Mission CTRL

Hosted by Peralta Design

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Episodes

197

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their story and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

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60 recent

June 10, 202632 min

Ep. 199 ADUKO and the Future of Homeownership: Creating Opportunity Through Accessory Dwelling Units

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Christopher Crespo and Cesar "C.J." Vertiz, co-founders of ADUKO LLC, to discuss a housing trend that could change the way homeowners think about their property.What started as a conversation between a mortgage professional and a construction expert quickly grew into a mission to help families unlock opportunities they may not realize are sitting right in their own backyard.Christopher and Cesar share the personal experiences that shaped their entrepreneurial journeys, the challenges they saw homeowners facing, and why they believe education is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term financial security.The conversation explores housing, family, entrepreneurship, and community impact while offering a fresh perspective on what it means to create value in today's market.Whether you're a homeowner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about innovative solutions to modern challenges, this episode offers insights that may have you looking at homeownership in a completely different way.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

May 27, 202631 min

Ep. 198 Building More Than Structures: Leadership and Community Impact with Vicencia "Vee" Adusei

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Vicencia "Vee" Adusei, founder and president of VASE Construction, to discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, and what it means to lead in an industry where women are still underrepresented.Growing up in Ghana in a family deeply rooted in construction, Vee shares how witnessing roads, buildings, and infrastructure transform communities shaped her understanding of leadership and impact from an early age. What started as helping small contractors navigate bonding, estimating, and construction systems eventually evolved into building one of Connecticut’s fastest growing woman-owned construction management firms.Throughout the conversation, Vee reflects on navigating assumptions in a male-dominated industry, including memorable moments where clients mistook her employees for the company owner. Rather than focusing on stereotypes, she explains how consistency, confidence, and quality work became her response, letting the work speak louder than perceptions.Drawing from years of experience managing projects across housing authorities, hospitals, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private developments, Vee breaks down the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and building systems that allow teams and communities to grow together. She also shares how mentors like Karen DuBois-Walton and Fred McKinney helped guide her journey into construction management and entrepreneurship.The episode also explores the connection between construction and community transformation, from affordable housing and hospital projects to Girl Scout facilities and mixed-use developments - and how every project has the power to improve lives beyond the physical structure itself. This episode is a reminder that growth comes from solving problems, success is built through collaboration, and sometimes the best way to challenge expectations is simply by doing the work exceptionally well.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

May 13, 202634 min

Ep. 197 Breaking Barriers Through Golf: Empowering the Next Generation with Estela Morales Segarra

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with LPGA Pro Estela Morales Segarra to discuss representation, resilience, and how golf can become a powerful tool for confidence, mentorship, and opportunity.Named the 2025 LPGA Northeast Junior Leader of the Year, Estela shares her journey from growing up in Mexico and learning the game from her father, to becoming one of the few Latina LPGA professionals in the country. She opens up about overcoming self-doubt, learning English as a second language, and navigating spaces where she was often the only woman - and the only Latina - in the room.Drawing from decades of experience as a player, coach, mentor, and community leader, Estela explains how golf became more than just a sport. Through initiatives like LPGA Girls Golf, PGA Junior League, the CT Latinas Golf Team, and the AmiGolf Academy, she’s creating access for children and families who may have never imagined themselves on a golf course.The conversation also explores the mental side of golf and life, from building confidence and bouncing back after mistakes, to learning how positive self-talk can completely change performance both on and off the course.Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, parent, or someone trying to break barriers in your own field, this episode is a reminder that representation matters, confidence is built over time, and sometimes all it takes is one person opening the door for others to follow.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

April 29, 202638 min

Ep. 196 Building Real Connections in a Digital World: Networking with Cesar Barros

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Cesar Barros, Founder and CEO of the Connecticut Business Networking Association (CBNA), to explore the power of authentic, in-person networking in an increasingly AI-driven world.Cesar shares why, despite the rise of automation and platforms designed to “connect” people, nothing replaces the trust and chemistry of a real human interaction. From handshakes to meaningful conversations, he breaks down how genuine relationships, not algorithms, drive long-term business success and high-value opportunities.Drawing from his own journey as a self-proclaimed introvert turned community builder, Cesar offers practical advice for anyone intimidated by networking. He explains how asking thoughtful questions, showing genuine interest, and focusing on giving rather than getting can completely transform how people connect - and be remembered.The conversation also dives into Cesar’s entrepreneurial path, from launching his first clothing brand out of a duffel bag, to mastering sales through hundreds of daily cold calls, and ultimately building CBNA from the ground up in just over a year. What started as a personal need to create better connections has evolved into a thriving community where members generate real ROI through referrals and relationships.Whether you’re new to networking, looking to grow your business, or trying to stand out in a crowded digital landscape, this episode is packed with insights and a clear takeaway: in a world of automation, authenticity is your greatest advantage.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

April 15, 202628 min

Ep. 195 Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners: Driving Efficiency with Jeff Peduto

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jeff Peduto, Consulting Partner at ERA Group, to unpack how businesses can stay competitive in an unpredictable economy, without sacrificing quality or customer experience.Jeff breaks down the real impact of rising tariffs and why many businesses feel stuck between absorbing costs or passing them on to customers. Instead of defaulting to price increases or switching suppliers, he shares a smarter approach: uncovering hidden savings within your existing operations to protect margins and maintain stability.Drawing from decades of experience in finance, operations, and process engineering, Jeff explains how ERA Group helps organizations identify inefficiencies across areas like vendor contracts, credit card fees, and operational spend - often uncovering hundreds of thousands (or even millions) in savings. He also dives into their risk-free model, where businesses only pay if actual savings are delivered, making it a low-risk, high-impact solution for growth-focused leaders.The conversation also highlights Jeff’s career journey, from recruiting to Lean Six Sigma process engineering to scaling companies and ultimately launching his own consultancy - all before joining a global network of over 1,000 specialists focused on cost optimization and operational excellence.Whether you’re a business owner feeling the pressure of rising costs or simply looking to run a more efficient operation, this episode offers practical insights and a key reminder: sometimes the biggest opportunity isn’t making more, it’s spending smarter.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

April 1, 202631 min

Ep. 194 The LinkedIn Playbook: Authenticity and Growth with Juan Paez-Romero

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Juan Paez-Romero, Business Performance Advisor at Insperity, to break down how he transformed his LinkedIn profile from a “set it and forget it” type of platform into a powerful engine for connection, storytelling, and business growth.Juan shares how showing up consistently, embracing vulnerability, and leading with authenticity helped him build a rapidly growing network and personal brand - earning him the nickname “the Obi-Juan of LinkedIn.” From unscripted videos to personal storytelling and creative content strategies, he explains why being human - not perfect - is what truly drives engagement today.The conversation also dives into Juan’s inspiring journey from immigrating to the U.S. from Ecuador at a young age, to becoming the first in his family to graduate college, and how his parents’ work ethic and sacrifices shaped his mindset around business, relationships, and community. Juan also shares how he’s leveraging LinkedIn to spotlight others through his “Cup of Juan” series, and how his role at Insperity helps small and mid-sized businesses streamline HR, support their employees, and prepare for long-term growth - including mergers and acquisitions.Whether you’re a business owner, job seeker, or someone looking to build a stronger personal brand, this episode is packed with practical strategies and a powerful reminder: people don’t connect with perfection - they connect with real.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

March 18, 202636 min

Ep. 193 Cutting a New Path: Entrepreneurship & Community with Andrea & Angel Perez Montero

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Andrea and Angel Perez-Montero, the husband-and-wife founders of SmartCuts Academy, to discuss how passion, purpose, and partnership can transform a traditional trade into a powerful vehicle for inclusion.Angel brings more than 25 years of barbering experience, while Andrea is a special education teacher. Together, they combined their expertise to create SmartCuts Academy, a barber training program designed to give individuals with special needs and disabilities a real pathway to career skills, independence, and employment. Their idea recently earned them top honors at the M&T Small Business Accelerator, validating the impact of their mission-driven approach.The conversation dives into their personal journeys - from Angel’s early days cutting hair in the Dominican Republic to building a thriving barbershop community in Connecticut, and Andrea’s personal journey, military career and work supporting students who often graduate high school without clear career opportunities. Recognizing that traditional barber school curriculums aren’t designed for different learning needs, Andrea began developing a modified program that makes professional barber training accessible and achievable.Together, they unpack how Smart Cut Academy plans to partner with schools, state agencies, and local barbershops to create a pipeline for training and employment - equipping students with adaptive tools, inclusive instruction, and real-world opportunities in a field that desperately needs skilled professionals.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, educator, or community leader, this episode is a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something new - sometimes it means reimagining what already exists to create opportunity for everyone.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

