Success Express

New California Employment Laws 2026: Minimum Wage and More

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s California Employment Law Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down the upcoming changes to California’s minimum wage laws, effective January 2026. 
The discussion covers minimum wage increases across sectors, challenges for small businesses competing with larger employers, and significant wage hikes in the healthcare industry. Ward also explains compliance requirements for exempt employees, the consequences of wage violations, and strategies for avoiding costly mistakes. This episode is essential for both employers and employees navigating California’s evolving wage landscape.
📖 Read Ward’s article: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/new-california-employment-laws-for 
👨‍⚖️ Connect with Ward Heinrichs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ 
🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
🔊 Part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Deal With It Now: Why Leaders Must Stop Ignoring Workplace Problems

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) discusses why supervisors must address workplace issues early—before they escalate, spread, or damage trust.
Rita explains the ripple effect of ignoring problems, how open communication strengthens teams, and why leaders must create a safe environment for honest dialogue. This episode also ties directly into her foundational work on feedback, highlighting how giving and receiving timely feedback helps employees succeed and keeps organizations healthy.
🎙️ Key Takeaways:• Ignoring problems causes bigger issues later.• Addressing concerns early prevents escalation.• Open communication builds trust and transparency.• Feedback is essential for employee success.• Leaders must be proactive, not avoidant.• Difficult conversations are part of healthy supervision.• Safe environments encourage honest communication.• Trust takes time to build but can be lost quickly.• Ignoring feedback leads to disengagement.• Reflective leadership practices support continual improvement.
🔗 Related Feedback Episodes:• Benefits of Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/feedback-basics/ • Giving Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/giving-feedback/ • Receiving Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/receiving-feedback/ 
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 All SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Podcast Channel. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Art of Performance Preparing for Gigs and Connecting Through Music

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Music Talks with Joey Stuckey (airing every 4th Sunday), we celebrate Arts & Humanities Month with an insightful conversation about the art and craft of live performance. Joey and Lisa dive into what it takes to prepare for gigs, the importance of rehearsals, and how musicians can build confidence, adaptability, and professionalism on stage.
They also explore the deeper significance of music as a universal language—one that tells human stories, connects communities, and reflects the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
📌 Key Takeaways- Music connects people across cultures and emotions.- The arts mirror the beauty and struggles of human life.- Preparation and rehearsal build confidence and consistency.- Open mic nights are great for learning and growing.- Mistakes are part of becoming a better performer.- Building a genuine audience connection is essential.- Professionalism means being prepared, punctual, and adaptable.- Humor and authenticity can turn performance challenges into memorable moments.- Every performance offers lessons that shape the artist’s journey.
Learn more at: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio 

New California Regulations Address AI Discrimination

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "California Employment Law" Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs discusses the growing impact of artificial intelligence in employment practices and hiring decisions. The conversation explores how AI can both reflect and amplify existing biases and racism, the ethical challenges of developing fair algorithms, and the importance of transparency and accountability. Ward also explains new regulations designed to ensure equitable hiring practices and protect against AI-driven discrimination in the workplace.
📖 Read Ward’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/garbage-in-garbage-out-new-regulations-address-ai-discrimination/ 
👨‍⚖️ Connect with Ward Heinrichs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ 
🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
🔊 This episode is also featured on the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Essential Questions for Effective Supervision

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) explores one of the most important questions supervisors can ask themselves and their staff: “Is this impacting the work—and how?”
This powerful question encourages reflection, clarity, and accountability, helping supervisors navigate performance challenges, communication breakdowns, and personal or technological factors that may influence productivity. Rita discusses when and how to ask these questions, why “no” answers can sometimes be harder to handle than “yes,” and how documenting and communicating effectively strengthens workplace relationships and results.
🎙️ Key Takeaways:• Supervisors should regularly reflect on how their actions and team dynamics impact the work.• Asking about the impact of personal or external issues clarifies priorities.• Technology can both support and disrupt productivity.• Communication and documentation are key to effective supervision.• Supervisors must balance empathy with accountability.• Cultural awareness helps prevent misinterpretation of behavior.• “Is this impacting the work?” keeps conversations grounded and constructive.• Understanding and addressing issues early prevents escalation.• Supporting staff means listening, observing, and following up consistently.
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 
🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 
🔹 Explore more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Self-Trust - The Superpower You Can't Fake

In this empowering episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUCCESS EXPRESS Business and Career Show, Lea Brovedani, internationally recognized as “The Trust Architect,” dives into the vital role of self-trust in shaping personal and professional growth.
From making sound decisions and building authentic confidence to navigating mistakes and external influences, this conversation explores why self-trust is the foundation of all meaningful trust — including how we engage with AI and public speaking. Lea also discusses how journaling, reflection, and small, consistent actions help strengthen this powerful inner compass.
🔗 Learn more about Lea’s work and books: https://leabrovedani.com 
🔗 Read Lea’s Self-Trust article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/self-trust-the-superpower-you-cant-fake/ 
🔗 Explore Big Blend Radio’s Success Express Podcast: https://success-express-business.podbean.com/ 
✨ This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s programming for Emotional Wellness Month. You can also hear it on our Big Daily Blend and Quality of Life Podcast Channels. explore our network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dr Jaime Goff - The Secure Leader

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUCCESS EXPRESS Business & Career Show features Dr. Jaime Goff, founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC and author of “The Secure Leader: Discover the Hidden Forces that Shape Your Leadership Story and How to Change Them” (Amplify Publishing, Sept. 9, 2025).
Dr. Goff shares insights on secure leadership, highlighting the importance of compassion, authenticity, and self-awareness in today’s workplace. She also discusses the impact of generational trauma on leadership styles, navigating toxic environments, and the role of HR in fostering healthier, more resilient leaders.
With over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, professor, and executive coach, Dr. Jaime Goff empowers individuals and teams to embrace personal growth, resilience, and authentic human connection. Learn more at: https://drjaimegoff.com/ 
🔹 Explore Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Podcast Channel: https://success-express-business.podbean.com/ 
✅ TakeawaysSecure leadership balances confidence with humility.Compassion and empathy are essential in today’s workplace.Generational trauma can shape leadership behaviors.Self-awareness is key to growth.COVID-19 emphasized the importance of human connection.Authentic leadership builds stronger relationships.Leaders must face fears and anxieties to lead effectively.Toxic work environments hinder leadership development.Secure leadership requires ongoing practice and reflection.HR plays a crucial role in cultivating secure leaders.

Unlocking the Power of One-on-One Meetings

In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) discusses the value of one-on-one meetings in the workplace.
These regular check-ins are essential for building relationships, clarifying expectations, and fostering open communication. Rita shares how one-on-ones can help navigate organizational change, strengthen supervisor-employee trust, and provide a consistent forum for feedback and support—even in remote work environments.
🎙️ Key Takeaways:• One-on-one meetings are vital for relationship building.• Regular check-ins help address issues before they escalate.• Scheduling and honoring meetings demonstrates respect.• Two-way conversations are critical for effective communication.• Feedback drives continuous improvement and engagement.• Meetings prevent burnout and disengagement.• Structure and consistency enhance productivity.• Listening is just as important as speaking.• Supervisors must foster supportive, communicative environments.
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Show. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork