admin, Author at NSA Austin

Jill Raff

by admin | Jan 31, 2022 | Speakers

Jill Raff is the globally recognized expert, amongst the Top 150 Global Customer Experience Thought Leaders and Influencers, who teaches companies how to Transform Transactions into Interactions™ through her methodology connecting the employee experience (EX) to the customer experience (CX) – EX2CX™.

While many professionals talk about the customer experience – Jill Raff has lived it from day one. Jill grew up working with her parents, owner/operators of one of the first McDonald’s franchises in the world, store #150. Her customer service philosophy originated from observing her mother and father’s work and their interactions with legendary founder, Ray Kroc. EX and CX are in Jill’s DNA.

Based on her diverse background working in multiple industries – and living in 7 countries – Jill developed her trademark Inside-Out Framework™ that’s often described as “where McDonald’s and Michelin meet.”

Partner with Jill to develop leadership potential, employee engagement systems, strong communication and emotional intelligence in the workplace producing a strong ROI. Her clients create a genuine “work-family” culture that results in increased revenue, ratings, and repeat customers – while simultaneously decreasing expensive employee turnover.

Jill Raff motivates and instructs organizations in the restaurant and hospitality industries to create 5-star customer experiences through EX2CX™ — the unique strategy that turns your employees into advocates and customer magnets.

Kara Kelley

by admin | Jun 15, 2021 | Speakers

Kara is a Dental HR Consultant who loves sharing her knowledge of the business side of dentistry. She is the founder and CEO of Clinical HR LLC, an advisory firm for dental and medical practices. Kara focuses on cultivating leadership skills, managing employee relations issues, and implementing competitive total rewards systems. She also works with practices to develop employee policies and establishing compliant HR systems.

Her love of working with dentists began in 2012 at a Dental CPA Firm in Central Texas. There, she worked with dental and medical practices, primarily focusing on business development and human resources advisory to helped practice owners become practice leaders while also managing internal HR and marketing for the firm. Kara developed a passion for all things HR. She worked with clients to set strategic goals, draft employee handbooks, develop pay structures, and integrate the financial side of dentistry with the leadership side. She also drafted business plans and helped clients understand how the non-financial side of a practice can impact their bottom line.

Kara holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management. She is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

Never content with the status quo, Kara is an active member of Austin Human Resource Management Association, a Member of National Speakers Association Austin chapter, current president of T-werx Toastmasters, and holds a Veterans at Work certificate from SHRM. She is a lifelong learner and stays current on federal and state employment regulations through extensive continuing education.

LeAnn Pashina

by admin | Jun 15, 2021 | Speakers

One statistic about communication states that 85 percent of our results in life are directly attributable to the quality of our own communication skills. Now that is a wakeup call! At least it was for me.

When I discovered this early on in my career, I realized I couldn’t blame my lack of success toward anyone but myself. After a period of mourning and much questioning, what was the reason I choose sales again? I realized that I held the power to change my results by developing better, if not outstanding communication skills. And my educational journey began.

Why do I tell you all of this? Because I have experienced first-hand how good communication skills can change your finances and the quality of your life.

I have proven my exceptional ability to communicate in more than 30 years of highly successful “record-topping” sales. In the various situations my sales journey has taken me, one thing is certain: communicating effectively and with authenticity is the cornerstone of my results.

My career began in Interior Design, developing all that creativity has helped me in many areas of my communication as well. I quickly moved into sales, design is fun although I quickly learned that the person who sells the design makes more money.

In order to be good in sales I learned that I needed to get better at my own communication skills. Starting with how to talk and sell on the phone to presenting in front of the client led me to presenting in front of larger and larger groups. In have invested hours in different public speaking organizations and seminars, always improving my own skills. I have presented messages to small and large groups in business, church, and social settings.

I also continued to develop my vocal skills which led me to a career as a professional voice over artist. Why do I mention this? Because, especially in this industry, it is all about How you say it!

It is now my passion to help others achieve their personal and professional goals by developing their own communication skills into ones that will produce greatness. The way we communicate with others determines the quality of our results. Experience, training, presentations, and practice have shaped my ability to communicate with believability, genuineness and authenticity and I will teach you how to do the same.

Mike Barnes

by admin | Apr 12, 2021 | Speakers

Mike Barnes brings more 30 years of communication expertise to clients. He knows how to tailor your presentations to the audience, how to connect with the viewer of your video and how to stand out from the crowd.

Mike spent thirty years as an award-winning television sportscaster, including 29+ at KVUE-TV in Austin. During that time Mike was honored as “Best in Austin” 17 times and won several Associated Press awards for “Best Sportscaster” and “Best Sportscast” in the state of Texas. He also won a prestigious Murrow Award for Sports Reporting. Mike has been a sought-after speaker or emcee for prestigious events.

Mike is ready to help you tackle your big event. He covered four Super Bowls, three NCAA National Championship games, five Final Fours, nine College World Series, 12 bowl games and 24 Texas-OU games during his time as a sportscaster.

Mike is a master at many skills that you can use in communication. He has advised “Ted Talk” presenters on the best methods, helped business owners understand how to connect on-camera, and uses a “block system” for presentations that helps scripted situations keep the high energy of an ad-lib style. Mike knows presentations are about more than just your Power Point and his tips can help you win over the audience, the client, or the company.

Mike has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.

Rick Collins

by admin | Mar 22, 2021 | Speakers

Speaker, Coach, and Trainer at Moving Hearts and Minds

Experienced Adjunct Instructor with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Traffic and Transportation Engineering, and Public Speaking. Strong educational background with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Strong history of working in management and leadership. Completed the Texas Governor’s Executive Development Program. Certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker.