No Pix After Dark Podcast

NoPixAfterDark Live ft. Equitech Tuesday - Baltimore Tech Scene

Live podcast recording of the NoPixAfterDark conversation series at the Baltimore Peninsula!  Aaron Dante, host of the award-winning Baltimore-based podcast, is joined by Kory Bailey CEO of UpSurge Baltimore, Jeff Cherry Independent Board Director, CEO, Business Executive, Venture Investor and Dr. Tammira Lucas CEO of The Cube Cowork,Speaker, Professor, and Expert Business Consultant
Recognized as one of Baltimore's Top 40 under 40

• Kory Bailey: CEO of UpSurge Baltimore
  With over a decade of leadership in both early-stage startups and big tech, Kory Bailey has emerged as a thought leader on equitable economic growth and the biggest advocate for the tech community in Baltimore. A 2022 Technical.ly RealLIST Connectors Award winner and 2023 RealLIST Tech Community Leader of the Year nominee, Kory is the CEO of UpSurge Baltimore, an ecosystem building organization with a vision for Baltimore to be recognized as the first Equitech city in the world. A new model for American innovation. UpSurge's mission is to mobilize the tech ecosystem around startups by strengthening its culture and connectivity, with an intentional focus on strategies that produce better outcomes for Black, women, and other underestimated founders and leaders.
  
  
• Jeff Cherry: Independent Board Director, CEO, Business Executive, Venture Investor
  Jeff Cherry is a seasoned CEO, entrepreneur, corporate executive, startup advisor, venture and wall street investor, speaker and writer with a track record of strategic execution and innovation. Over the last 35 years he has built award winning companies in engineering, design, strategic consulting and investment management. He has been a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 executives, government agencies and startups, with a focus on helping teams understand customers and build dynamic, high-performing organizational cultures.
  
  
• Dr. Tammira Lucas: Author, Speaker, Professor, and Expert Business Consultant
  Recognized as one of Baltimore's Top 40 under 40, Dr. Tammira Lucas is a thought leader who has quickly emerged as a trailblazer among millennial professionals and a powerful voice for communities locally, nationally, and internationally

 

NoPixAfterDark EP 259: Kory Bailey CEO of Upsurge Baltimore

In this episode, Aaron interviews Kory Baily, CEO of Upsurge Baltimore, about his journey from a football scholarship at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill to becoming the new CEO of Upsurge Baltimore. Kory shares his vision for the company's future and discusses Baltimore's potential to become the next tech hub. Tune in to hear more about Kory's story and insights on the tech industry. #UpsurgeBaltimore #TechHub #Leadership #Entrepreneurship 

With over a decade of leadership in both early-stage startups and big tech, Kory Bailey has emerged as a thought leader on equitable economic growth and the biggest advocate for the tech community in Baltimore. A 2022 Technical.ly RealLIST Connectors Award winner and 2023 RealLIST Tech Community Leader of the Year nominee, Kory is the CEO of UpSurge Baltimore, an ecosystem building organization with a vision for Baltimore to be recognized as the first Equitech city in the world. A new model for American innovation. UpSurge's mission is to mobilize the tech ecosystem around startups by strengthening its culture and connectivity, with an intentional focus on strategies that produce better outcomes for Black, women, and other underestimated founders and leaders.

NoPixAfterDark EP 258: Gary Coichy CEO & Founder of Pod Digital Media

In the latest episode of Nopixafterdark podcast, Aaron had the pleasure of interviewing Gary Coichy, the CEO & Founder of Pod Digital Media. They discussed a variety of topics, including the origin story of Pod Digital Media and how it's helping Brown and Black podcasters with advertising deals. Gary also shared insights from his best-selling book and his successful investments in real estate. Thank you, Gary, for taking the time to chat with us. It was a pleasure to film this episode on location in Miami. #Podcasting #AdvertisingDeals #RealEstateInvestments 

 

Gary the CEO and Founder of Pod Digital Media. Pod Digital Media is the first and largest Multi-Cultural Podcast Network in the World. “ Pod Digital Media has established partnerships with prominent companies such as P&G, AMEX, AT&T, New York Times, Walmart, Visa, HBO, Toyota, Showtime, Walgreens, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, and many others. In January 2022, PDM secured a groundbreaking multi-year, multi-million-dollar deal with McDonald’s “ Website pod digital media

NoPixAfterDark EP 257: Brian D. Pieninck CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

In the latest episode of NoPixAfterDark Podcast, Aaron sits down with Brian D. Pieninck  CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. The conversation touches on a variety of topics, including the importance of community and transportation, as well as CareFirst's role as an anchor in the Baltimore-Washington region. Did you also know that Brian was a DJ back in the day, spinning tracks at roller skate rinks in Philadelphia? Check out this fascinating episode, available now on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Don't miss out! 

https://lnkd.in/evfqUsGy

Brian D. Pieninck is the President and CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield multi-line, not-for-profit healthcare company. Brian embodies CareFirst's mission leading over 8,000 individuals dedicated to transforming the healthcare system to make it more equitable, affordable, and accessible to the 3.5 million individuals we serve across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. 

Brian's community involvement centers on equitably advancing opportunities at the intersection of health and economic wellbeing throughout the mid-Atlantic region, a personal investment and expertise that closely aligns with CareFirst's mission. He is the Chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Board of Directors and chairman of the Boar Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH). 

Additionally, he is an active member of several boards, including the Federal Employee Program Board of Managers, Baltimore Committee, Baltimore's Promise, BCS Financial Corporation, Greater Washington Partnership, Synergie Medication Collective, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the United Way of the National Capital Area, and a member Morgan State University Board of Regents. Brian holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and is a graduate of Leadership Maryland's Class of 2016. A native of Southeastern Pennsylvania his family currently resides in Baltimore County, Maryland

 

 

NoPixAfterDark EP 256. Dr. Babar Sultan Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

In the latest episode of Nopixafterdark, Aaron had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Babar Sultan, a renowned facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Sultan's impressive educational background includes attending Harvard University, graduating from Princeton Medical School, and completing his residency at John Hopkins Hospital. During the interview, we learned that Dr. Sultan's passion for medicine began at an early age and he truly values getting to know his patients to provide them with the best care possible.

Dr. Sultan's success is thanks in part to the support of his wife, as we discovered in the episode. He has become one of the top plastic surgeons in the area and provides a wide range of services, from face and chin lifts to botox and filler injections.

Tune in to this episode of Nopixafterdark to learn more about Dr. Sultan's journey and how he has become an expert in the field of facial plastic surgery.

*Dr. Babar Sultan is a highly trained and experienced facial plastic surgeon dedicated to providing natural, long-lasting results to his patients. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Sultan’s practice is exclusively dedicated to cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck.

Dr. Sultan’s approach is based on his tremendous training and experience to provide natural, long-lasting results guided by his patients’ goals and desires. He believes in building a special patient-doctor relationship that drew him to medicine and is now the cornerstone of his practice.

Your journey to rejuvenation and self-confidence begins with a single step. We invite you to get in touch to learn more about the exceptional services offered by Dr. Sultan, a leading figure in cosmetic surgery in Baltimore, and how they can bring a renewed sense of beauty and confidence into your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take that vital step towards your transformation. *bio from his website

NoPixAfterDark EP 255: Tom Coale Partner at Perry, White, Ross and Jacobson

Tom is an experienced attorney and lobbyist with a specific focus on housing and community development. Tom's expertise in real estate and housing matters has been featured in numerous publications, including The Baltimore Sun, Money Magazine, Maryland Matters, and Greater Greater Washington. In 2021, Tom was recognized by The Daily Record as a "VIP: Successful by 40" honoree. His practice involves engagement with the leadership of state and local agencies, county government, and the Maryland General Assembly. Tom received a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts from Lycoming College. Tom serves on the Board of Trustees for the Maryland Science Center and the Board of Directors for the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership.

NoPixAfterDark EP 254: Harry J. Martin CEO & Founder of Rollerwave

🎙️🎧 In our first live show at the Baltimore Peninsula  Aaron interviewed Harry J. Martin, CEO & Founder of Roller Wave. Martin's life story is one of resilience, showing how roller skating helped him navigate his depression and become the hottest skating pop-up in NYC & LA. Now, he's brought the hottest pop-up to Baltimore with Rollerwave Baltimore, the perfect spot to hang out and skate. 🛼

    The episode was taped in front of a sold-out audience in the Penthouse Suite at the Baltimore Peninsula. Rollerwave Baltimore has become the go-to spot for skaters, attracting visitors from Washington DC to New York. Listen to Harry and Aaron talk about Martin's journey and the thriving roller skating community. 🎉

    Tune in to our show to hear Martin's inspiring story and learn more about Rollerwave Baltimore. 🎧 

We would like to thank Lobos1707 @canecollective @unioncraftbrewing United Way of Central Maryland MAG Partners LP DigitalEmpire Studios 

The Roller Wave” provides a traveling pop-up roller skating experience, founded by Harry Martin, 33. He rediscovered his lost love of roller skating after unexpectedly having the time of his life at a company party held at LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park. The Roller Wave has held numerous sold-out events at The House of Yes and has expanded to The Ludlow House in the Lower East Side, Alpha Space in Crown Heights, Gantry Loft in Long Island City, Soho House in the Meatpacking District, Tao Restaurant for Alicia Key’s birthday party, and most recently The Williamsburg Hotel with Everyday People. The Roller Wave holds seasonal pop-ups across NYC, Miami, Atlanta, and LA. Harry attributes the success of his events to his genuine passion for the culture and respect for the history of Roller Disco alongside the desire to introduce a lost art to a new generation

NoPixAfterDark EP 253: Pamela Wood Politics Reporter for the Baltimore Banner

Aaron interviewed Pamela Wood Maryland Political reporter from the Baltimore Banner. We discussed The Baltimore Banner state of news coverage in Baltimore and Annapolis. We learned about how she always wanted to write for the newspaper. Today is the first day of 2024 Maryland General Assembly session we discussed what will be on the docket.

Pamela Wood covers Maryland politics and government, focusing on how powerful people make decisions that affect daily life for people living and working in and around Baltimore. She previously reported for The Baltimore Sun, The Capital and other Maryland newspapers on topics as varied as politics, local government, the environment, healthcare and breaking news. Though not a Maryland native, she's spent most of her life here, graduating from Howard High School and earning a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park. She now calls Anne Arundal County home.

https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/author/pamela-wood

NoPixAfterDark EP: 252: Lorenzo Bellamy Principal/Founder/CEO of Bellamy Genn

With over 30 years of experience, founder and managing partner Lorenzo Bellamy has built a track record of running successful issue advocacy and budget campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels. Lorenzo has advocated for the passage of common sense gun safety legislation, including the ban on ghost guns, strengthening wear and carry permitting of firearms, and advocating for criminal justice reform.

Before founding the Bellamy Genn Group, Lorenzo was Director and Legislative Counsel at a well-known legislative practice of a Maryland law firm. While there, Lorenzo secured several millions of dollars in bond financing for clients in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Throughout Lorenzo’s career, he has advocated for the passage of legislation benefiting clients in the energy, environment, health, housing, non-profit, manufacturing, and transportation industries.

A veteran in the Annapolis lobbying world, Lorenzo has built a team with the vision to identify the path to victory for clients and build the toolbox needed to turn conversations into concrete wins for their clients. To learn more about the Bellamy Genn Group, LLC, go to

www.BellamyGennGroup.com

EP 251: CEO CHRIS.SIMON

Join me for the last episode of the 2023 interview series where I sat down with Chris Simon, Founder and CEO of BTST and Co-Owner of Blk Swan. We discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, his love for golf, and the importance of going to grad school for his development as a leader. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation.

In 2008 Chris Simon started BTST Mentoring Services. His enthusiasm for service was palpable. It was not long before he was awarded his first contract with a level 5 school, Florence Bertell, now known as New Visions Academy. BTST continued to grow beyond Baltimore City and began providing services to several counties throughout the state of Maryland. Now called BTST Services, the company has expanded to include 5 facilities in several different counties in Maryland including Baltimore City, PG County, Frederick County, Washington County, and Cecil County providing services such as outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric rehabilitation programs, and substance abuse.

In recent years, Chris has continued to grow as an entrepreneur. Presently, Chris Simon is CEO of Simon Enterprises, which encompasses several companies such as Xtra-Ordinary Creative Consulting Company, Simon Development, Cornerstone Health Management, and Lorraine’s Cleaning. He has received numerous awards such as the Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and KEYS Development Award for being a leader in the field of mental health and most notably was recently awarded and recognized at the Light Health and Wellness Gala alongside Congressman Elijah Cummings and Dr. Galo who invented the term and treatment for HIV. Chris has been featured in the Baltimore Sun, Afro Newspaper, as well as the Black Business Review and is a Mental Health Contributor for local radio shows, news networks, and vlogs. He continues to support and give back to his alma mater Morgan State University where he is the President of the National Alumni Association of the School of Social Work at Morgan State University. Continuing his philanthropic pursuits, he launched a non-profit organization, BTST Cares that has helped the community by sponsoring yearly back-to-school book bag giveaways, turkey drives, Christmas big giveback, as well as help for Haiti, and providing clean water for Flint Michigan.

EP 250: Carlos Raba

Chef Carlos Raba was born and raised in the Mexican state of Sinaloa by his mother and her four sisters. He learned to make tortillas by hand in his uncle’s restaurant and picked up classic Mexican recipes like cochinita pibil and lengua from his aunts and grandmother. Raba’s mother was a journalist who was critical of Mexican politicians, so fearing for their lives, she sought asylum and moved the family to the suburbs of Washington, D.C. when Raba was 17.

After he graduated from high school, Raba attended business school for a year and then began working in grocery stores. He started at the Whole Foods in Kentlands, Maryland, trying his hand at different roles—butcher, fishmonger, cheesemonger, and eventually store manager. He. then moved to Giant Foods and worked at various locations for five years. Tiring of the corporate life, his business partner Lane Harlan convinced him to use his creativity and family recipes to open Clavel in Baltimore in 2015. In a Converted American grill, Raba serves the same shrimp ceviche recipe that his familky taught him when he was 6 years old, along withother Sinaloan specialties in a relaxed, communal setting. In 2017, Raba was named “Best Chef. in Baltimore” by City Paper, in 2018 Carlos Raba was name also name “Rising star chef” by Star chef publications and on 2022 Carlos Raba was a “James Beard” semifinalist.

Carlos Raba also a practitioner of Brazilian jiujitsu, hold a black belt first degree under Vicente Jr team and his passion for jiujitsu lead him to Co-found Guardian Baltimore a 501(c)3 nonprofit martial arts gym in Remington, Baltimore that offer classes in Brazilian jiu jitsu. The gym is free for kids ages 6 – 18, and offers affordable sliding-scale memberships for adults. the space was founded on the belief that almost everyone wants to be a part of a tribe, and they work daily to serve as a vital space for their community.