Ayanna Smalls on Cloud Consulting, Culture, and Tech Representation
Release Date: 12/27/2024
Mastering Barber Business: Growth, Client Retention, and Industry Trends
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The team behind Anchorage Barbershop discuss their journey into the barber world, focusing on client satisfaction and transitioning to owning a barbershop. They cover their business model, the impact of COVID-19, and hiring strategies. The episode explores haircuts, customer preferences, and hair loss products, along with business growth and expansion strategies. They discuss subscription services for client retention, partnership dynamics, and future plans, including licensing and regulations. (0:00) Intro and guest introduction (2:06) Transition to barber world and client...
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A Global Look at Healthcare, AI, and the Future of Work with Tim Armstrong
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Tim Armstrong joins the show for a deep and thoughtful conversation covering the future of healthcare, the impact of AI, and what global workforce trends mean for all of us. From military technology and nurse recruitment to immigration challenges and travel experiences, Whether you're curious about the nursing shortage, healthcare quality around the world, or how technology is shaping the future of work, this episode delivers valuable takeaways for a wide audience. (0:00) Introduction to AI, History, and Military Technology (3:08) Navy Submarines and Modern Tech (3:48) Introducing Tim...
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Navigating Media Evolution and Community Growth with Cathy Lewis
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Cathy Lewis shares her journey of career transition and her embrace of the Norfolk community. The conversation delves into the impact of COVID on office spaces and local attractions, as well as the evolution of journalism and media. Cathy discusses the balance between practical experience and college education in journalism, along with the challenges and opportunities in targeting demographics. The episode explores entrepreneurial challenges, regional business development, and campaign ideas to attract young professionals. Listeners also gain insights into living in DC versus Hampton Roads....
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Diving Deep: Exploring Underwater Careers and Regional Marine Economy
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Martin Dorn takes listeners into the depths of commercial diving, sharing insights on the Elizabeth River and the crucial role of underwater work in infrastructure maintenance. The episode explores the dynamics of diving teams, management preferences, and the technicalities of deep diving, including cutting operations and tunnel construction. Martin recounts fascinating underwater encounters and the dangers of the profession. The conversation highlights career paths, certifications, and the economic impact of diving in the region. Additionally, the episode touches on the Startup World Cup...
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From Apple to AI: Building Startups and Communities with Jake Spracher
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Jake Spracher shares his journey from working at Apple to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing challenges in the Bay Area and the role of AI in software development. The episode covers the 757 Build Weekend and Startup World Cup, highlighting opportunities for local startups. Jake emphasizes building a startup ecosystem,.. Cultivating community interaction in Hampton Roads and focusing on core business principles are also discussed. (0:00) Introduction and casual banter with Jake Spracher (5:37) Jake Spracher's background and entry into entrepreneurship (13:30) Jake Spracher's...
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From Donuts to Disruption: Community, Innovation & the Power of Showing Up
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This episode is a dynamic journey through Hampton Roads’ innovation, leadership, and community spirit. Zack and Tim kick things off with a behind-the-scenes look at Innovate Hampton Roads' latest board meeting, including a warm sendoff for longtime chairman Paul Hirschbiel and the introduction of new leadership. From donut deliveries and swag debates to the Yeti vs. Stanley showdown, the episode mixes fun with serious takeaways. The hosts dive into the real challenges of live shows and event prep, highlighting the upcoming Startup World Cup and the return of Tech...
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Tech Communities, AI in Development, and Roller Coasters
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Kevin Griffin shares insights on managing offshore teams, quality control, and the importance of developer events. He discusses handling live TV nerves, roller coasters, and blending travel with work. Discover vibe coding, AI in development, and Hampton Roads' tech evolution. Hear about Kevin's networking skills and resilience in local entrepreneurship. Topics include his career journey, LinkedIn strategy, the origin of Shedquarters, promoting the developer community, and event catering challenges. Personal anecdotes and sponsor acknowledgments wrap up the episode. (0:00) Offshore...
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Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Offshore Outsourcing
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In this episode of the Fervent Four Show, we’re joined by Ravi Chhatani, co-founder of RS Global Staffing Solutions. From launching his career at Morgan Stanley to relocating to Norfolk and building a global staffing firm, Ravi shares an inspiring journey of growth, grit, and global perspective. The conversation dives deep into the world of remote staffing, including the power of nearshoring, navigating international labor laws, and how to build a unified team culture across borders. Ravi breaks down common concerns around outsourcing, explains how to foster remote worker commitment, and...
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The Answer to Every Single Legal Question
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Join Crystal Brown as she delves into the complexities of trademarks, including the importance of thorough searches and policing. Discover when startups should trademark and how to tackle email scams. Crystal shares insights on AI's impact on copyright enforcement and infringement. The episode also covers franchising, documenting business processes, and creating systems for entrepreneurs. Explore cost considerations for legal services and common startup mistakes, with valuable advice for founders. Concluding with lighter topics, Crystal shares her love for sourdough baking and favorite local...
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Tech, Talent, and Tourism: The New Virginia Beach Economy
Fervent Four
Christian Green joins the conversation to discuss his passion for community development and his role in Virginia Beach Economic Development. The episode begins with a look at the Savannah Bananas' success before diving into the history of Virginia Beach's Dome and plans for a surf park. Christian shares his long-term vision for the city's growth, highlighting tech opportunities and the defense community. His career journey and management philosophy are explored, emphasizing collaboration and accountability. The discussion covers regional development, affordable housing, and urban planning...
info_outlineAyanna J. Smalls is the founder of Smalz Cloud Consulting, helping small businesses seamlessly integrate cloud technology to boost efficiency, security, and growth. With expertise in AWS, Azure, AI, and e-commerce, she delivers tailored cloud solutions for challenges like app migrations, compliance, scaling e-commerce platforms, and more.
Ayanna also founded Stemlighten, empowering the next generation of STEM leaders through teaching coding, video game development, and innovative entrepreneurship at college campuses. With experience in leading tech projects for top companies, Ayanna’s resume includes work on cloud infrastructure, AI integrations, and security solutions, solidifying her reputation as a trusted expert in the tech field in Hampton Roads.
Discover how cloud technology can help your business work smarter, stay secure, and grow steadily, all while providing valuable insights into strategy and exciting STEM opportunities.
Guest links:
https://www.smalzcloudconsulting.com/
Chapters:
(0:00) Episode introduction and greetings
(1:04) Learning Spanish, Ayanna's background, and Panama connection
(7:05) Cultural differences and working at Assembly
(10:56) Ayanna's business journey and Smalls Cloud Consulting overview
(20:35) Ayanna's journey into tech, education, and local roots
(25:03) Acquiring clients, community networking, and ideal clients for cloud consulting
(27:22) Cloud services' necessity and discussion on representation in tech
(33:58) Tech adoption, legacy systems, and local challenges in defense and banking
(38:04) Future plans for STEM and cloud consulting in the face of COVID
(43:00) Netflix's live streaming struggles and cloud service excellence
(47:19) Contact information, upcoming events, and tailgating experiences
(51:04) Ayanna's NASA experience and advice for young aspirants
(53:04) The importance of taking risks and favorite local eateries
(57:14) Local restaurant discussion and food-wine pairing
(59:14) Closing remarks, fun fact about clouds, and final goodbyes
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there.
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd.
Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow.
Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/