Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply interested in how local banking can catalyze growth, this conversation is packed with real-world insight and actionable advice for anyone looking to bring their financial story to life.

Hosts Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca sit down with Ashley Dick, Chief Retail and Community Development Officer at Fortuna Bank.

Based in Columbus, Fortuna is a women-owned institution reshaping how entrepreneurs and communities access financial resources and support.

Together, they discuss Fortuna's inspiring origin story, the challenges and triumphs of building a women-led bank, and the unique services that set Fortuna apart—from mentorship and financial literacy events to hands-on support for small businesses and nonprofits.

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

Episode Highlights

Building Fortuna Bank: A Story of Resilience and Purpose

Ashley Dick shares how founder Lisa Berger’s dream to create meaningful change became a reality after discovering just how underserved women were in banking—not just as customers, but as leaders and investors.

Empowering Women and Entrepreneurs

Fortuna isn’t just a bank; it’s a community. Monthly events, mentorship, and hands-on financial literacy programs are central to empowering clients—especially women business owners.

Safe Spaces and Real Support

One standout moment? A client, burdened by debt, found immediate empathy and guidance from the Fortuna team—no judgment, just support. Fortuna is intentional about creating a safe space, where asking questions and seeking help is always encouraged.

Practical Solutions for Modern Banking

Switching banks can be a hassle, but Fortuna promises to walk clients through every step—making transitions seamless and stress-free.

Support for Nonprofits and Small Businesses

Fortuna offers fee-free, interest-bearing accounts for nonprofits and even provides board training and consulting. For entrepreneurs, Fortuna’s personalized guidance—business planning, financial projections, and a network of mentors—means you’re never alone in your journey.

Moments

00:00 Empowering Women in Finance

03:58 "2008 Banking Career Start"

10:04 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

11:15 "First Day, First Story"

14:01 "Seamless Banking, Genuine Support"

18:23 "Enhanced Deposit Protection Service"

22:46 "Tailored Banking for Nonprofits"

25:03 "Nonprofit Funding Made Easier"

28:29 Banking Simplified Through Technology

31:08 Empowering Confident Business Owners

36:17 Women Entrepreneurs: Own Your Strength

39:41 Building Community, Empowering Businesses

40:48 Podcast Recap: Expert Insights

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.

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And of course, everything can be found on our website,

Healthy aging isn’t just about years—it's about living well NOW to enjoy vibrant decades ahead!

Or as we jokingly say in this episode, "two-steppin' your way to better health!"

We had the pleasure of featuring Dr. Jacob Coffman of Optimize Chiropractic. The conversation isn’t just about pain relief; it’s about mastering mobility, building healthspan, and making sustainable changes for the long run.

Here are our top 3 takeaways:

1. Healthspan should MATCH lifespan: Don’t just aim to live longer; aim to maximize the years you’re strong, mobile, and active. Dr. Coffman highlights that the average person spends about 12 years in poor health—let’s reduce that gap!
2. Personalization is key: One-size-fits-all care doesn’t exist. Whether it’s strength training, lifestyle tweaks, or balancing work/life demands, effective plans are tailored to each person’s goals and realities.
3. It’s never too late to start: No matter your age or starting point, small, consistent steps—like upping your daily steps, increasing fiber, or focusing on balance—can lead to meaningful improvement.

We love Dr. Coffman's reminder that we should set realistic goals, move consistently, and fiercely protect our function as we age. Baby steps, done regularly, deliver big results!

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

Moments

00:00 Journey to Love and Career

04:07 Extending Healthspan Over Lifespan

09:53 Choosing the Right Practitioner

11:55 Choose the Right Chiropractic Care

15:18 Chiropractic: Pain Relief & Function

18:28 Personalized Goal Achievement Strategies

23:03 Baseline Data Tracks Recovery Progress

24:26 Tracking Progress and Personalizing Care

28:04 Patient Consultation and Exam Process

31:54 Personalized Care for Unique Lives

34:20 Effective Personal Training Plans

40:16 "Gradual Progress for Better Health"

43:04 Debunking Aging and Pain Myths

46:42 Never Too Late to Start

49:42 "Importance of Support for Wellness"

54:07 Progress Through Consistent Baby Steps

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast...

Whether you’re already an avid library fan or just looking for ways to explore Columbus on a budget, this episode has everything you need to know about unlocking incredible cultural adventures through your local library.

We are shining the spotlight on one of Central Ohio’s most exciting community resources—the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Culture Pass program. Joined by special guest Stephanie Burley, the library’s manager of circulation, we explore the origins, growth, and behind-the-scenes workings of this innovative program that gives library cardholders free access to nearly 20 cultural organizations across the region.

From the Franklin Park Conservatory to the Columbus Clippers, and even the Columbus Crew, the Culture Pass program opens the doors to museums, theaters, sporting events, and more—at no cost. Stephanie shares her two-decade journey at the library, the impact of community partnerships, and how the library’s dedicated team makes it all possible.

Who’s eligible? How do you get a pass? And what’s coming up next for the program? Listen for tips on how to get the most out of your experience, stories of community excitement, and details on how you can provide feedback or suggest new organizations for the Culture Pass.

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

Here are our top 3 takeaways:

• Expansive & Growing Access: The Culture Pass program has expanded from just 2 partners in 2018 to nearly 20 organizations in 2025—including museums, theaters, sports teams, and more. The best part? Every pass is donated, saving local families significant costs on cultural experiences.

• Open to All Ohio Residents: You don’t have to live in Columbus to benefit! Anyone residing in Ohio can obtain a Columbus Metropolitan Library card (it’s quick, easy, and free) and start enjoying these cultural passes—no matter your age.

• Personal Connections & Support: The success of Culture Pass hinges on dedicated library staff at every branch, who help patrons navigate the process. Each pass is unique (some are physical, some use promo codes), but the team is always ready to guide you—including troubleshooting and celebrating your experiences!

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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