stability required to sustain long-term growth

Coupa’s Global Executive Summit Promo

Finance and procurement leaders gather to unlock margin growth and navigate AI's impact on spend management

Skilled Workers Thrive Where Craftsmanship, Integrity, and Relationships Align

When professional values and human connection become the foundation, skilled tradespeople unlock their full potential and drive industry growth

The Key Ingredients for Successful In-Person Events

Face-to-face interactions remain essential for logistics companies to build relationships and differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace

Navigating Success and Change in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Andy Graham

Balancing traditional client relationships with emerging technologies proves essential for competitive advantage in the heating and cooling sector

Forming Relationships with Industry Insiders Can Quell Sales Cycles and their Length of Time

Building trust with industry veterans accelerates deal closure and shortens the path to revenue

Empowering Leadership and Effective Delegation with Dallas Burnett

Leaders who master delegation unlock exponential growth by transforming their teams into independent decision-makers

Legal Business Development: Authentic Relationships Can Foster Trust and Long-Term Relationships

Building genuine client connections proves more valuable than transactional interactions in the competitive legal services market

Industry Expertise and Effective Leadership is Paramount in Mission-Critical Industries

Leaders who combine deep industry knowledge with strong vision gain competitive advantage in high-stakes sectors