Influential Business Leaders to Follow | Kevin MacRitchie | Exeleon Magazine

FEBRUARY2024

ISSUE–05

IN – FOCUS

IN – FOCUS

TRANSFORMING WORKPLACES WITH KATE

WALKER

CONSULTING

INTERVIEW WITH DIGITAL MARKETERBRANDON BERNICKY

Influental

Embracing Excellence

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CONTENTS

KEVIN MACRITCHIE

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CONTENTS

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KATE WALKER

Transforming Healthcare at its Core

Chief Executive Office Tactical Rehabilitation Inc.

Armed with over thirty-five years of experience in healthcare, government, and IT, Kevin MacRitchie, Chief Executive Officer of Tactical Rehabilitation Inc., stands as a visionary force propelling change within the industry.

Kevin not only leads the charge in revolutionizing healthcare practices but also champions a commitment to excellence and service that transcends professional boundaries.

Fittingly, Kevin MacRitchie features on the Cover of Exeleon's Most Influential Business Leaders to Follow in 2024. Herein, we look into his story, his journey, and his ideologies.

A CAREER OF DIVERSE IMPACT

Kevin's career relects a commitment to making a positive impact across various sectors. His foray into healthcare leadership was driven by a profound belief that the United States Military deserved the highest quality care, services, and products.

Recognizing the historical shortcomings in the services provided to these heroes, Kevin joined Tactical Rehabilitation in pursuit of a simple goal –maximizing the health and healing of the military community.

Kevin's career has been anything but conventional, with experiences ranging from supporting natural and war-torn disaster response efforts to navigating the intricacies of communications, technology, and medical services. This diverse background positions Kevin uniquely, bringing a holistic perspective to his role as the Chief Executive Oficer of Tactical Rehabilitation.

A VISION BORN OF FRUSTRATION

The story of Tactical Rehabilitation begins with its founder, David Marr, driven by a deep frustration with the lack of high-quality healthcare services available to military personnel and their families.

This frustration evolved into a vision for transformative change within healthcare systems dedicated to the heroes defending our nation. David envisioned a company that not only provided top-notch healthcare solutions but also upheld the highest standards of service and care for those who serve the country.

Established in 2013, Tactical Rehabilitation holds a clear mission – to provide top-quality products and unparalleled service to activeduty service members, veterans, and their families.

Under Kevin's leadership, the company's commitment to a "Battle-Tested" standard ensures that every product meets highperformance criteria towards complete healing, not merely slowing down the degradation of medical conditions.

TACTICAL EXPERIENCE

In the complex healthcare industry, Tactical Rehabilitation operates with a dual focus – providing the best possible patient experience while minimizing the impact of business processes. Understanding that patients' time is invaluable, the company strives to streamline business processes, keeping the "Tactical Experience" at the forefront.

Through digital support and streamlined documentation, Tactical Rehabilitation aims to reduce the volume of business processes associated with the

highly regulated healthcare industry.

The company's dedication to patient care is evident in its commitment to making the patient experience seamless and stressfree. By keeping much of the business end behind the scenes, Tactical Rehabilitation ensures that patient care remains the primary focus. The company's commitment to improving operations demonstrates a proactive approach to providing patients with the highest level of service.

A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

At the heart of Tactical Rehabilitation's success lies its commitment to delivering highquality products and services. Kevin MacRitchie emphasizes the company's "Battle-Tested" standards, ensuring that each product undergoes rigorous testing and meets high-performance criteria. The company specializes in biomechanical, musculo-skeletal, non-pharmaceutical pain relief, and para-somnia solutions, providing doctors and patients with top-notch care.

Venturing into the healthcare industry is no small feat, considering the myriad challenges, regulations, policies, and inspections. However, under the leadership of Kevin, Tactical Rehabilitation aimed to rectify the substandard solutions and products offered to military personnel. The company's approach involved forming partnerships and employing retired military personnel to truly understand the needs and desires for better healthcare and service.

Moreover, the company faced a challenge in adapting to the rapidly evolving healthcare industry and its changing policies. Adapting its business model and operations to meet new policies required a strategic reassessment of its existing strategy. The company navigated these challenges by staying up to date on new policies, regulations, and industry standards, all while delivering high-quality care and services.

The turning point for Tactical Rehabilitation came in the early 2020s when the company experienced significant growth despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic decisions by the Board of

Directors and the CEO, including bringing in additional leadership and expertise, positioned the company for accelerated growth. This not only helped the company weather a global crisis but also set the stage for continued success without compromising its commitment to quality care and services.

Acknowledging the challenges in the DME space, the company invests in extensive training and certification for its employees, ensuring that each team member is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for their roles. Stringent product testing and review, both internally and externally, involve collaboration with prescribing physicians to guarantee the highest quality solutions for patients.

