Orange County Power Players
Orange County Power Players is the go-to podcast for uncovering the personal, professional, and financial success stories of Orange County’s most influential leaders. Hosted by Danny Flores, this show dives deep into the journeys of business owners, professionals, and C-suite executives who are shaping the future of OC. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, actionable advice, or a glimpse into the lives of those at the top, Orange County Power Players delivers powerful insights in every episode. Tune in to learn from the best and discover what it takes to succeed in the competitive landscape of Southern California.
Episodes

43 minutes ago
43 minutes ago
In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Dr. Gus Alva, a leading expert in neuropsychiatric clinical research. Dr. Alva is the Medical Director of ATP Clinical Research, an Associate Professor at UC Irvine, and a forensic psychiatric consultant for the Orange County Superior Court. With over 30 years of experience, he has been deeply involved in investigational research for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Alva shares:✅ His journey into neuropsychiatric research and what sparked his passion✅ The process behind FDA-approved medications and clinical trials✅ The Center of Excellence launching in Orange County to provide cutting-edge treatments✅ How people can access free investigational studies for mental health conditions✅ The importance of delayed gratification, gratitude, and perseverance in achieving success
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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: 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

3 days ago
3 days ago
Welcome to the Orange County Power Players Podcast! In this episode, host Danny Flores sits down with Grant Johnson, a results-driven fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and a true powerhouse in the marketing world. With a remarkable track record of scaling companies to 10x revenue growth and achieving seven successful exits, Grant shares his insights into what it takes to drive transformative change.
Grant discusses his experience working with startups and billion-dollar companies, his role as part of the esteemed Chief Outsiders firm, and how their innovative approach has helped over 2,000 companies thrive. Discover the secrets behind aligning strategy, sales, and marketing for sustained growth and the importance of keeping up with game-changing innovations like AI.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable advice on growth strategies, building high-performance teams, and adapting to market trends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

6 days ago
6 days ago
This week on the Orange County Power Players Podcast, we welcome the remarkable Rieva Lesonsky, a pioneer in the world of small business and entrepreneurship. With decades of experience, from her groundbreaking tenure at Entrepreneur Magazine to founding SmallBusinessCurrents.com, Rieva has dedicated her career to empowering entrepreneurs.
In this episode, we dive into:
The evolution of small business and the challenges entrepreneurs face today.
How generational shifts and technology are transforming marketing strategies.
The secrets to thriving as a small business owner in a digital-first world.
Rieva also shares her unique journey, growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, and how it shaped her perspective on business. Plus, she offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and insights into staying ahead of trends in 2025 and beyond.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

7 days ago
7 days ago
In this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores welcomes Chris Hood, a distinguished leader in customer experience and digital strategy. With an impressive career spanning contributions to over 500 companies and $26 billion in growth, Chris has worked with iconic brands such as Universal, Reebok, NBC, and Domino's, earning him recognition as one of the top 30 customer experience gurus by Global Gurus in 2024.
Chris shares his journey from working at Google to launching ventures in AI, gaming, and education. He provides actionable insights into staying competitive in crowded markets, harnessing customer-centric problem-solving, and building businesses that adapt to disruption. Chris also introduces his latest book, Infallible: The Artificial Intelligence Ideology Reshaping Consumer Behavior, exploring the intersection of AI and customer success.
Listen in to discover:
How Chris balances multiple ventures with clear vision and organization.
The role of AI in shaping customer experience and solving real-world problems.
Why having a backup plan can safeguard entrepreneurial success.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
"Making an Impact in the Hospitality Industry" with Kenzie Vath
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast with Danny Flores, we welcome Kenzie Vath, Vice President of Strategic Innovation at Pacific Hospitality Group. Kenzie shares her journey as a dynamic leader in the hospitality industry and her passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. From overseeing hotel development to advancing philanthropy through organizations like Impact 100 OC and the Global Lyme Alliance, Kenzie demonstrates how she balances a thriving career with meaningful community impact.
Listeners will hear how Kenzie’s family-owned business stands out in the competitive hospitality industry, her strategies for fostering innovation, and the importance of building relationships to achieve success. She also shares insights into her philanthropic endeavors and offers advice for those aspiring to grow in their careers or make a difference in their communities.
Tune in to learn from Kenzie’s experiences, hear about her exciting plans for 2025, and discover how she’s driving innovation in the hospitality world.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
"Serial-Entreprenuer Developing Multiple Software Companies" with Chris Folayan
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Chris Folayan, a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. Chris shares his inspiring journey from discovering his passion for coding as a college student to founding and successfully exiting multiple software companies.
Chris dives into his latest ventures, including:
Founder Centered: An AI-driven matchmaking platform connecting founders with mentors, advisors, and resources to solve critical challenges in funding and networking.
DatumsAI: A cutting-edge AI platform providing secure, real-time access to data insights tailored for businesses across industries.
Chris offers valuable insights on:
How to differentiate yourself in competitive markets.
The importance of embracing calculated risks and learning from failures.
His "Pink Hug" philosophy—a unique approach to entrepreneurship emphasizing passion, innovation, networking, humility, and generosity.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Monday Feb 03, 2025
"Making a Difference with Health & Disease Prevention" with Doug Frederick
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
In this insightful episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast, Danny Flores chats with Doug Frederick, Executive Advisor at HealthCues, a company making waves in health and disease prevention. Doug shares his journey of building an innovative program designed to help employees and employers work together toward better health outcomes. Discover how HealthCues incentivizes preventive healthcare through personalized solutions, biometric screenings, and even DNA testing—all while saving costs and improving lives.
Doug provides eye-opening insights into the challenges of engaging employees in health initiatives and explains how his company has achieved an impressive 35% engagement rate, far exceeding the industry standard. From financial wellness to practical tips on healthy living, Doug’s mission is to empower individuals with actionable tools for better health.
What You’ll Learn:
How HealthCues bridges the gap in preventive healthcare for underserved communities.
The role of financial incentives in promoting employee participation.
Why simple lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on long-term health.
The importance of perseverance and belief in a groundbreaking business idea.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

Friday Jan 31, 2025
"Venture Capital Firm in Orange County" with Jeff Brannon
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Get ready to explore the world of venture capital in Orange County! In this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores chats with Jeff Brannon, managing partner of Metrics Capital Group. Jeff shares his journey from professional baseball to founding a venture capital firm that invests in small businesses, primarily in Orange County.
Jeff discusses how Metrics Capital Group identifies opportunities, supports innovative entrepreneurs, and plays a pivotal role in the region's growing business ecosystem. Learn about their investments in local companies like Newlight Technologies, Smart Health DX, and Just Live, and hear insights on navigating the challenges of the finance world, from economic shifts to market trends.
You'll also discover:
The unique opportunities in Orange County's venture capital scene.
Jeff's approach to evaluating businesses and betting on passionate entrepreneurs.
Practical advice for those looking to break into venture capital or commercial finance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
"Building $500 Million in Commercial Real Estate" with Ben Reinberg
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, Danny Flores chats with Ben Reinberg, a disruptor and visionary in the world of commercial real estate. Ben shares the story of how he began his career at just 23 years old, scaling to build a real estate empire valued at half a billion dollars. With decades of experience, he dives into his approach to leadership, the power of education, and the importance of personal development.
Key takeaways include:
How Ben differentiates his firm with certainty and trust.
The importance of mentorship and education in achieving success.
Insights into the 2025 commercial real estate market, including upcoming opportunities in multifamily housing.
Why personal development and resilience are the foundation of a thriving business.
Ben also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book, Hard Assets and Hard Money for Hard Times, slated for release in spring 2025. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your journey, this episode provides actionable advice and inspiration.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
"Domestic and International Finance" with Nicholas Gilani
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Welcome to the latest episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast with Danny Flores! In this captivating conversation, Danny sits down with Nicholas Gilani, a seasoned international banker and M&A expert with over two decades of experience across the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Nicholas shares his journey from Iran to the U.S., his time on Wall Street, and his unique experiences advising governments and private firms on finance, investments, and corporate governance. He also discusses his passion for emerging fields like artificial intelligence, its implications for various industries, and how he envisions its transformative impact in the coming years.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Insights into global finance, M&A, and Nicholas's career path.
The role of mentorship and education in achieving success.
Predictions for 2025, focusing on AI, geopolitical shifts, and investment opportunities.
Nicholas's advice on career planning and the importance of resilience and adaptability in a fast-changing world.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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