Expert Connexions

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: The Leadership Playbook: How Tansley Stearns is Disrupting the Status Quo

What does it take to lead with heart and transform an entire community?

In this episode, host Julie Holton Smith sits down with Tansley Stearns, CEO of Community Financial Credit Union, to explore how heart-centered leadership fuels innovation and impact. With over 26 years of trailblazing experience, Tansley shares how she’s raised millions for mental health programs, built a culture of innovation, and led with purpose to create lasting change.

What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Strategies for fostering a culture of innovation in any organization
✔️ The power of community-focused leadership in financial services
✔️ Lessons from raising millions for mental health initiatives
✔️ How to balance growth, purpose, and long-term impact

Tansley’s journey will challenge the way you think about leadership, legacy, and making a difference in your community.

About Our Host, Julie Holton Smith:
Julie is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and communications expert who helps businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact. As the founder of mConnexions and host of Expert Connexions, she brings insightful conversations with purpose-driven leaders to help you grow and lead with intention.

About Tansley Stearns:
Tansley is the President & CEO of Community Financial Credit Union, a forward-thinking leader in financial services. With over two decades of experience, she is passionate about driving innovation, fostering community impact, and redefining leadership in the credit union space. She was recently inducted into the Herstory Exhibit at America’s Credit Union Museum, a massive national recognition, honoring women who’ve shaped the credit union world for the better.

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Giving Tuesday: The Business of Giving

Nonprofit teams work tirelessly all year to serve those who need it most. Now, it’s our turn to give back!

This special episode focuses on the spirit of Giving Tuesday, shining the spotlight on the incredible work of nonprofits making a difference in their communities.

We’ve packed SIX expert interviews into one new episode featuring:
✨ Greater Lansing Care Foundation
✨ Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton & Clinton Counties
✨ Todd Martin Youth Leadership
✨ Grit, Glam & Guts
✨ Ele’s Place – Capital Region
✨ To Work In Grateful Service (TWIGS)

Learn the secrets to successful fundraising and how community support transforms lives. Celebrate the power of giving and discover practical tips to amplify your impact during this charitable season.

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Marketing Strategies for Giving Tuesday

Get Ready for Giving Tuesday with Actionable Tips and Strategies!

In this episode of Expert Connexions, Julie Holton Smith is joined by Alexis Neumann and Mary-Kate Horgan of mConnexions to share their best advice for nonprofits. Whether you’re starting your campaign last minute or planning a big event, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to boost donations and connect with your community.

Discover:

  • How to create urgency and engagement on social media
  • Ways to involve your supporters and amplify your reach
  • The importance of storytelling to show where donations go
  • Why follow-up is key for keeping donors engaged year-round

🎯 Don’t miss out on these expert insights to make your Giving Tuesday and year-end fundraising a success. Watch now and get inspired to take your nonprofit’s impact to the next level!

👉 Visit mConnexions.com for more tips and resources.

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Demo: One Click AI

In this episode, Julie Holton Smith is joined by Jesse Flores and Scott Remington from SuperWebPros to unveil One Click AI—a tool designed to simplify AI adoption by slashing learning curves and eliminating the need for prompt engineering. Watch the live demo to see how One Click AI can instantly create strategies, automate tasks, and save time with just a click. Whether you’re planning a Black Friday campaign, onboarding new employees, or streamlining internal workflows, One Click AI has you covered! 🎥

Highlights in this episode:

• Why Jesse built One Click AI to lower AI’s barriers for business owners.

• A real-time demo of how One Click AI can plan a Black Friday campaign in seconds.

• How nonprofits can use One Click AI to enhance Giving Tuesday and year-round fundraising strategies.

• Exclusive offer: Use code EXPERT for 50% off your first year! 🌟

Ready to see what AI can do for you? Sign up for a 7-day free trial and explore the full potential of One Click AI! 👉 https://oneclickai.pro/

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Giving Tuesday: Igniting a Spark of Hope

What would you do if a sudden crisis turned your world upside down? When tragedy strikes, the emotional, physical, and financial toll can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Expert Connexions, host Julie Holton Smith speaks with Mark Howell, the visionary founder of Fund A Life, a Michigan nonprofit dedicated to lifting people out of crisis with critical financial support.

Since its founding in 2017, Fund A Life has granted over $1 million to families in need, covering everything from severe illness and unexpected losses to tragic accidents. Now, this Giving Tuesday, Fund A Life is launching its boldest campaign yet, “A Spark of Hope,” aiming to bring relief to even more lives in Michigan. Mark shares his journey, the challenges, and the uplifting moments of hope that have defined his organization’s mission.

In this episode:

• Discover Fund A Life’s impact across Michigan.

• Get an inside look at “A Spark of Hope,” Mark’s innovative plan for Giving Tuesday.

• Learn valuable fundraising strategies and community engagement tips for

• nonprofits to amplify their end-of-year impact!

Join us for this powerful episode to see how hope and community support can transform lives in their darkest moments.

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Roadmap to the Future: AI in Manufacturing

As we explore the future of AI in manufacturing, one thing remains clear: it still takes human expertise to guide and advance this powerful technology.

In this episode of Expert Connexions, we’re diving into how AI is reshaping the manufacturing industry—and it’s not as simple as just learning a new tool.

While AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are great for certain tasks, integrating AI into manufacturing requires a more complex, industry-specific approach. That’s why today’s expert guest shares an AI roadmap designed specifically for manufacturers, highlighting the opportunities to boost speed and efficiency while still preserving the human element.

Key topics covered include:

• A detailed roadmap for implementing AI in manufacturing 🚗

• The underrepresentation of women in AI and tech 👩‍💻

• How AI can enhance productivity and community well-being, rather than taking away jobs 💼

• Watch now and discover how AI can complement Michigan’s long-standing tradition of making things—while shaping the future of manufacturing!

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Author Tips for Success

We’re back with Amazon bestselling author Allison Spooner and our host Julie Holton Smith for a deep dive into the business of writing. Whether you’re a business leader, startup founder, or a creative who’s always dreamed of writing a book, this episode is packed with strategies for turning your ideas into a published success.

Allison Spooner shares her expert insights on the many reasons to write a book, and we explore the challenges and rewards of the publishing journey, offering valuable advice for aspiring authors.

With National Recovery Month coming to a close, this episode of Expert Connexions is especially timely as Allison’s latest book, The Things We Cannot Change: A Story About The Ghosts Created by Addiction, which tackles themes of grief, addiction, and recovery, has officially launched!

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Real or AI? Demo: How to Create Video Avatars

Imagine having a digital version of yourself that can present, engage, and speak to your audience, all without you being there. Is it exciting, or does it sound a little scary? In today’s episode of Expert Connexions, we dive into the fascinating world of AI video avatars.

Host Julie Holton Smith welcomes expert Scott Remington from Foster AI to demonstrate the step-by-step process of creating your own AI avatar. Scott shows us how AI avatars, once the stuff of sci-fi movies, are now at our fingertips—ready to enhance business presentations or even be a personal tool.

But with this power comes questions: Are AI avatars something to fear? Or are they just another tool for professionals?

In this episode:

• Learn how to create a personalized AI avatar in just a few minutes.

• Explore the potential upsides and downsides of AI avatar technology.

• Hear important discussions on consent, security, and regulations as AI avatars become more prevalent.

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Behind the Scenes at Tech Week GR

 

Tech Week Grand Rapids is here! We have your inside look at the heartbeat of West Michigan’s booming tech scene. In this special episode of Expert Connexions, host Julie Holton Smith sits down with Jennifer Wangler, VP of Technology at The Right Place in Grand Rapids, for a unique look at the innovation and energy driving this year’s event.

 

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: New Release: The Things We Cannot Change

In this episode of Expert Connexions, we’re excited to welcome Amazon bestselling author Allison Spooner as she prepares to launch her latest book, The Things We Cannot Change: A Story About The Ghosts Created by Addiction. Set to release on September 30th, Allison’s emotionally charged novel delves into the deep and complex themes of grief, addiction, recovery, and closure.

Join host Julie Holton Smith as Allison opens up about her personal journey of writing this powerful story. Some highlights include:

Allison’s inspiration behind the book and her writing process
The emotional challenges of tackling themes like grief, addiction, and recovery
The significance of National Recovery Month and its impact on the book’s release
Details on how you can win a copy of Allison’s new book through our exclusive giveaway!

This episode is a timely and heartfelt conversation that aligns perfectly with National Recovery Month, making it a must-watch for anyone impacted by these issues.

Giveaway Alert!

We’re giving away a copy of The Things We Cannot Change!

To enter:
Subscribe to Expert Connexions on YouTube
Follow @expertconnexions and @authorallisonspooner on Instagram
Comment “National Recovery Month” on our post or YouTube video!

Plus, here is the link you need to purchase the book and attend the launch party if you’re in Lansing, Michigan: https://allisonspoonerwriter.com/

Don’t miss this timely episode—join us in celebrating stories of resilience and recovery.

#NationalRecoveryMonth #BookGiveaway #AuthorInterview #ExpertConnexions #GriefAndHealing

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