Orange County Power Players

In this thought-provoking episode, host Danny Flores sits down with Diane Weaver, a 5th-generation entrepreneur and co-founder of Barion’s AI, to explore how human intelligence and artificial intelligence can work together to shape a better future. Diane shares how growing up between vastly different worlds led to her passion for innovation and language, and how that foundation shaped her work in adaptive, AI-driven technology.
Diane discusses the evolution of AI from automation to hyper-personalization to today’s generative AI—and what makes this wave so different. She breaks down how Barion’s voice-enabled, persona-driven mentors help people navigate workplace change and cognitive overload in the Intelligence Age.
From redefining work in a post-AI world to empowering individuals through agentic transformation, this episode is packed with insights for professionals, entrepreneurs, and tech lovers alike.
Guest BioDiane Weaver is an innovator at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human insight. As co-founder of Barion’s AI, she builds tools that make adapting to a post-AI world feel intuitive, empowering, and deeply human. With roots in education tech and a passion for meaningful design, Diane’s mission is to create smart, simple solutions to complex challenges.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this episode of Orange County Power Players, Danny Flores sits down with David Dickey, a seasoned entrepreneur and Marine Corps veteran who's now making waves in aerospace and defense recruiting. Based in Huntington Beach, David shares how his military experience shaped his leadership style and how he built a thriving recruitment agency, The Patriot Group, from the ground up.
David opens up about his journey from the military to the business world, what it takes to build trust with clients, and how to help companies find top-tier talent in a fast-moving and competitive industry. He also discusses AI’s role in aerospace innovation, the challenges startups face with funding, and what job seekers can do to stand out in today’s market.
Key Takeaways:
The transition from military life to entrepreneurship
The rise of AI and its impact on aerospace and defense
How The Patriot Group helps companies fill hard-to-find roles
Tips for young professionals entering the industry
Advice for entrepreneurs on securing funding and staying resilient
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this inspiring episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, Danny Flores sits down with Scharrell Jackson, an electrifying force in leadership development. From her roots as a corporate CFO and COO to a globe-trotting coach and speaker, Scharrell shares how she made the leap from a secure W-2 career into entrepreneurship—and what it truly takes to thrive.
Scharrell opens up about:
Her journey from boardroom leadership to global coaching
The fear that comes with big transitions—and how to let fear have a voice, not a vote
What “endgame excellence” means, and how to define your own
Why clarity—not goals—is the real key to transformation
How entrepreneurs can stabilize income and scale their impact
Packed with heartfelt stories, business insights, and powerful takeaways, this episode is for anyone ready to level up their life, career, or business with bold, intentional decisions.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this fascinating episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores welcomes Mitchell Morrison, a former FBI agent turned fintech entrepreneur. Mitchell shares stories from his time working counterintelligence during the Cold War and how those experiences shaped his career in finance and technology.
Now the founder of Eyeballs Financial and creator of the innovative FinTalk and GetVotes apps, Mitchell discusses how AI is transforming the way people interact with financial advisors and political campaigns. The FinTalk app simplifies financial education and statement analysis, especially for underserved communities, while GetVotes empowers political candidates with advanced outreach and data collection tools—available in over 100 languages.
They dive into the challenges of bridging high-security communication in finance, building patented technology, and his vision for 2025: bringing smart, secure financial tools to millions.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Don Walker, a veteran in the fitness industry with over 40 years of experience. From personal training and corporate wellness to gym ownership and franchise development, Don has done it all.
He shares his journey—from his early days at Los Caballeros Sports Complex to creating one of the first-ever personal training programs for major fitness brands like 24 Hour Fitness. He also dives into the business side of fitness, revealing what it really takes to run a successful gym and why gym owners must prioritize sales over everything else.
We also discuss:✔️ The science behind exercise, longevity, and muscle growth✔️ Why corporate wellness programs are key to a healthier workforce✔️ How diet and exercise go hand in hand for long-term health✔️ His new venture, GymRamp.com, helping gym owners master the art of sales
 
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Dr. Sailaja Golla, a board-certified neurologist and neurodevelopmentalist specializing in autism and pediatric neurological disorders. Dr. Golla shares her journey into the medical field, her passion for early intervention, and how her work at the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center is making a difference in children's lives.
She explains the importance of early diagnosis, the role of neuroplasticity in young brains, and how families can navigate the challenges of autism. Dr. Golla also provides insight into the multidisciplinary approach used at her clinic, ensuring that children get comprehensive care—including medical, psychological, and educational support.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
What inspired Dr. Golla to specialize in pediatric neurology
The importance of early intervention for autism and developmental delays
How parents can recognize early signs of autism
The support systems available for families of children with autism
The future of autism research and potential treatments
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Kathy Hadizadeh, the founder of Heart Mind Tuning. Kathy is an executive coach and AI strategist who helps high achievers find clarity, balance, and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. With 15 years of experience as a corporate tech executive, she blends her expertise with mindfulness to guide leaders through her Pause to Rise methodology.
Kathy shares how she transitioned from the corporate world to coaching, the challenges high achievers face, and why true success isn't just about external accomplishments—it's about inner fulfillment. She also discusses her upcoming book, Pause to Rise, and how it can help leaders break free from the endless cycle of achievement.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why high achievers often struggle with burnout and overwhelm
How mindfulness can enhance ambition rather than diminish it
The difference between coaching for achievement vs. coaching for transformation
How Kathy transitioned from corporate executive to holistic leadership coach
Insights from her book, Pause to Rise, and why it's a must-read for leaders
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest
 

On this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Jim Moazez, a seasoned business broker with decades of experience in buying and selling businesses across all 50 states. Jim is a certified business broker and a member of the California Association of Business Brokers, and he has successfully sold hundreds of businesses.
Jim shares valuable insights into what makes a business sellable, the key factors buyers look for, and how to structure deals for the best possible outcome. He also sheds light on financing options like SBA loans, owner financing, and earnouts, and explains why the structure of a deal is often more important than the price.
They also discuss:
The best types of businesses to buy and why it depends on the buyer’s passion and skills.
The current market trends, including the surge of baby boomer-owned businesses hitting the market.
The role of private equity and institutional buyers in today’s business sales.
How roll-ups work and why some industries, like auto body shops and self-storage, are prime for consolidation.
Why Jim is passionate about helping veterans and first responders buy businesses—even offering to help with their down payments.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with cybersecurity expert Chad Neale to dive into the critical world of cybersecurity risk management. With over 25 years of experience, Chad has worked closely with private equity firms and their portfolio companies, helping them navigate the complex landscape of technology risks, ransomware threats, and digital security challenges.
Chad shares his insights on:
Why cybersecurity is a business issue, not just an IT concern
How private equity firms assess cyber risks before acquiring companies
The biggest cyber threats facing businesses today (hint: small businesses aren’t off the radar!)
Why proactive risk management is key to protecting business value
The most common cybersecurity mistakes companies make—and how to fix them
Chad also talks about his new venture, Cyblade, a boutique cybersecurity consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses strengthen their security posture while balancing costs and operational efficiency.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

What does it take to break free from limiting beliefs and build a successful business? In this episode, Danny Flores sits down with business and sales coach Alejandra Lozano to talk about her journey from battling depression and anxiety to becoming a powerful force in the world of coaching.
Alejandra shares how she discovered coaching, how she transformed her life, and how she now helps entrepreneurs—especially realtors—scale their businesses. She also dives into the power of pattern recognition, the role mindset plays in business success, and why storytelling is crucial for breaking negative cycles.
Key Takeaways:✅ The difference between coaching and therapy—and how coaching can help you move forward✅ How recognizing patterns in your thoughts and actions can help you break free from limiting beliefs✅ Why many entrepreneurs struggle in the first two years and what it really takes to succeed✅ The importance of focus when building a business—why multiple revenue streams can be a distraction
 
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest✅ Alejandra’s plans for 2025 and how she’s pushing herself to the next level