In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley speaks with Crystal Joramo, Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Community WFM. They discuss the critical role of workforce management in enhancing employee experience and operational efficiency, the importance of partnerships in the industry, and the impact of AI and automation on workforce management. Crystal shares her career journey, insights into the evolution of workforce management, and the unique position of Community WFM in the market, especially following its acquisition by RingCentral. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to modernize their workforce management strategies to improve customer and employee satisfaction.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Workforce Management and Community WFM

02:08 Crystal Joramo's Career Journey

05:39 Understanding Workforce Management

08:52 The Importance of Automation in Workforce Management

11:47 The Evolution of Workforce Management

13:08 Community WFM's Unique Position in the Market

15:04 The Role of Partnerships in Workforce Management

16:10 Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning

21:49 AI and Data-Driven Workforce Management

26:16 The Future of Workforce Management Technology

32:12 Understanding Workforce Dynamics and Agent Roles

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley speaks with Dr. TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place. They discuss the importance of leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness in the workplace. Dr. Johnson shares her career journey, the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, and the significance of mentorship and community engagement. The conversation highlights the need for organizations to invest in their people and create inclusive environments that foster growth and collaboration. Catherine and TaRita also explore workforce trends and the impact of technology on the future of work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Community Engagement

02:11 Career Path and the Importance of Connection

06:05 Key Lessons in Talent and Culture

09:20 Challenges in Attracting and Retaining Talent

12:18 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship

19:12 Collaborative Strategies for Talent Development

22:10 Creating a Thriving Workplace Culture

23:49 Empowering Marginalized Voices

26:24 Workforce Trends and Recruitment Challenges

29:58 The Role of AI in Workforce Management

32:06 Investing in People for Organizational Success

36:40 Community Engagement and Talent Development

39:50 Optimizing Technology for Future Work

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, we sit down with Carmit DiAndrea, Director of AI Data Management at NiCE, to explore how data, AI, and human insight come together to transform customer experience (CX). Carmit shares her unique perspective from working at the intersection of customers, product teams, and analysts—and why quantifiable business value must always come first.

We discuss why AI is only as powerful as the data behind it, how organizations can become truly “data-ready,” and why governance, transparency, and fairness are foundational to success. Together, we unpack the evolution of contact centers, the growing importance of self-service and intent-based automation, and how orchestration connects systems, people, and AI into seamless customer journeys.

Carmit also highlights the rise of AI co-pilots for agents, supervisors, and business leaders, showing how real-time insights can reduce employee burden, improve performance, and increase retention. From building data-driven AI roadmaps to navigating tech debt and the “Frankenstack,” this episode offers practical guidance for leaders who want to move forward with AI—without losing the human connection that makes great CX possible.

• (00:00) - – Welcome & Quote of the Day
• (01:25) - – Carmit’s Role at NICE
• (04:49) - – NICE’s Vision for Data, AI & CX
• (06:46) - – The Evolution of Customer Experience
• (08:32) - – Self-Service vs. Human Support
• (12:21) - – The Data & AI Equation
• (13:00) - – Becoming Data-Ready
• (15:32) - – AI, Analytics & Workflow Transformation
• (17:29) - – Empowering Frontline Employees
• (19:49) - – AI Co-Pilots for Agents, Supervisors & Leaders
• (23:40) - – AI Adoption & Employee Expectations
• (24:30) - – Building a Data-Driven AI Roadmap
• (27:03) - – Tackling the “Frankenstack”
• (29:02) - – Where to Start with AI
• (31:01) - – Real-World Success Stories
• (32:46) - – One Thing Every Leader Should Know About CX
• (34:36) - – Overcoming Fear of AI Disruption
• (36:21) - – The Future of AI and Human Work
• (39:52) - – Innovators & Inspiration
• (40:20) - – Mindset for CX & AI Transformation
• (42:04) - – You’re Not Alone
• (43:49) - – Closing Thoughts & Where to Learn More

In the latest episode of Symplicity Conversations, host Catherine Ripley is joined by Chris Randall, the CEO of Sweep LLC. We talk about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of creativity and adaptability in today's business landscape, and what it's like having the lightbulb go off and to make the leap into the unknown.