To address insurance complexities and the tendency to reduce costs through inferior products, Tactical Rehabilitation has set itself apart. The company focuses entirely on "battle-tested" solutions that promote healing. By constantly improving internal systems and processes, the company maximizes patient care time, minimizing repetitive paperwork and other processes that might hinder the fitting and education of patients.

Tactical Rehabilitation's success framework revolves around its dedicated team, uniied by a common purpose and passion for serving others. The company operates on a predictive mathematical model, identifying areas for improvement in outreach and maintaining a growth rate faster than industry standards. The cohesive team, with a shared commitment to excellence, ensures Tactical Rehabilitation remains a dependable provider for the nation's heroes.

A TEAM-FIRST APPROACH

Tactical Rehabilitation places high value on its team members, recognizing each individual as a valuable member of the organization. The company offers exceptional employee beneits while maintaining a "family business" ethos. The team, many of whom are themselves military personnel or veterans, bring a unique and personal dedication to the mission of providing the highest quality products and services.

Kevin MacRitchie's journey at Tactical Rehabilitation has been characterized by a commitment to understanding the business model, connecting with employees, and

earning their trust.

Relecting on his role, Kevin expresses the joy of waking up knowing he leads the best team in the market, serving the greatest heroes on a daily basis. The trust he has earned from both the executive team and the employees exempliies his dedication to fostering an environment where growth, opportunity, and exceptional service lourish. Kevin's passion for employee development has fostered a culture of learning, accountability, and customer advocacy, resulting in exceptional customer satisfaction rates and a loyal customer base.

As the CEO of the company, Kevin MacRitchie believes in building diverse teams with a range of views and expertise. He promotes open communication and constructive debate to adapt to changing market conditions and meet the long-term needs of the company and its customers. While acknowledging the need for decisive decisionmaking, Kevin emphasizes using common sense and logic to ensure everyone understands the reasoning behind those decisions.

FUTURE-READY

Looking ahead to the future of healthcare, Kevin MacRitchie acknowledges the signiicant changes brought about by digitization. Tactical Rehabilitation has embraced this shift, leveraging technology to enhance the patient care experience. By digitizing processes and paperwork, the company has optimized patient/provider interaction, ensuring a superior "Tactical Experience."

While recognizing the increased demand for virtual appointments, Tactical Rehabilitation remains steadfast in prioritizing the health and welfare of its patients. Kevin emphasizes that as long as healthcare providers keep the patient at the heart of their operations, digitization can bring positive change. The company's commitment to utilizing technology to improve services aligns with its overarching goal of providing the highest level of care to patients while adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.

How Businesses Can Save Over $1,000 Annually on Cell Phone Bills

Rob Webber, Founder of MoneySavingPro

In an era where every dollar counts, businesses across the United States are constantly on the lookout for ways to slash expenses and boost their bottom lines. One often overlooked area ripe for savings is the company's cell phone bill.

I've outlined a few actionable strategies companies can employ to reduce their cell phone expenses signiicantly.

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF BIG WIRELESS CARRIERS

Cell phone bills represent a substantial monthly expense for many businesses, often inlated by unnecessary services, lackluster plans, and the premium prices charged by big wireless carriers.

The allure of sticking with a wellknown provider is strong, driven by

the perception of better coverage and customer service.

However, this loyalty comes at a cost, potentially thousands of dollars annually, that could be better invested in growth initiatives.

Big wireless providers are notorious for continued price hikes, hidden fees, and confusing terms and conditions. However, low-cost alternatives have maintained or even lowered the price of their plans and given businesses price transparency.

UNCOVERING SAVINGS WITH A LOW-COST CARRIER

Low-cost carriers like Tello and US Mobile are game changers in the business cell phone plan landscape.

They operate on major networks

like T-Mobile and Verizon but at a fraction of the price. You'll get the same quality coverage for your business needs without the hefty price tag.

Unlike the one-size-its-all approach of traditional carriers, affordable carriers offer tailored plans, ensuring you only pay for what you genuinely need.

They also far exceed the competition in terms of customer service satisfaction. By switching from a big wireless carrier, businesses can unlock substantial savings without compromising on customer service quality or cellular coverage.

EVALUATING YOUR BUSINESS CELL PHONE NEEDS

The irst step in slashing your cell phone bill is to audit your current

usage and needs thoroughly.

Many businesses overpay for unlimited data plans when their actual data consumption is far lower.

Flexible plan options allow businesses to customize based on actual usage, ensuring you're not overpaying for unnecessary data, talk, or text allowances.

THE ADVANTAGES OF CUSTOMIZATION

With these low-cost carriers, customization is key. Businesses can tailor plans to it their unique needs, adjusting data, talk, and text allowances as needed.