March 4, 202624 min

Ep. 192 AI as Your ThoughtPartnr: Innovation & Commerce with Jay Norris

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jay Norris - founder of Startup Westport, creator of ThoughtPartnr, chairman of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and the visionary behind multiple ventures at the intersection of innovation, commerce, and community.Jay shares his journey from Detroit’s Motown roots to Howard University, from shaping cultural currency in the music industry (helping launch artists like Alicia Keys) to transforming real estate through tech-enabled transparency. Along the way, he reveals a consistent thread: building ecosystems where innovation drives economic opportunity and strengthens community.At the heart of the conversation is AI. As small and mid-sized businesses face a widening technology gap, Jay explains why AI is the next essential business channel and why adoption can’t be left to large enterprises alone. Through ThoughtPartner, he’s creating “training wheels” for SMBs by partnering with chambers of commerce nationwide, blending AI tools with human coaching to ensure businesses don’t just access information - they act on it.Whether you’re a founder, small business owner, or innovation leader, this episode is a blueprint for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving economy - proving that sustainable growth happens when humans lead technology, and community fuels progress.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

February 18, 202638 min

Ep. 191 Faith in Action: Strategy and Leadership with Jamilah Prince-Stewart & Duanecia Clark

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jamilah Prince-Stewart, CEO, and Duanecia Clark, Chief Strategy & Communications Officer of FaithActs for Education, for a powerful conversation about organized people, organized power, and what business leaders can learn from community-based organizing.From vaccine clinics and food distribution during the pandemic to housing initiatives and education advocacy, Jamilah and Duanecia share how they’ve built scalable systems rooted in relationships, accountability, and measurable outcomes. They reflect on their personal journeys from Harlem, the Bronx, New Haven, and Bridgeport, and how those experiences shaped their leadership philosophy and approach to driving change at scale.Together, they unpack how FaithActs mobilizes networks, develops leaders, and influences public policy — including helping move $150 million toward more equitable school funding in Connecticut and building a base of thousands of highly engaged voters. At its core, this is a conversation about strategy: how to align mission with action, build trust-based partnerships, and turn vision into tangible results.Whether you’re a business owner, executive, or emerging leader, this episode offers a masterclass in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and the power of organized people to move systems — proving that sustainable impact, in any sector, requires both conviction and execution.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

February 11, 202628 min

Ep. 190 Super Bowl LX Commercials and Historic Half-Time Show

This past weekend, the biggest stage in the world became a mirror for culture, identity, and brand purpose.This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon Peralta is joined by the Peralta Design team - Jorge Pezo-Candelario, Maggie Kruse, and Kaed Gonzalez - for a Super Bowl 60 breakdown that goes far beyond the final score. While the game itself may have lacked fireworks, the halftime show and commercials sparked conversations about representation, legacy, hyper-targeted marketing, and the future of creativity in an AI-driven world.The team unpacks Bad Bunny’s historic halftime performance as a historic moment - not just for Puerto Rico, but for Latinos across generations - highlighting the symbolism, Easter eggs, and unapologetic authenticity that resonated with millions of Americans of all backgrounds with a patriotic message of unity and love.On the advertising side, the conversation dives into standout campaigns from brands like Lay’s, Budweiser, Google, Dove, Uber Eats, and more - examining why emotion, specificity, and continuity matter more than ever. The group explores how hyper-targeted ads outperform “for everyone” messaging, how brands are navigating AI, and why knowing who you’re for is the real competitive advantage.Whether you’re a marketer, founder, creative, or brand leader, this episode is a reminder that culture drives connection, clarity beats broadness, and there is a lane for you - if you’re brave enough to own it.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories