The Edges of Lean

Ep 130 Continuously Reducing Racism in Your Company Culture with JD Mass

A diverse organization is a competitive advantage –innovation and problem-solving thrive when people from diverse backgrounds work together. No matter who we are, when we move into that diverse environment, we all, no matter our race, carry baggage from racism in our culture.  JD Mass has written a book called “Race for What,” addressing the causes of racism and steps white folk can take to heal from the harm of racism and begin to connect as humans. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights. 

JD Mass

 

JD Mass grew up in St. Louis, one of America’s most segregated cities, where his parents raised him in the black community. He worked closely with his childhood friend, Nelly, during the first four years of Nelly’s career, witnessing his rise to international fame. JD later joined a global community of black ex-patriots focused on health, peace, and sharing. Throughout these experiences, he saw the highest impact of racism and power structures. To better understand cultural development, JD earned a degree in organizational psychology. His journey is fueled by a desire to understand the roots of racism and promote a more humane, loving world. 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:06:04 Defining culture and its impact

00:08:27 Exploring the roots of racism

00:19:54 Letting go to experience new possibilities

00:21:59 Experiencing a peaceful community in Israel

00:24:02 Applying cultural appreciation to lean implementations

00:29:20 Step 2: Acknowledging the harm of our culture

00:30:26 Step 3: Letting go of power, privilege, and fears

00:32:29 Step 4: Appreciating the value of other cultures

00:35:58 Step 5: Repairing and healing the harm

00:39:04 Step 6: Being led by a new mind

00:39:16 Closing thoughts and advice for young people

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Reducing racism in company culture involves continuous improvement and active efforts to address biases.
• Diverse organizations gain a competitive edge through enhanced innovation and collaborative problem-solving.
• Racial biases impact interactions in diverse environments, regardless of personal intentions.
• The scarcity mentality, driven by limited resources, fosters competitive and discriminatory behaviors.
• Addressing racism requires a deep understanding of its historical and systemic origins and patterns.
• Perceptions of resource scarcity influence racial attitudes and contribute to competitive behaviors.
• Changing deeply ingrained cultural behaviors is challenging due to their entrenched nature.
•  

Memorable Quotes From JD Mass.

 

“Addressing racism requires understanding and changing historical and systemic patterns.

 

CONNECT WITH JD Mass.  

Website: https://raceforwhat.com/  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jd-mass-psyd/  

X/Twitter: https://x.com/JDMass1 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/raceforwhat/    

 

 

Ep 129 Continuously Upgrading Your Thinking with Fletcher Ellingson

As lean thinkers, we often look at life as a series of problems to be solved. I know I do this: I will be somewhere and see something that is working quite right, and I immediately think about the root cause of the issue and potential countermeasures to try. Do you do that, too? That is why I loved this conversation with Fletcher Ellingson, who talks about how to live a “feel good life,” building grace.  And wait till you hear what he says about our values do not mean jack!

 

Fletcher Ellingson.

Fletcher is a speaker, coach, and author of the best-selling book The Practice of Feeling Good. Using a combination of science and psychology, he helps his clients break free from financial struggle, overwhelm, and persistent worry so they can spend more time doing what they love, contribute to their families, and impact their communities. Fletcher also hosts a regional weekly TV show, is a regular contributing columnist, and is a professional magician. He has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and successful professionals embrace the principles of The Practice of Feeling Good. As a result, they have radically shifted their thinking and have been able to produce outstanding outcomes in their health, wealth, and relationships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:01:22 - Roles and Mentorship

00:02:05 - Early Interest in Positive Thinking

00:02:46 - Influence of Early Experiences

00:04:50 - Discovering Magic and Its Impact

00:06:07 - The Joy of Performing Magic for Adults

00:07:04 - The Practice of Feeling Good

00:08:41 - Understanding and Influencing Emotions

00:09:12 - Feeling Good on Demand

00:12:27 - Empowering Stories and Their Impact

00:14:04 - Example of Empowering Stories in Daily Life

00:20:47 - Crafting Intentional Messages

00:22:13 - The Importance of Values in Lean Thinking

00:34:00 - Common Issues Clients Face

00:35:12 - The Overflow Effect on Relationships

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 

• The practice of feeling good involves learning how to feel good on demand, which includes feeling safe, secure, connected, enthusiastic, and optimistic. 
• Shifting our thinking is essential for producing new and outstanding outcomes in our health, wealth, and relationships. 
• Creating empowering stories about our circumstances can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life. 
• Practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive can help us feel good and improve our well-being. 
• Upgrading our thinking and challenging our limiting beliefs can lead to breakthroughs and transformation in various areas of our lives. 
• Taking the time to define our standards and aligning our actions with them can lead to greater success and fulfillment. 
•  

Memorable Quotes From Fletcher Ellingson.

"Get around the people who already have the results that you want.

 

CONNECT WITH Fletcher Ellingson.  

Website: https://fletcherellingson.com/  

X/Twitter: https://x.com/fletchellingson?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gocoachfletch/   

Ep 128 Continuously Improving Connection with Your Preteen with Marcus Aurelius Higgs

If you are a lean thinker, you are probably working to continually improve your skills in communicating with the adults in your life.  You may also be working to bring some lean thinking into your family life.  But what if you have some pre-teens in your family circle? They can be very challenging to work with – and that is where Marcus Higgs can help us.  He works with parents of pre-teens to help them improve their connection with the kids at a time when the kids are beginning to establish their unique identities. 

 

Marcus Aurelius Higgs.

 

Marcus Aurelius Higgs works with Certain Future to support parents of pre-teens (10-14 y.o.), helping them show up and maintain meaningful relationships with their children during these 'identity-breaking' years. He collaborates with parents who want to be present with their son or daughter before it is too late to bridge the gap. Using 'The SHOW UP Framework,' Marcus helps parents benefit by ensuring they are confident in their communication when their tween starts having big emotions, knowing how to be present when their pre-teen starts to withdraw, so their child continues to trust them and naturally opens up difficult conversations, and understanding how to support their child in ways that develop self-belief and resilience.

 

 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:03:25 - Identity Breaking Phase

00:04:09 - Development of Friendships

00:05:12 - Coaching a Young Musician

00:10:12 - The Concept of "Not Yet"

00:12:42 - Pygmalion Effect on Parenting

00:13:22 - Common Issues Parents Face

00:16:01 - Show Up Framework Overview

00:22:37 - Opening Up Communication

00:24:44 - Establishing Regular Check-ins

00:29:21 - Personal Story of Support

00:32:30 - Challenges of Modern Parenting

00:34:26 - Social Media and Identity Formation

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS :

• Parents need to establish a strong identity and know their values and virtues.
• Parents should hold space for collaboration with their kids, working with them rather than doing things for them. 
• Written letters expressing pride and support can be a powerful tool for opening up communication with teens.
• Parents should seek support from a parent pod or a network of trusted adults to share the responsibility of parenting. 
• Social media can impact the sense of identity, and it is important to help children understand their worth beyond likes and virtual validation. 

Memorable Quotes From Marcus Aurelius Higgs.

"If you're a lean thinker, you're probably working to continually improve your skills of communicating with the adults in your life."

CONNECT WITH Marcus Aurelius Higgs  

Website: https://marcushiggs.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartofmarcus/ 

 

Ep 127 Continually Improving Lead Generation with Jamaul Ford

 

 

 

You took the big plunge and started your own business.  Maybe you already have a customer or two.  But what comes next?  Jamaul Ford is a second-generation entrepreneur with some great ideas about what you already know about learning cycles for finding and connecting with customers. Let's listen to what he has to say.

Jamaul Ford

Jamaul Ford, or Jamaul the Maven, is an accomplished second-generation entrepreneur whose business journey goes beyond commercial success. His mission revolves around fostering growth, empathy, and community. With a strong belief in understanding and connecting with people, Jamaul's business approach centers on empowering others to succeed. He has successfully scaled diverse businesses, taking startups from zero to 10k and guiding enterprises to reach milestones of 100k and beyond. As a leader, he actively engages with his team, values learning from every experience, and advocates for open collaboration and collective growth.

 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:01:04 Second Generation Entrepreneurship

00:06:22 Finding Your Passion in Business.

00:10:45 Lean continuous improvement techniques.

00:12:04 Listening to customers for success.

00:18:34 Creative problem-solving in business.

00:21:29 Understanding client needs.

00:23:42 What qualifies as a lead.

00:31:17 Using GPT prompt for research.

 

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Transitioning into entrepreneurship is easier when you have a strong foundation and a passion for your work.
• When starting a business, focus on solving a problem or addressing a need that you resonate with. 
• Establish rapport and build relationships with potential clients before offering your services.
• Understand the needs of your target market to tailor your pitch and marketing efforts effectively.
• Use tools like adaptive intelligence and artificial intelligence to gather insights or refine your messaging.

 

Memorable Quotes From Jamaul Ford

“Sometimes, people do not know what they need until you have shown them what they need.”

CONNECT WITH Jamaul Ford   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamaul-ford-3bb430194/ 

Twitter/X: https://x.com/JamaultheMaven 

 

Ep 126 Getting to the Root Causes of Your Limiting Beliefs with Jeeva Sam

 

 

When I was first working, one of the early lessons imparted to me was that whatever happened at home was not pertinent to my work life.  That has been a difficult lesson for me to unlearn.  It was one of many limiting beliefs that I wasn’t even aware I was carrying into my lean and continuous improvement work. Jeeva Sam joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights into some of the limiting beliefs that hold us back and what we can do about them. 

Jeeva Sam

 

Jeeva Sam is a seasoned pastor turned advisor and mentor specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate through challenges in their personal and professional lives. With over 35 years of experience as a pastor and has led numerous individuals to achieve personal and professional growth, Jeeva uses his spiritual background to guide clients toward self-awareness and relationship harmonization. Based in Canada, Jiva has a unique approach to counseling and mentorship that focuses on addressing limiting beliefs, fostering healthy mindsets, and enhancing communication skills.

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KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:00:01 Getting to the Root Causes of Limiting Beliefs

00:05:57 Addressing Relational Stress to Improve Workplace Productivity

00:10:59 The Importance of Inner Work for Personal and Professional Success

00:16:29 Exploring Childhood Influences on Adult Behavior and Relationships

00:25:24 Reprogramming Beliefs Through Positive Affirmations and Supportive Company

00:28:49 The Importance of Coaches, Mentors, and Accountability Groups

00:30:08 Couples Masterminds and Gender-Specific Mentorship in Business

00:33:51 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching for Young Entrepreneurs

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Identifying and addressing limiting beliefs is crucial for personal and professional development.
• Relational stress can significantly impact productivity and effectiveness in the workplace.
• Acknowledging the influence of childhood experiences on behavior is essential for self-awareness.
• Cultivating positive beliefs and affirmations can lead to a mindset shift and improved outcomes.
• Seeking mentorship and coaching early on can provide valuable insights and support for growth.

 

Memorable Quotes From Jeeva Sam

“Replace unhealthy beliefs with positive affirmations to reprogram your mindset for success."

"Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and challenge you to grow beyond your limitations."

 

CONNECT WITH Jeeva Sam    

Website: https://thesams.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevasam/ 

Titter/X: https://x.com/jeevasam 

Ep 125 You Can’t Do Lean Here, Customer Development Edition with Danny Nathan

Lean practitioners often discuss the importance of delivering value to customers and understanding their needs. However, Danny Nathan takes this to a new level with his unique approach to lean customer development. His business is a testament to this. Intrigued by his methods, I invited him to join me on a journey to the Edges of Lean, where he shared his insights and practices. 

 

Danny Nathan:

 

Danny is a versatile entrepreneur who has made a name for himself by helping companies create and launch new products and ventures. With a background in various fields like product design, marketing, and strategy, Danny is known for his ability to solve complex business challenges. As the founder of Apollo 21, a company that combines business consultancy, product design, and venture studio, Danny helps companies foster innovation, drive growth, and overcome obstacles to scaling by developing cutting-edge technology.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:02:59 - Transition from Acting to Technology

00:04:14 - Types of Products Developed by Apollo 21

00:10:42 - Challenges with Misunderstanding MVP

00:12:02 - Lean Customer Development Explained

00:13:14 - Importance of Validating Customer Needs

00:18:13 - Learning from Customer Development

00:20:04 - Identifying Ideal Customer Groups

00:21:34 - Process of Customer Interviews

00:26:24 - Creating Conviction Through Learning

00:27:00 - Differentiating Apollo 21's Approach

00:29:13 - Ensuring Against Post-Launch Failure

00:30:37 - Customer Observation Techniques

00:39:06 - Handling Multiple Stakeholders

00:40:17 - Heuristic vs. Data-Driven Processes

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

 

• Lean customer development is about discovering the purest pain point and validating the need, potential solution, and willingness of customers to pay for it before building anything.
• The focus should be on delivering value to the customer and understanding their needs. 
• Lean customer development helps streamline the process of bridging the gap between discovery and minimum viable product (MVP).
• The concept of an MVP has evolved and can be interpreted differently by different organizations.
• The goal of an MVP is to learn as quickly as possible, mitigate risk, and minimize cost and time expenditure.
• Innovation is great, but it is crucial to innovate something that is valuable to the customer and that they are willing to buy.
• Lean Startup provides a clear-cut series of actions to move towards creating something new, but it is vital to adapt and customize the methodology to fit specific needs.
• Lean customer development involves talking to customers, asking the right questions, and gaining a clear understanding of their pain points and needs. 
• The process starts with defining the problem space and then talking to a wide range of people to discover pain points and potential solutions. 
•  

 

Memorable Quotes From Danny Nathan::

 

“Fall in love with the problem and not the solution.”

 

 

CONNECT WITH Danny Nathan::

      

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amongmany/ 

Website: https://apollo21.io  

 

Ep 124 Continuously Improving Your Dissertation with Dr. Jen Harrison

  

Have you earned an advanced degree? What was the dissertation process like for you?  Have you thought about going back to school for a PhD?  Are you wondering how to succeed and come out of the process with new knowledge, ready for your next challenge, and with your continuous improvement skills and self-confidence honed? Dr. Jen Harrison works with students as a dissertation coach, and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share the pitfalls and the keys to success with researching and writing your dissertation, all while becoming more collaborative. 

 

Jen Harrison

 

Dr. Jen Harrison is a highly experienced dissertation coach with a Ph.D. in Children’s and Victorian Literature from Aberystwyth University in Wales, UK. Over the past decade, she has successfully coached and supervised first-generation, ESL, and non-traditional students in the UK and USA, helping many achieve first-class degrees. Dr. Harrison's expertise extends to providing support in writing, research design, motivation, and research methods. As the CEO of Read.Write.Perfect., she utilizes her background in secondary school English teaching, private tutoring, and experience in nursery and primary schools to offer exceptional writing and research services.

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:02:02 - Transition to Dissertation Coaching

00:03:07 - Role of a Dissertation Coach

00:04:45 - Misalignment in Graduate Programs

00:06:21 - Field Non-Specific Coaching

00:08:29 - Pressure and Personal Stories

00:11:02 - Academic Year and Deadlines

00:15:31 - Realizing Misalignment with Goals

00:18:14 - Coachability of Students

00:20:14 - Applying Classroom Teaching Skills

00:25:13 - Differences Between US and UK Academia

00:32:21 - Advocating for Proper Supervision

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Set boundaries with your program and supervisor early on and stick to them.
• Build a strong support network of friends, family, and resources to help you through the process.
• Understand your why - know your purpose and goals for pursuing a graduate degree.
• Seek feedback and ensure you receive constructive feedback that helps you improve.
• Take time for self-care and prioritize your mental health throughout the process.
• Be proactive in advocating for what you need from your supervisor and program.
• Prepare for the transition after completing your dissertation by identifying your next steps and finding something to be excited about.
• Reflect on the structure and expectations of your program and adjust accordingly to meet your needs.
• Remember that resilience and perseverance are keys to navigating the challenges of a graduate degree.

Memorable Quotes From Jen Harrison

 

“Have a network, establish your network early on, and that doesn't just mean the people in your institution.”

CONNECT WITH Jen Harrison      

Website: https://readwriteperfect.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-harrison-769a89172/

Titter/X: https://twitter.com/perfect_write

Free Call for Podcast Listeners: https://calendly.com/readwriteperfect/back-on-track-coaching-consultation-podcasts

Ep 123 You Can’t Do Lean Here: Pharma Marketing Edition with Tirrell Payton

Here at the edges of Lean, I love to talk with people who have taken Lean thinking into spaces far from the shop floor.  Tirrell Payton is a lean thinker bringing lean to pharmaceutical marketing – a highly regulated, people-focused business area and one of the places where people are very likely to say, “You can’t do lean here!”.  He joined me at the Edges of Lean to discuss why and how he does it. 

 Tirrell Payton

Tirrell Payton is a dynamic and compelling individual who brings energy and storytelling to any platform. As the leader of Nooma Group Consulting, Tirrell combines southern charm with strategic expertise honed at Kellogg. With a deep understanding of the realities and constraints of business and drug development, Tirrell and his team drive impactful transformation through innovation in large organizations. Tirrell specializes in bringing a fresh perspective to complex topics such as agility and transformation, organizational development, leadership and change management, management consulting, pharma (clinical operations, marketing), and entrepreneurship.

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:00:32 Bringing lean thinking to pharmaceutical marketing

00:03:49 Challenges of applying agile in regulated industries

00:08:04 Insights into the tendencies of the pharma industry

00:10:13 The challenges of not considering humans in decision-making

00:11:53 Shifting from software to the pharma industry

00:15:01 The importance of understanding regulations

00:23:12 Challenges in pharmaceutical marketing

00:28:09 Bringing people together post-pandemic

00:33:06 Lack of focus on outcomes versus activities

00:37:34 Applying scientific thinking across the company

00:43:28 Attributes of successful leaders

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• The pandemic has disrupted collaboration and created social isolation, making it harder for teams to prioritize and work effectively. 
• Building a sense of community and belonging within the organization is crucial for productivity and performance. 
• Many marketers focus on activities and outputs rather than driving outcomes and impacts. 
• Defining and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) for outcomes can be a struggle in marketing. 
• Leaders in the pharma industry need to model the behavior they want to see, demonstrate empathy, and invite people to the journey. 
• Software alone is insufficient to solve organizational problems. Cultural systems and disciplined processes are necessary. 
• Young professionals should prioritize developing strong writing skills and empathy, as these qualities can set them apart and enhance their thinking and communication abilities. 

 

Memorable Quotes From Tirrell Payton 

 

"Learn to write. Learning to write forces you to clarify your thinking, and it makes you a better thinker.”

CONNECT WITH  Tirrell Payton

 

Website: https://www.noomagroup.com/leadership/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tirrellpayton/  

 

Ep 122 The Stories We Tell with Aurora Winter

 

We have been looking at different aspects of communication here at the Edges of Lean, and one aspect I wanted to explore more was the neuroscience of communication. Creative entrepreneur, writer, and coach Aurora Winter joins me to bring insight on that topic and highlight the power of stories. 

 

Aurora Winter  

 

Aurora Winter is a successful entrepreneur, bestselling author, TV writer-producer, and founder of SamePagePublishing.com. With expertise in film and neuroscience, Aurora helps people craft impactful stories that boost brands, books, and businesses. Winner of the Outstanding Nonfiction Book of the Year Award, her book "Turn Words Into Wealth" reveals seven ways to generate seven figures. She emphasizes the power of words to elevate income, impact, and influence. Passionate about meaningful discussions and valuable content creation, Aurora covers various topics, including the neuroscience of communication, marketing, pivoting, creating multiple income streams, turning books into movies, writing fiction and nonfiction, publishing, and more. 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:00:14 - Exploring the Neuroscience of Communication

00:00:58 - Aurora Winter's Background and Journey

00:08:34 - Addressing the Midbrain in Communication

00:14:34 - The Power of Stories in Communication

00:20:40 - Impact of Stories on Belonging and Meaning

00:27:13 - Stories as Tools for Change and Inspiration

00:36:51 - Where to Find Aurora Winter Online

00:41:54 - Advice for Young People Starting Out

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 

• Communication is a powerful tool that can significantly impact productivity and profitability.
• The midbrain, which is responsible for social connection and belonging, should also be addressed by highlighting the value of the message to others. 
• Stories are a powerful tool in communication as they convey values and provide meaning to the audience. 
• Opening a presentation with a question or half of a story can create interest and engagement from the audience. 
• Fiction, particularly science fiction, can shape and change the world by introducing new ideas and perspectives. 
• When starting any endeavor, it is vital to follow your interests and passions, explore different opportunities, and always look for beauty in every situation.

Memorable Quotes From Aurora Winter 

 

"Stories teach values, and science provides information."

CONNECT WITH Aurora Winter    

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurorawinter/  

Website: https://www.aurorawinter.com/
Gifts:
1. www.turnwordsintowealth.com
2. www.magicmysteryandthemultiverse.com 

Ep 121 Continuously Improving Persuasion with Carlos Alvarenga

I believe lean thinking is the best way to manage a business and develop people. Even though I have much experience and many great examples to share, it does not mean I am always successful in persuading people. Carlos Alvarenga is a communications researcher who has delved into what it takes to be persuasive. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to talk about his new book: “The Rules of Persuasion,” and to explain why persuasion is a skill we can all learn. 

 

Carlos Alvarenga

 

Carlos A. Alvarenga is an independent communications researcher, writer, and coach. With a background in management consulting and academia, he has worked as an adjunct professor at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and as the Executive Director of World 50 Labs. Carlos is pursuing a Ph.D. in Communications and Rhetoric at the University of Maryland. Carlos resides in Bethesda, MD, with his wife, a physician/researcher, and they have two sons. His diverse experiences and educational background contribute to his expertise in effective communication strategies.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

 

00:01:10 - Carlos's Background and Current Work

00:07:41 - The Elements of Character in Persuasion

00:11:34 - The Elements of Argument in Persuasion

00:12:19 - The Importance of Sequence in Presentations

00:14:27 - The Role of Emotion in Group Dynamics

00:22:50 - The Seven Kinds of Emotion in Persuasion

00:25:34 - The Importance of Emotion in Persuasion

00:33:36 - The Importance of Safety in Lean Transformation

00:37:14 - The Different Audiences in Persuasion

00:39:37 - The Dangers of Persuasion in the Wrong Hands

00:43:45 - Applying Persuasion in One-on-One Interactions

00:47:07 - Advice for Young Professionals

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Persuasion is a skill that can be learned and developed by anyone. 
• Persuasion is different from influence and manipulation. 
• The three modes of persuasion are character, argument, and emotion. 
• Character includes elements like status, origin, language, style, categories, and associations.
• Arguments include elements like logic, evidence, witnesses, authorities, laws, and standards.
• Understanding the chemistry of persuasion can help in crafting effective messages. 
• The order and sequence of elements in persuasion are crucial for success.

Memorable Quotes From Carlos Alvarenga

 

"If your ideas walk out the door with you at night, if your projects would die if you quit tomorrow, you haven't persuaded anyone.”

 

CONNECT WITH Carlos Alvarenga      

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-alvarenga/  

Website: https://www.carlosalvarenga.com/