Chapters

(00:00) The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

(10:51) Navigating Challenges and Lessons Learned

(13:41) The Importance of Networking and Community

(16:47) Understanding the Business Model of Sweep

(19:45) The Evolution of Sweep and Its Mission

(22:46) Future Aspirations and Market Expansion

(32:05) Expanding Service Offerings

(34:46) The Power of Networking

(37:23) Navigating Business Growth Challenges

(40:12) Embracing Leadership and Impact

(43:04) Building a Credible Brand

(48:36) Innovating For the Future

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Michael Meyer, VP of Product and Strategy at Summit, discusses the evolving landscape of data centers, the importance of trust in technology partnerships, and the challenges organizations face in modern IT infrastructure. He emphasizes the need for operational excellence, data governance, and the impact of AI and automation on business decisions. The conversation highlights Summit's mission to provide reliable IT infrastructure solutions and the significance of building long-term relationships with clients based on trust and expertise.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Data Centers and Trust

01:21 Michael Meyer's Journey into Data Center Technology

03:37 The Shift in Data Center Needs

06:50 Data Readiness and Governance

09:14 Summit’s Mission and Core Problems

10:43 Challenges in Modern IT Infrastructure

12:31 Demand for Data Centers and Market Forces

14:25 Misalignment in Business Needs

15:48 Summit as a Partner in Data Center Solutions

20:06 Operational Excellence and Cost Savings

21:02 Impact of AI and Automation on Data Centers

24:29 Revisiting Data Centers and AI Challenges

30:41 Operationalizing AI: Strategies for Success

32:50 Security and Compliance: Addressing Vulnerabilities

38:32 Trends in Technology: Repatriation and Future Strategies

44:47 Looking Forward: Embracing Change and Opportunity

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley speaks with Sandy Harvey, President and Chief Inclusion Strategist at Exodus Consulting Group. They discuss the importance of community and networking, Sandy's journey into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the evolving landscape of leadership in today's workplace.

The conversation highlights the significance of trust, accountability, and culture in organizations, as well as the personal challenges Sandy faced as a breast cancer survivor. Sandy also shares insights from her newly released book, 'The Inclusion Architecture Blueprint,' aimed at transforming workplace culture through effective DEI strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Symplicity Conversations

03:00The Importance of Community and Networking

06:11 Sandy's Journey into DEI and Leadership

09:09 High-Performing Leadership in Today's Workplace

12:04 Building Trust and Accountability in Teams

15:03 Transforming Workplace Culture

17:48 Self-Awareness and Personal Accountability

20:53 Resilience and Personal Stories

24:01 Sandy's Cancer Journey and Advocacy

26:45 The Launch of Sandy's Book

29:47 Dreaming Big and Overcoming Obstacles

33:03 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, Catherine Ripley and Doug Seites reflect on their journey over the past year, celebrating milestones, achievements, and the importance of clarity in their operations. They discuss the significance of community engagement, the awards received, and the operational changes that have set the stage for future growth. Looking ahead to 2026, they emphasize the role of technology in transforming business practices while maintaining a human touch. This conversation highlights the importance of reflection, goal-setting, and the excitement for what lies ahead.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating a Year of Symplicity Conversations

02:54 Reflections on Clarity and Growth

06:01 Achievements and Milestones of 2025

08:49 The Impact of New Beginnings

12:01 Awards and Recognition

15:01 Building a Stronger Team

18:13 Digital Transformation and Women in Technology

23:41 From Screen to Stage: The Amazon Prime Experience

24:48 Creating Impactful Spaces: The Role of Office Design

26:31 Community Engagement: Awards and Events that Matter

28:44 Tech Week Triumph: Hosting a Successful Event

30:31 Reflecting on Achievements: A Year in Review

36:14 Looking Ahead: Goals for the 20th Anniversary

39:00 Understanding Symplicity: Our Mission and Services

45:43 Exciting Future: Technology and Customer Experience

In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, we sit down with Peter Hungerford as he steps into his new role as the Vice President of Manufacturing at The Right Place. We discuss the transformation of the manufacturing sector in West Michigan, exploring the vital role small and mid-sized manufacturers play in economic resilience.
Discover how collaboration, technology, and strategic planning are reshaping the industry amidst disruption. Plus, gain insights into the importance of community connections and continuous learning for thriving in today's fast-paced environment. Don't miss this engaging discussion on building a robust manufacturing ecosystem for the future. Subscribe for more inspiring conversations on leadership, technology, and community building.

Chapters

(00:00) Lonely at the Top: Power, Pressure, and Grace
(00:31) Meet Peter Hungerford & His New Role at The Right Place
(02:00) Career Journey: From Y2K Consulting to Manufacturing Executive
(06:29) Why Small & Mid-Size Manufacturers Power Local Economies
(13:21) Regional Collaboration and Tapping Local EDCs
(15:20) Supply Chain Shocks, Tech Disruption, and Robotics
(18:13) What a Healthy Manufacturing Ecosystem Really Looks Like
(23:42) Barriers to Transformation: Capital, Knowledge, and Time
(33:07) Strategy, Metrics, and Turning Disruption into Opportunity
(40:13) Learning From Mistakes, Building Your Village, and Final Advice