Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Serghei Busmachiu, CEO of Utilities One, about his inspiring journey and the rapid growth of his company. Originally from Moldova, Serghei immigrated to the U.S. in 2013 and began his career in various jobs, eventually finding a role as a cable technician for Comcast. This experience motivated him to start Utilities One in 2016, a company that initially focused on last-mile telecom installations but soon expanded into telecom construction, engineering, and wireless services, driven by the demand for 5G and fiber infrastructure.Utilities One has since grown to over 3,000 employees and operates across 20 U.S. states. Serghei credits the company's success to a culture of hard work, resilience, and an emphasis on internal promotion. This culture, influenced by Serghei’s background in mixed martial arts, prioritizes determination and “grit” over traditional credentials.The company’s services now extend beyond telecom to power delivery, renewable energy, and water infrastructure, aiming to address critical infrastructure needs. Looking forward, Serghei envisions Utilities One becoming a billion-dollar leader in global infrastructure projects. In line with this vision, Utilities One is set to participate in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, including a major project to build residential homes.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Emir Aboulhosn, CEO of NetLync, about the evolving landscape of device technology and the challenges of fostering a successful remote culture. Aboulhosn highlights the vital role advanced devices play in boosting sales for carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T while enhancing user experience and reducing churn.Since NetLync was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasizes the importance of balance and hiring experienced individuals who thrive in autonomous environments. Quick decision-making regarding team fit is crucial for success. Aboulhosn notes that NetLync operates efficiently over 16 hours a day, supporting customer needs during off-hours, and fosters a mission-driven culture.Emir warns against micromanagement, which can hinder motivation, and advocates for a hyper-focused approach to company objectives. The episode concludes with Aboulhosn encouraging potential collaborators and talent to connect with NetLync as it embraces upcoming advancements in wireless technology.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles talks with Angus Ward, CEO of Beyond Now about the intersection of AI and Communication Service Providers (CSPs), exploring how AI can transform the telecom industry. He reveals that only 15% of companies currently derive significant value from AI, mainly due to fragmented experimentation across business units. To address this, Ward suggests prioritizing major business challenges and implementing a more structured approach to AI adoption, which can enhance cost efficiency, productivity, and customer experience, while driving revenue growth.Ward also introduces the concept of digital business platforms, which differ from traditional linear business models by using multi-sided approaches that involve various partners. These platforms create network effects, where growth leads to greater economies of scale and competitive advantages. Using examples like Uber, Ward explains how network effects make it challenging for competitors to match the service quality, thus reinforcing market dominance.Beyond Now’s culture, according to Ward, is shaped by its roots in management consulting, focusing on solving business problems rather than just providing technology. The company’s commitment to platform-based business models and revenue growth through partnerships has positioned it as a leader in helping CSPs and tech firms adapt to changing markets.Looking ahead, Ward envisions leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences, optimize processes, and expand into other sectors beyond telecom and tech. He emphasizes the importance of building strong partner ecosystems and communities to drive innovation and deliver more value to customers across industries.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

In this episode, Carrie Charles speaks with Rich Berliner, CEO of Fifth Gen Media, to talk about the evolving opportunities in telecom and related sectors like EV charging. They discuss the transferability of skills from the wireless industry to new fields such as EV infrastructure and satellite communications, emphasizing the strong relationship between wireless connectivity and EV charging. Rich highlights how many roles, from project management to supply chain, can transition smoothly into the EV sector.The conversation also touches on Rich's experience in the satellite business, where skills are similarly transferable, and the growing role of satellite communication in supporting EV infrastructure. Rich shares insights on the media industry's shift from print to digital, noting that while print still has value, the future lies in digital platforms, social media, and information-sharing.Rich emphasizes lifelong learning and adaptability, especially for those in the "second half of life" facing age-related career challenges. He encourages continuous skill development and learning new technologies. The episode closes with Rich sharing his contact information and expressing his passion for staying connected with industry peers.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles welcomes Ruby Koleski, CEO of Joyous, to discuss her inspiring professional career and the innovative work of Joyous. Ruby shares her journey from growing up in South Africa with dreams of becoming a comedian, to becoming a software engineer. After excelling in engineering and gaining international experience, Ruby joined Joyous, a company founded by brothers Mike and Phil Carden, aimed at revolutionizing employee feedback.Ruby details how Joyous evolved from targeting the HR market to focusing on operational improvements for industries like telecommunications. She explains how Joyous enables companies to gather feedback not only from employees but also from contractors and customers. This real-time feedback accelerates problem-solving, increases operational efficiency, and improves customer satisfaction. Ruby also dives into the use of AI in Joyous’ platform, which analyzes feedback to deliver actionable insights at scale. She highlights the challenges of developing accurate AI tools and how Joyous overcame those to help companies cut costs, enhance productivity, and streamline product rollouts. Ruby greatly emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, collaboration, and innovation in driving workplace improvement.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

In today's episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles is joined by Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia. Raghav shares his journey from software developer in India to global business leader, highlighting his focus on translating technology into real-world impact. Raghav dives into the current state of 5G, now deployed by over 260 operators in more than 100 countries. He notes that while 5G holds immense potential, market expectations are high, and monetizing this technology is a gradual process, emphasizing that 5G's benefits beyond connectivity, driving digitalization for industries, enterprises, and consumers.Raghav discusses challenges in 5G monetization, highlighting the role of network APIs and Nokia's "Network as Code" platform in simplifying developers' access to network capabilities. He also points out that while enterprises have advanced in digitalization, industries are catching up, especially post-COVID-19. Nokia is facilitating this through private networks and an ecosystem approach.Raghav stresses the importance of fair spectrum allocation policies in shaping the competitive 5G landscape. The episode wraps up with insights into his leadership style, focusing on a learning mindset, clear strategy, and empowering teams, and a personal story that underscores his belief in everyone's potential for growth.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Seth Buechley, owner of Cathedral Consulting. Seth shares his journey in telecom, which began in the late 1980s when his father built cell sites, and later evolved into owning spectrum and focusing on public safety communications in buildings. He co-founded the Safer Buildings Coalition to improve communication systems for first responders inside buildings during emergencies.Seth also discusses his involvement with Cathedral Consulting Group, which he acquired after the passing of its co-founder. Cathedral played a crucial role in his business growth by offering mentorship and applying best practices from larger companies. He stresses the importance of building businesses that are not overly reliant on the founder’s skills, making the value of the business identifiable and transferable to potential buyers. Common mistakes include not preparing early enough for an exit and failing to develop systems independent of the founder. Seth emphasizes nurturing talent and gradually transitioning leadership to ensure the business can thrive without the founder.Seth identifies four key pillars for building a valuable business: finance and accounting, sales and marketing, systems and workflow, and people and culture. He advises business owners to plan their exits well in advance, focusing on the right valuation and strong leadership teams. Despite current challenges in the wireless industry, Seth believes companies with solid leadership and strategic growth can still attract buyers, and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unexpected exit opportunities and navigating leadership transitions effectively.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carries Charles speaks with Michelle Boexley, Chief Growth Officer of Pilot Global Technologies. Michelle shares her journey into the telecommunications industry, which began unexpectedly in IT sales during the Y2K era. Despite initially lacking a tech background, she launched Von Technologies in 2006 after becoming frustrated with corporate life. Her company grew to focus on network infrastructure, especially wireless solutions, and recently merged with two other companies to form Pilot Global Technologies in 2023.Michelle discusses Pilot Global Technology's new product, OptiMesh, a technology designed to provide affordable internet connectivity to underserved and remote areas. OptiMesh can connect to various backhauls like cellular, fiber, or satellite, extending access where traditional methods are costly or slow. She highlights impactful case studies, such as connecting a university’s faculty and student housing, and a project with a tribal nation, where OptiMesh significantly reduced costs and deployment time.Michelle emphasizes the challenges of raising awareness for the technology and the need for partnerships with communities and carriers to bridge the digital divide. Her vision extends beyond connectivity; she aims to empower communities through digital literacy and economic opportunities, transforming them into self-sustained growth engines. Michelle's passion for making a meaningful impact drives her mission to close the connectivity gap and improve lives.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles sits down with Brian Stading, CEO of Lumos Fiber, to discuss his journey and the story of Lumos Fiber. From his start as a telecom technician, Brian shares how taking calculated risks has shaped his career path and influenced his leadership philosophy. He also discusses the history of Lumos Fiber, formed as the combination of two legacy telephone companies, and shares how it has quickly grown into a strong brand known for its exceptional customer service.Brian highlights Lumos Fiber's rapid expansion and its commitment to delivering top-notch service. He also shares about the recent news of Lumos' joint venture with T-Mobile, which aims to pass 2.8 million homes with fiber in the coming years. The partnership is a significant step for Lumos, allowing the company to extend its high-quality internet service to more customers. Brian emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction, noting that Lumos' dedication to providing a superior customer experience is deeply ingrained in the company's culture. This focus on service excellence has become a defining feature of Lumos Fiber as it continues to grow and innovate.In discussing company culture and fast growth, the conversation explores the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in today's competitive market. Brian explains how Lumos Fiber has embraced remote work, enabling the company to expand its talent pool across 28 states. Despite the challenges that come with rapid growth and a changing industry, Lumos remains steadfast in its mission to improve lives by providing reliable and high-quality internet service. Brian's insights underscore the importance of adaptability, innovation, and a customer-first approach in building a successful company in the rapidly evolving telecom landscape.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

In this episode of "5G Talent Talk," host Carrie Charles interviews Kimberly McKinley, the Chief Marketing Officer of Utopia Fiber. Kimberly shares her unique career path, starting in healthcare accounting and moving through various marketing roles before joining Utopia Fiber in 2010. Utopia Fiber, founded in 2004 by 11 cities in Utah, is now the largest and most successful open access network in the U.S. This model allows multiple private ISPs to operate on a publicly-owned fiber infrastructure, offering consumers high-quality, competitively-priced internet services.Kimberly explains the benefits and challenges of an open access network, emphasizing the importance of cities managing infrastructure while enabling private sector competition. She discusses Utopia's customer-centric approach, including personalized welcome packages and attentive customer service, which has resulted in high customer satisfaction.Kimberly also highlights Utopia's strong company culture, marked by long employee tenures and a supportive, family-like environment. She credits their success to compassionate leadership, employee empowerment, and a focus on human connection over rigid metrics. As a woman in telecom, Kimberly advocates for authenticity and confidence, encouraging women to embrace their unique perspectives and pursue leadership roles. She emphasizes the need for inclusive, supportive environments to attract and retain diverse talent in the industry.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube