Right People Right Places

Hosted by Raul Mendoza

Business

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Latest episode

Dec 2025

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EN-US

About the show

The common denominator with people, business, and technology is relationship. Join us as we talk about how to build, cultivate and sustain relationships that power the ever-changing world of work.

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30 recent

December 21, 2025Episode 2916 min

S3E29: Built with Grit: The Hustle and Heart of Building a Business and a Family

In this episode, Raul speaks with Alyssa, an entrepreneur and community leader, about the grit required to build a business and a family. They discuss Alyssa's journey from working in local government to starting her own marketing agency, the importance of family as a motivator, the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, and the need to embrace imperfection in the entrepreneurial journey. Alyssa shares her insights on resilience, success, and the importance of taking action without waiting for perfection.Takeaways-Grit means continuing to do something through adversity.-Family is a primary motivator for building a business.-Success is not just about financial gain, but also happiness.-Don't be afraid to fail; it can lead to new opportunities.-You can choose your clients and work with those who align with your values.-Time spent with family is invaluable and irreplaceable.-Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in the corporate world.-The best revenge against discrimination is to succeed.-Embrace imperfection and take action towards your goals.-Building a business is a journey that requires resilience and adaptability.Follow Alyssa Smith-Cornelius on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssacornelius13/

December 20, 2025Episode 2814 min

S3E28: Opening Doors: Building the Next Generation of Innovators in STEM

In this episode, host Raul interviews Lisa Laws, a visionary leader in the construction and design space. Lisa shares her journey from aspiring artist to a prominent engineer and vice president at Jacobs, emphasizing the importance of purpose, inclusion, and mentorship in her work. She discusses her leadership approach, the significance of opening doors for the next generation, and how to make STEM fields more accessible to underrepresented groups. Lisa's passion for innovation and community engagement shines through as she inspires young professionals to pursue their dreams in engineering and beyond.Takeaways-Lisa Laws transitioned from aspiring artist to engineer.-She emphasizes the importance of inclusion in engineering.-Lisa was the only African-American woman in her engineering class.-Her leadership style is high impact, low ego.-She actively mentors the next generation of engineers.-Lisa believes in teaching youth to embrace opportunities.-She encourages networking and relationship-building skills.-STEM accessibility involves hands-on activities for kids.-Lisa's mentors have been predominantly men.-She aims to leave a lasting legacy in the engineering field.Follow Lisa Laws on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalaws/

December 19, 2025Episode 2720 min

S3E27: Stronger Together: Decoding the DNA of Great Leaders and Great Teams

In this engaging conversation, Angel Douglas, a business operations manager at Ryan Companies, shares her insights on leadership, team dynamics, and the importance of mentorship. She emphasizes the value of building diverse teams, fostering engagement, and the critical role of negotiation skills in both personal and professional settings. Angel reflects on her own experiences with mentorship, both good and bad, and how they shaped her approach to leading others. The discussion highlights the significance of curiosity and emotional intelligence in creating high-performing teams.Takeaways-Never say no if I can handle it.-Taking challenges as learning opportunities is key.-Hiring based on team balance is essential.-Diversity in teams leads to stronger outcomes.-Engagement is shown through asking questions.-Negotiation is a vital skill in all aspects of life.-Mentorship shapes future leaders and builds confidence.-Learning from bad mentorship experiences is valuable.-Curiosity is a trait I look for in team members.-Constant communication is crucial for team success.Follow Angel Douglas on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/angeldouglas/

December 12, 2025Episode 2624 min

S3E26: People First, Profits Follow: The Power of Healthy Leadership

In this episode, Chynise Cunningham, a seasoned HR leader, discusses the critical importance of prioritizing people in the workplace. She emphasizes that healthy leadership and a supportive culture are essential for business performance and profitability. The discussion covers various aspects of leadership, including understanding employee needs, the role of leaders in fostering well-being, and the future of leadership in the context of technology and AI. Chynise shares personal anecdotes and insights on how leaders can balance compassion with accountability, ultimately leading to a thriving organizational culture.Takeaways-People are the advocates for the business.-Comfort in the workplace leads to better performance.-Creating a safe environment is essential for employees.-Leaders should be aware of changes in employee behavior.-Honesty and transparency build trust within teams.-Understanding available resources is crucial for supporting employees.-AI can enhance HR processes but should not replace human interaction.-Leaders must prioritize their own well-being to support their teams.-Effective leadership requires balancing compassion and accountability.-Aligning people strategies with business goals is key to success.Follow Chynise Cunningham on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chynise-cunningham-99742660/

December 5, 2025Episode 2535 min

S3E25: Built on Values: Leading with Integrity, Humility, & Fearlessness

In this episode, Raul speaks with Matthew Richardson, Chief Human Resource Officer at Lamar Johnson Collaborative. They discuss the core values of integrity, humility, and fearlessness that shape leadership and organizational culture. Matthew shares insights from his experience in building a company from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of these values in decision-making, community engagement, and effective communication. The conversation highlights the role of storytelling in leadership and the necessity of feedback in fostering a healthy organizational environment.Takeaways-Integrity is fulfilling promises made to others.-Humility is about having an honest self-estimation.-Fearlessness involves informed risk-taking.-Communication is essential for organizational health.-Leaders must model the culture they want to create.-Community engagement reflects a leader's values.-Storytelling is a powerful tool for effective communication.-Feedback should be earned through trust.-Reflection is crucial for personal and organizational growth.-Values should guide decision-making in leadership.Follow Matthew Richardson on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-b-richardson/

November 24, 2025Episode 2419 min

S3E24: The Power of Mentorship: Building the Next Generation of Women Leaders in BIM

In this episode, Raul talks with Olivia Morgan, a Lead BIM and VDC designer at Tri-City Electric Company. They discuss Olivia's journey into the male-dominated field of digital construction, the importance of mentorship, and how she is working to inspire the next generation of women leaders in BIM. Olivia shares her insights on overcoming challenges, the role of research in the industry, and the necessity of maintaining a human element in digital construction. The conversation emphasizes the value of listening, learning from failure, and creating inclusive environments for women in construction.Takeaways-Olivia is passionate about inspiring women in a male-dominated field.-Mentorship involves listening and understanding the mentee's background.-Learning from failure is crucial for personal growth.-Effective mentorship provides guidance without holding hands.-One voice can make a significant difference in the industry.-It's important to let your work speak for itself in a competitive environment.-Diversity of opinion enhances problem-solving in teams.-Research is essential to navigate the tools in digital construction.-Understanding the basics allows for effective use of advanced technology.-The future of construction involves creating an inviting environment for women.Follow Olivia Morgan on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/o-morgan/

November 21, 2025Episode 2327 min

S3E23: The Trust Factor: Building Long-Term Success Through Creative Deal-Making

In this episode, Raul speaks with Joaquin Manriquez who shares his journey in commercial real estate, emphasizing the importance of creative deal making and building long-term relationships with clients. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic and how trust and humility play crucial roles in successful business transactions. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding client needs and the value of maintaining rapport throughout lengthy deal cycles.Takeaways-Creative deal making is essential for success in retail.-Building long-term relationships is key in commercial real estate.-Understanding client pain points can lead to better business opportunities.-The retail landscape is complex and requires specialized knowledge.-Trust and humility are vital in maintaining client relationships.-The pandemic significantly impacted the retail sector and deal-making processes.-Successful transactions often take a long time to complete.-Networking and rapport with other brokers can enhance deal-making.-The importance of aligning interests for sustainable business relationships.Follow Joaquin Manriquez on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquin-manriquez-a2350956/

November 14, 2025Episode 2249 min

S3E22: Breaking Barriers, Reaching New Altitudes: Leading with Intention

In this episode, Raul speaks with Nicole Morris, known as the CEO Whisperer, about breaking barriers and leading with intention. Nik shares her unique approach to coaching CEOs, emphasizing the importance of communication, vulnerability, and extraordinary leadership. Through personal anecdotes, including a pivotal moment during a train derailment, she illustrates the significance of clarity, community, and intentionality in leadership. The conversation explores how leaders can balance speed and strategy, create alignment within their organizations, and the transformative power of surrounding themselves with the right people.Takeaways-Extraordinary leadership should be the norm, not the exception.-The approach of whispering to CEOs fosters better communication.-Leadership is about creating clarity, not just having answers.-Speed without clarity leads to chaos in decision-making.-Intentional leaders live their vision and values daily.-Community and support are essential for effective leadership.-Average leadership results in high turnover and burnout.-Clarity in vision helps leaders navigate challenges effectively.-Building relationships is crucial for mobilizing resources in crises.-Leaders must focus on the bigger picture to inspire their teams.Follow Nicole Morris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemorris-mba/

November 7, 2025Episode 2155 min

S3E21: Humanizing Leadership: Vulnerability and Voice in Today’s Workplace

In this episode, Raul interviews Mike Thorne, an executive coach and leadership expert. They discuss the importance of humanizing leadership, transparency, and vulnerability in the workplace. Mike shares his personal journey, including a significant turning point in his career that reshaped his understanding of leadership. The conversation explores how leaders can connect with their teams, the role of curiosity in leadership, and the concept of culture carriers within organizations. Mike also introduces his North Star Rising framework, which helps leaders gain clarity and direction in their personal and professional lives. The episode concludes with advice for both younger and older generations of leaders on navigating the evolving landscape of leadership.Takeaways-Leadership is about human connection, not just profit.-Transparency and vulnerability build trust in teams.-Intellectual curiosity is essential for effective leadership.-Connecting with employees is more effective than confronting them.-Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.-Building a personal trust community is crucial for growth.-Clarity in goals helps leaders ask for the right help.-Culture carriers are key to understanding organizational dynamics.-Younger leaders should learn from the experiences of older generations.-Older leaders must adapt to the questions and needs of younger employees.Follow Mike Thorne on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbthorne/

October 24, 2025Episode 2047 min

S2E20: Bridging Generations: Knowledge Transfer and Emotional Intelligence in Construction

In this episode, Raul speaks with Audra Stevenson, a senior talent acquisition leader in the construction industry. They discuss the critical need for generational knowledge transfer as experienced professionals retire and younger talent enters the workforce. Audra shares her journey into HR within construction, the unique challenges the industry faces, and effective strategies for bridging the generational gap. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, emotional intelligence, and creating a culture of curiosity and transparency to attract and retain talent in the evolving construction landscape.Takeaways-The construction industry is facing a significant talent shortage as experienced professionals retire.-Effective knowledge transfer requires structured systems and coaching for both seasoned and new employees.-Building relationships is essential in construction, as it fosters repeat business and collaboration.-Emotional intelligence is a critical skill for leaders in managing diverse teams and projects.-Curiosity should drive communication and collaboration within teams to build trust and rapport.-Companies must embrace transparency and authenticity to engage and retain talent.-Work-life balance is increasingly important for the next generation of workers.-Diversity in the workforce brings different perspectives that enhance problem-solving and project success.-Mentorship programs can help bridge the gap between generations and facilitate knowledge sharing.-Organizations should invest in leadership development to prepare future leaders for the challenges ahead.Follow Audra Stevenson on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/audra-stevenson/