In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Steven Ward, founder of ITech Governance Consulting and author of Strategy Before Tools. Ward shares lessons from his journey through business ownership, banking, and IT leadership—revealing why most companies overspend on technology while underinvesting in strategy. He explains how leaders can shift from reactive IT to proactive governance by focusing on clarity, accountability, and alignment with business objectives. From avoiding bloated tech stacks to preparing for the disruptive impacts of AI and automation, Ward offers practical insights for executives who want technology to serve their mission—not dictate it.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar speaks with Shannon J. Dobbs, disabled veteran, regenerative entrepreneur, and founder of the Fellowship of Living Systems. Dobbs shares how his team is redefining food infrastructure by converting organic waste into climate-resilient prosperity. From Humisoil technology that transforms biomass into carbon-sequestering topsoil, to blast chiller food rescue systems that repurpose surplus meals, Dobbs outlines a bold vision for circular economies that connect communities, industries, and global supply chains. Listeners will learn how regenerative models can cut waste, unlock manufacturing efficiencies, and empower farmers and municipalities to build community-controlled, climate-smart food systems that are both sustainable and profitable.

In this Industry Ignited episode, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews Sara Beth Raab, award-winning fractional Chief Events Officer at SB Events, on how to transform trade shows and large-scale activations into measurable B2B growth engines. Sara Beth explains building an event strategy that aligns C-suite goals with marketing and sales, how to quantify “squishy” metrics like trust, relationships, and brand perception, and practical ways to design neurodiverse-friendly experiences that remove barriers to connection. She also shares a realistic playbook for integrating AI in event planning—choosing tools that solve real problems without creating friction for attendees or teams. If you want events that drive pipeline, culture, and customer loyalty (not just logos on swag), this episode delivers the blueprint.
Keywords: Sara Beth Raab, fractional chief events officer, event strategy, B2B marketing, trade shows, neurodiversity, AI for events, measurable ROI, experiential marketing, SB Events.