This lexibility ensures that each employee's plan is optimized for their speciic usage patterns, eliminating wasteful spending on unused services.

STREAMLINING MANAGEMENT AND BILLING

These carriers also simplify the management of multiple lines, offering centralized billing and easy-to-use management tools.

This saves time and provides a clearer overview of your company's cellphone expenses, making it easier to identify further savings opportunities.

REAL-WORLD SAVINGS EXAMPLE

Consider a small business currently using a big wireless carrier with 10 lines, each with an unlimited plan costing $40 per month. The annual cost for this setup is $4,800.

By switching to US Mobile or Tello

ABOUT THE AUTHORROB WEBBER

Rob has 15+ years of experience running price comparison & review websites in the US and UK that empower consumers and businesses to find the cheapest phone services and internet providers.

He has wrien advice pieces on a variety of topics surrounding the wireless sector as well as regarding other consumer finance issues.

Rob's ultimate goal is to help people and businesses make informed buying decisions by providing them with the necessary information to make those decisions.

and tailoring each line to match actual usage, the monthly cost per line could drop to as low as $10-25, reducing the annual expense to between $1,200-3,000.

This simple change that takes moments can save the business $1,800-3,600 annually.

HOW MONEYSAVINGPRO CAN HELP

At, we specialize MoneySavingPro in uncovering the best deals and strategies to save families and businesses money across a wide range of expenses, from phone plans to 5G internet.

Our expertise lies in rigorous research, industry knowledge, and in-depth comparisons to bring you insights that can lead to substantial savings.

When it comes to cutting down your cellphone bill, our guidance is

based on real-world experience, unbiased reviews, and our analysis of market patterns.

RECAP

In today's competitive business environment, inding ways to reduce overhead while maintaining operational eficiency is crucial.

Your company can unlock signiicant savings by reassessing your business's cellphone needs and considering alternative carriers like US Mobile or Tello.

Remember, the goal is to pay for what you use, not for the perceived prestige of sticking with a big name. Embrace the savings potential and reinvest those funds into areas of your business that can drive growth and success.

From being a corporate HR executive to empowering leadership consultant, Kate Walker has positioned herself as an expert in workplace transformation. Read this interview, wherein she shares her thoughts on building effective communication, helping managers, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.

Your corporate exit in 2021 marked a signiicant transition. What motivated you to leave your seniorlevel corporate Human Resources roles and establish Kate Walker Consulting?

My transition out of a corporate career was due to a culmination of many things including a desire for greater time freedom, location freedom, lexibility in how I help my clients, and

the opportunity to generate greater income.

I wanted to niche my vast HR experience toward helping leaders navigate their complex, high level workplace and employee issues.

Although important, I'm not as interested in HR policy projects. I'm passionate about teaching managers how to implement ninja-level skills. Employees are quitting and outing bad managers every day on social media. Managers need help, and I want to help them.

In your consulting work, you focus on helping leaders build powerhouse skills that impact company culture and the bottom line. Can you share some key

strategies you advocate for enhancing leadership and team dynamics?

70% of organizational programs fail and the most likely cause is often a lack of communication. I have witnessed many points of failure in organizations due to poor communication planning, skill, and tactics.

Providing our teams clear, concise, and frequent communication cannot be underrated. Much of my consulting is in support of helping leaders foster stronger skills toward communicating their vision, mission, delivering feedback, navigating dificult conversations which all point toward elevating employee performance and engagement.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders on fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture?

Active listening is critical. My advice is to maintain ongoing authentic dialog with team members and ask open ended questions. I encourage leaders to schedule employee brainstorming or ideation sessions because these interactions foster creativity and collaboration among team members, leading to innovative ideas and solutions. This can help people feel heard and included.

Brainstorming provides an environment for everyone to

Your book, 'A Candid Conversation' combines memoir and a guide to relection and empowerment. What inspired you to write this book, and what key lessons do you hope readers take away from it?

I've experienced many transitional and transformational situations both personally and professionally. I couldn't seem to ind the right book or resource to provide me guidance or comfort while navigating personal challenges.

After years of relection, I wondered if I could ind the courage to share my own stories and experiences by writing a book in service to helping others

who might be looking for a resource. I began reviewing my journals and developing some of that material into what became the book. I published the book from a place of service, appreciation of life's journey, and the beauty of looking forward.

Key lessons that I'd like readers to take away from the book are:

1.Big decisions are scary and take courage but can lead you to more fulilling places.

2.People will show you who they are, and we should believe them the irst time.

3.Key tips and advice about my career trajectory including how I left corporate and launched a business.

contribute their perspectives and expertise, ultimately helping to improve decision-making, problemsolving, and ensuring many voices are heard. Creating space for employees to feel seen and heard can help promote greater inclusiveness within an organization.

What is your vision going forward for Kate Walker Consulting? What are you most excited about?

My vision is to help companies improve their workplace culture. Managers urgently need help; they need a roadmap. I'm excited about providing game-changing tools for managers

I've developed a curriculum (New Manager Academy) to help companies modernize and improve how managers engage with and coach employees. It's about coaching leaders in a new and actionable way. New Manager Academy is both a digital on-demand program plus regular LIVE group hot seat coaching that's designed for positive interactive conversation and transformation.

The curriculum is intended for smaller companies (50-300) who would greatly beneit from training built upon a foundation of globalcompany best practices shared by an HR expert. I'm excited to help managers accelerate and quantum leap.

Liviu Tanase

Innovating Success

Meet Liviu Tanase, a visionary entrepreneur and the mind behind ZeroBounce, a leader in email validation, deliverability, and email-inding.

With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for opportunities in the B2B tech space, Liviu has founded ive companies, each contributing to his reputation as a serial entrepreneur.

As an email marketing thought leader, Liviu's insights and expertise are highly sought after, leading him to contribute to renowned publications such as Inc. and Entrepreneur. His entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to the tech industry have not gone unnoticed, as Forbes magazine honored him on their Forbes Next 1000 list, celebrating "entrepreneurial heroes redeining the American dream."

Read this exclusive interview with Liviu Tanase for more insights into his

journey and about ZeroBounce.

What according to you makes one transformational? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

You become transformational in business when you push for better. As I like to remind myself, your strengths aren't your problem; rather, it's your weaknesses .

When you're willing to conquer your weaknesses, you'll create dramatic changes in your organization and in the people around you.

You integrate that into your leadership by always leading by example. If you see that someone is missing the mark, try to ind out if the cause is

something you personally need to improve on. I don't think you can be transformational or innovative until you start assessing progress and deciding on direction. It's so important to calibrate. You don't want to exert your operation in the wrong direction.

Can you share the story of how you ventured into entrepreneurship, and what motivated you to establish ZeroBounce?

I can't ever remember not having an entrepreneurial heart. I can recall seeing movies early on that depicted businessmen. They traveled around and got to be a part of exciting things.

Also, I've always been fascinated by technology. I loved staying abreast of all things tech and was always wondering about technology's evolution and its impact on the world.

My irst business? I was just a kid. I was selling computers, but it was an ofline business. Then, everyone seemed to have internet access and I wanted to move with the times. I got involved in telecommunications and worked with some talented people. I was always learning and thinking about ways in which I could bring my contribution to the tech space.

I irst got the idea for ZeroBounce about eight years ago. By then, I had already grown an email marketing business in Europe and knew the many facets of email and what goes into running successful campaigns. Connecting with real people is where it all begins – and to do that, you need genuine, valid email

addresses.

Email contacts decay fast – about 23% of an email list dies yearly. There were a few services out there that could check the validity of email addresses. Although I was impressed with the technology of these platforms, I couldn't help but envision some alternative approaches. The idea of improvement is a huge driving force for me, so I gathered a small team of experts and got to work.

Then, the excitement of a new venture started feeding me with energy. We were going to build our own email validation service and improve the way poor-quality data is detected. Our goal was to give

email senders a more reliable manner to reach their customers.

Congratulations on being a Forbes Next 1000 honoree. How has this recognition impacted your work and your position as a thought leader in the tech space?

Being a Forbes “Next 1000” honoree was a real achievement. I look at awards and other public recognitions as an indicator that you're doing a good job, but the thing I always take from them is to try and work harder. You'd think that it would make me feel like it's time to coast, but it goes back to the desire to be innovative. You won't get anywhere if you become complacent.

The Forbes award also solidiied our hard-earned trust with our audience and got the attention of more businesses looking to boost their email results. That only motivated me and my team further to continue being pioneers.

Please highlight some key milestones and achievements of ZeroBounce that you are particularly proud of.

It was a milestone to launch, which anyone who has started a business can testify. Through the years, there have been a few things that stand out in my mind. When we validated our irst billion email addresses. Every billion since then is exciting. We're at 24 billion now – three

times the population of our planet.

It was thrilling when we made the Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years in a row. Forbes “Next 1000” was a milestone. Anytime someone recognizes you, it's a reason to be happy. But the number one source of pride comes from our customer reviews. That's really what it's all about for us. We've got a lot of satisied customers – more than 300,000, including brands like Amazon, Netlix, and Sephora.

What advice do you have for businesses looking to optimize their email marketing strategies, considering the dynamic nature of the digital landscape?

If you want to optimize your email marketing, you must be willing to put in the time and effort. But thankfully, there are so many aspects you can automate. For instance, the easiest way to engage your customers right away is to send a welcome email. These emails tend to perform well and help you create an immediate connection with your audience.

Also, segmenting your email list allows you to create more relevant emails and increase your click rates. The average person receives about ten dozen emails daily. So, before you send an email, ask yourself if you would want to open it. How will you stand out? By making sure every email speaks to a speciic audience and its needs. Personalization is a must.

Finally, keep an eye on your metrics. If it's been more than six months since you checked your list, chances are many of your emails are bouncing. An average bounce

rate of 2% is acceptable, but if it's higher, your email list isn't healthy, and your campaigns may be going to spam. It takes only minutes to remove that invalid data and help your emails get to the inbox.

Once you become familiar with email validation, look into other email optimization tools. For instance, you no longer have to wonder where your email ends up. You can use an inbox tester to determine if your email will land in the inbox. If you ind out that it's going to spam, you can make changes so it can go to the inbox.

What are your future aspirations for ZeroBounce, and how do you envision the company evolving in response to the evolving needs of the market?

Global email usage has seen exponential growth. More than half of the people in our world currently use email. It's astonishing to me that we can all communicate so easily. And we don't take being a part of the email industry lightly.

Our ultimate goal is to continue building ZeroBounce into the best email optimization platform. We've made ZeroBounce a place where businesses can ind everything, they need to accomplish their email communication goals. There will be even more services on our platform, one of which is launching soon.

With the proliferation of AI, businesses will try to preserve and strengthen their human connection with their audiences. The irst step toward that is to be in people's inboxes – and all our tools work together to help our customers accomplish that goal.

AboutZeroBounce

ZeroBounce is an awardwinning email veriication, deliverability, and emailinding platform helping 300,000+ customers achieve email success.

Its 99% accurate email validation service removes obsolete and risky email addresses to help senders prevent bounces and maintain a good reputation. ZeroBounce's email deliverability toolkit –including inbox testing and DMARC monitoring – further

supports companies in their quest to reach the inbox. Activity Data, one of ZeroBounce's most popular features, offers subscriber activity insights, allowing marketers to target their most active audiences. Email Finder is ZeroBounce's latest tool that provides professionals with valid business email addresses to enhance their email outreach efforts.

ZeroBounce has validated 24+ billion emails and

serves companies of all sizes, from solo business owners to Amazon, Disney, Netlix, and Sephora. The platform ensures military-grade security and is GDPR, SOC 2 Type 2, ISO-27001-certiied, and India DPDP-ready.

In 2022, ZeroBounce founded Email Day (April 23), now an international holiday honoring email inventor Ray Tomlinson.

Beyond the Finish Line

Discover Charles Clark's journey from being an elite athlete to mental well-being advocate, and how he's helping others redeine resilience and thrive beyond their physical and mental challenges.

Your journey from being ranked the sixth fastest man in the world to focusing on mental well-being is inspiring. Can you share the story of how a devastating injury became a catalyst for this transformation?

My career as an athlete peaked in 2009 when I became an NCAA National Champion in the 200meter dash and secured my place as the sixth fastest man in the world at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin.

Being at the top of my game wasn't just my passion; it was my identity. However, that identity was shattered in an instant when I suffered a 99% tear in my right quad muscle. I was told I'd never run as fast again.

The following two years were a battle, not just with recovery but with inding my footing in a world where I could no longer do what I loved most. This time forced me to confront a stark

reality: my entire identity was wrapped up in my athletic ability, and without it, I felt lost.

This journey wasn't just about healing physically but also about rediscovering who I was beyond the track. It was during this time, at my rock bottom, I truly began to understand the depth of my mental resilience. This realization marked the beginning of my transformation. It was clear that no one else could navigate this path for me. I had to take responsibility for my situation and, more importantly, my future.

This process of self-discovery and the emphasis on mental and emotional well-being has become the foundation of my life today. It's inspired me to focus on mental health, not just for myself but as a message to share with others as they navigate their own ups and downs.

You emphasize mastering and sustaining optimal mental well-being. What does optimal mental well-being mean to you, and how do you guide others in achieving and maintaining it?

Optimal mental well-being, to me, is so much more than unwavering positivity. It's about cultivating the mental fortitude to navigate life's inevitable challenges and the mindset to cherish

even the smallest moments of joy. It's the belief that true resilience—the cornerstone of a life worth living—can only be fostered on a foundation of robust mental health. In my experience, the challenge that countless people face in achieving happiness today can be traced back to what I refer to as our 'PC'—our programming and conditioning.

This is often what stops us from breaking free from toxic thought patterns that hinder our ability to seize opportunities for growth. One critical aspect of achieving optimal mental well-being is mastering the art of the reset. It's a process of identifying and altering the ingrained habits and beliefs that sabotage our well-being. The goal isn't to embark on an endless quest for happiness but to cultivate a mindset where happiness can lourish naturally.

I help others ind this reset by sharing strategies on stages around the world, through my writing in my books 'Become Your Ideal Self: How to Heal Through Self Therapy' and 'The I in Team: The Playbook To Create A Winning Culture & A Thriving Business,' and by embodying these principles in my daily life as a testament to how transformative a conscious mental shift can be.

Are there speciic mental strategies or mindset shifts from your athletic career that you ind applicable to everyday life?

The mindset of a winner, which I honed during my years as an athlete, is a fundamental part of my daily life. This mindset isn't about standing on the podium with a gold

medal; it's about the relentless pursuit of excellence and the resilience to keep pushing forward, even when the odds are against you.

It's realizing that the biggest competition is against the limits we set for ourselves, not against others. The mind, I've learned, is our most powerful tool. Like any muscle, its strength lies in how well we train it. I've experienced irsthand how the mind inluences our thoughts, those thoughts shape our habits, and those habits, in turn, dictate our lives.

By initiating change at the mental level, we can transform our lives in ways we might never have imagined.

What practical advice do you offer to individuals seeking to enhance their mental well-being on a daily basis?

One of the best things we can do for ourselves daily is work towards a growth mindset. Embracing the idea that our brain's capacity for learning and adapting is virtually ininite can fundamentally change how we approach setbacks. Rather than being tethered to speciic outcomes, adopting a growth mindset allows us to reframe situations, exercise cognitive lexibility, and turn potential failures into stepping-stones for success and fulillment.

A key aspect of this is the practice of repurposing our experiences. Just as a fallen tree in the Redwood Forest doesn't signify an end but the beginning of a new ecosystem, our missteps can be the fertile ground for new growth. It's about seeing beyond the immediate loss

to the potential gains that can come from it.

To apply this in your life, I recommend a ive-step process to repurpose any situation:

1.Identify the situation that has led to mental stagnation.

2.Relect on the purpose this situation once served in your life.

3.Honestly assess your role in arriving at this point.

4.Seek a more positive or constructive meaning you can attach to the experience.

5.Determine what comes next, empowering yourself to ind new reasons to experience joy, love, and happiness.

This practice is about recognizing that you have the power to dictate whether a moment in your life is an endpoint or a beginning. If something in your life no longer serves you, ask yourself: how can you repurpose this experience to align more closely with the life you desire?

What are your aspirations for the future in terms of your work in mental well-being, and how do you envision making a lasting impact in this ield?

My goal is to help people redeine their setbacks and unleash their full potential. Imagine a world where everyone is living their optimum lives with a sense of serenity. For me, that means sharing my insights on bigger stages and the release of my next book, 'Guide to Thrive,' scheduled for April 4th.

I want my story to serve as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and the possibility of rebirth through mental fortitude. Ultimately, I aim to be a catalyst for change, inspiring a cultural shift that redeines how we view mental health, moving away from stigma and towards acceptance and compassion.

My goal is to see a world where mental well-being is not an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of daily life, where people are equipped with the tools and support, they need to thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Finally, what does being dynamic mean to you? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

To me, being dynamic is inherently tied to how we respond to adversity. For a leader within a business context, being dynamic translates to viewing challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for innovation. It's about instilling a sense of purpose and direction in a team while also being lexible in achieving these goals. This means being steadfast in vision but nimble in execution, allowing for course corrections that keep the team moving forward without losing

sight of the ultimate objective.

In essence, dynamic leadership is demonstrated through leading by example—showing that adaptability and resilience are not just responses to adversity but are proactive stances in all business endeavors. In my own life, I apply this approach by tackling each obstacle with the question, “What can this teach me?”

Founder

CDigital Marketer

INTERVIEW WITH BRANDON BERNICKY

an you share the story behind the founding of Nextsulting LLC and what motivated you to start a digital marketing agency?

In 2014, I founded Nextsulting, aiming to challenge the status quo of digital marketing and magnify businesses online. Fresh out of high school, armed with nothing but ambition and a clear vision, I set out to empower small and mid-sized businesses, particularly in the multifamily industry, to carve their digital destinies.

Inspired by the idea of making a signiicant impact—or "making a dent in the universe"—I envisioned Nextsulting as a hub for innovation, creativity, and

overall excellence. Our journey has been marked by relentless growth, culminating in a pivotal moment in 2023 when we expanded our horizons by acquiring a full-service advertising agency, further fueling our mission, and serving over 200 small and mid-sized clients across the US.

As you mentioned, Nextsulting LLC serves over 200 small and mid-sized clients across multiple industries. What challenges and opportunities come with catering to such a diverse client base?

Serving over 200 diverse clients has taught us that innovation thrives on diversity. The challenge of crafting

personalized, effective messages across various industries has honed our adaptability and creativity. This diversity is not just a hurdle; it's a springboard that propels us toward cutting-edge solutions, allowing us to delight our clients with services that resonate deeply and achieve remarkable results.

Our marketing is all about crafting the right message, delivering to the right people and the perfect time. There is no one size its all approach, which requires us be creative and cutting edge to

continually produce results.

How did you become specialized in multi-family marketing, and what unique strategies do you employ for clients in the real estate and service-based industries?

I started my career in IT for an apartment management irm and got to spend a lot of time getting familiar with the ins and outs of the industry. When we set out to start Nextsulting, this industry knowledge allowed us to set up

and execute on programs that delivered measurable results.

This success led us to dig in deeper and become experts in this ield. Multifamily and real estate marketing is challenging, advertisers must adhere to fair housing requirements and digital advertising sources have “Special Ad Category” restrictions that further reduce targeting, so our messaging is key when running these programs.

We also take time to carefully

consider what residents truly value and strive to deliver messages that resonate most with prospective renters.

How does your mission to "Magnify Your Business Online" align with your values and the positive impact you aim to make in the community?

We love giving back and making a positive impact. Magnifying online also extends to non-proit organizations! One of our core values is Mission over Margins. So

along with monetary donations, we've set out to develop websites and advertising strategies at reduced costs to organizations we truly believe in. If we can help amplify a message of hope, we're determined to do so.

What is your vision going forward for Nextsulting LLC? What are you most excited about?

Looking ahead, I envision Nextsulting as a beacon of innovation and excellence in digital

marketing. I'm excited about the potential for our team to evolve into visionary leaders, driving forward and leading our company. Our goal is to double our impact, continuing to revolutionize marketing strategies and customer service, ultimately leaving a legacy that transcends the digital realm.

RapidClaims uses AI to help US healthcare providers address $250b in denied claims

Healthcare organizations

are turning to automation with “revenue cycle management” to protect operating margins and the increasing claim denials from the payors. Every year, close to in claims $265B made by US healthcare organizations are denied because of the way claims are coded on payor documentation and delayed submissions are two chief reasons for the denials. Coding errors account for over 40% of claim denials, while untimely submissions contribute to 35% of denials; eligibility and prior authorization being some of the other aspects playing a signiicant role.

Addressing this pain point, RapidClaims has today emerged from stealth with a $3.1 million funding round to tackle the claims denial problem head-on with its medical coding automation module. The seed round was led by Together Fund, a $250 million global SaaS fund, with participation from Better Capital, Neon Fund, Peercheque, DeVC with angels and advisors coming from prominent US healthcare organizations including Oscar Benavidez (Executive Director, Mass General), Ankit Jain (Founder & CEO of Ininitus), and Sachin Jain (President & CEO of Scan Health) among others.

RapidClaims is led by Dushyant Mishra (CEO), Jot Sarup Sahni (CPTO), and Abhinay Vyas (CDO), each bringing a nuanced understanding of healthcare, data science, and scaling tech products. The idea for RapidClaims originated in 2018 during Dushyant Mishra's tenure at Abbott Healthcare when he observed the challenges faced by hospitals while interacting with multiple hospital owners and physicians. Since then, he has closely monitored the space, which gained signiicant momentum in 2022 as two key trends emerged: an increase in claim denial rates across the US and the effective demonstration of

large language models (LLMs) as a solution to these challenges.

RapidClaims recognizes the diverse challenges inherent in revenue cycle management. With a strategic focus on tackling medical coding initially, the company aims to simplify the rising complexity of coding processes and leverage the potential for AI to drive eficiencies over time. In recent years, coding complexity has surged signiicantly with diagnosis codes like ICD codes rising from 19,000 (ICD 9) to nearly 120,000 (ICD 11). Adherence to guidelines is becoming increasingly challenging due to rapid changes encompassing NCCI edits, NCD/LCD guidelines, Medicare policies, payor rule sets, among others.

RapidClaims has achieved success with six pilots within two months of its beta product launch in June 2023 and is poised to enhance product robustness even further with an additional ive pilots already in the pipeline.

Dushyant Mishra, Founder & CEO of RapidClaims commented: "We are just beginning to witness tangible beneits in terms of cost savings, speed, and revenue enhancement through AI utilization. While automation is pivotal, we recognize the indispensable role of coders with their nuanced understanding of

intricate rules and edge cases. This is the driving force behind our signiicant investment in the RapidAssist product, which has the transformative potential to elevate medical coding operations for coder-managing teams."

AI holds immense potential for introducing exceptional eficiencies into this domain.

Beyond identifying the right code, AI's current state allows for precise context interpretation, adding a layer of sophistication to the coding process. RapidClaims has unveiled three multi-specialty products aimed at alleviating coding administrative overload:

Ÿ RapidCode: Fully autonomous medical coding, streamlining the process with end-to-end automation.

Ÿ RapidAssist: A tailored tool for medical coders designed to improve productivity by auditing charts and identifying documentation gaps, which includes a query builder and rule-set engine.

Ÿ RapidRisk: Advanced AI for risk-adjusted coding that calculates HCC and RAF scores while pinpointing opportunities for documentation improvement based on a comprehensive rule set developed in collaboration with prominent CDI leaders.

More healthcare organizations are recognizing the need for revenue cycle automation to overcome workforce challenges, handle increasing claim volumes, mitigate revenue losses, and navigate the complexities of healthcare administration. This urgency is further fueled by the rise in claim denials from payors, which puts signiicant pressure on healthcare providers and exacerbates the already . high administrative costs

A recent study conducted by Bain & Company and KLAS reveals that 80% of U.S. healthcare providers are increasing their investment in IT and software, with a speciic focus on prioritizing AI technologies. Revenue cycle transformation and automation are the top areas of focus for healthcare executives.

Manav Garg, Co-founder of Together Fund added: "We are thrilled about the transformative potential of AI in optimizing administrative processes within the revenue cycle. We are conident that the RapidClaims team embodies the perfect blend of expertise, showcasing an indepth understanding of the complexities within the U.S. healthcare system coupled with exceptional proiciency in artiicial intelligence."

New Report Reveals Best and Worst States to Start a Business in 2024

Arecent study conducted by

Simplify LLC has unveiled the most and least favorable states for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in 2024. The comprehensive report ranks states based on a variety of factors, including business climate, access

to resources, and overall economic health.

SimplifyLLC's Analysis

SimplifyLLC conducted an analysis using the latest federal data across six metrics to determine the best

and worst states for entrepreneurs in 2024. These metrics include job creation, consumer spending, inlation, business growth, corporate taxes, and the mobility of educated workers.

Key Findings:

Ÿ Texas emerges as the top state for entrepreneurs, with no corporate income taxes, a 23.7% business growth rate over the past year, and a net migration of nearly 76,000 college-educated adults annually.

Ÿ Louisiana ranks as the worst state, with stagnant business growth, low consumer spending growth, and a net migration loss of educated workers.

Ÿ Hawaii ranks 365th due to poor job creation but has strong consumer spending growth and low inlation rates.

Ÿ Florida and Wyoming are among the top states, with strong job creation, business growth, and educated worker mobility.

Best States:

Ÿ Texas is lauded for its business-friendly environment, including no corporate taxes and a strong inlux of educated workers.

Ÿ Florida shines with robust job creation and a signiicant net inlux of educated workers.

NEWS ROOM

Ÿ Wyoming stands out for its explosive business growth and absence of corporate taxes, despite high inlation and low consumer spending growth.

Worst States:

Ÿ Louisiana struggles with lackluster business growth, high inlation, and a net migration loss of educated workers.

Ÿ Washington, D.C. , and California face challenges such as high corporate tax rates, low consumer spending growth, and an exodus of educated workers.

Ÿ Mississippi and New Hampshire grapple with business contraction and negative consumer spending growth.

Best and Worst States by Metric:

Ÿ New Business Growth: Wyoming and Pennsylvania lead, while Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana lag behind.

Ÿ Job Creation: Delaware and Utah excel, while Hawaii and Rhode Island fall short.

Ÿ Consumer Spending: Alaska and Nebraska top the list,

whereas New England states, particularly New Hampshire, struggle.

Ÿ Corporate Taxes: States with no corporate income tax outperform, while Minnesota and Illinois have the highest rates.

Ÿ Inlation: New England states fare well, while Montana, New Mexico, and Idaho face high rates.

Ÿ Educated Worker Mobility: Florida and Texas attract educated workers, while California, New York, and Illinois see signiicant departures.

Conclusion

The entrepreneurial landscape in the US is evolving, challenging traditional notions of innovation hubs. As we move into 2024, it's crucial for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs to stay informed about regional nuances, enabling strategic decisions about where to establish or expand their businesses in an ever-changing environment.

Read full report by clicking here.

By

2027, Enterprise Spending on Generative AI

Will Multiply Nearly Eightfold in Five Years

According to a recent report

by Insider Intelligence, generative AI spending is projected to skyrocket to over $150 billion by 2027, marking a signiicant increase from less than $20 billion in enterprise spending last year. The anticipated compound annual growth rate from 2023 to 2027 is an impressive 86.1%.

This surge in investment is attributed to businesses ramping up their exploration of generative AI to enhance business transformation. By 2027, generative AI spending is expected to represent 29% of overall AI spending, a substantial rise from 10.8% last year.

This trend underscores the growing importance of AI as a primary driver of innovation, even surpassing the inluence of cloud technology.

For more information, you can read the full article here.