The Power of Design – Details, episodes & analysis

Today’s guest is Aleksandra Degernes a leader reshaping how international talent connects with opportunity in the U.S.

As founder of the Eastern European Business Network, she champions economic integration, workforce development, and immigrant entrepreneurship. Her journey of reinvention shows the power of community, grit, and bold leadership to transform entire regions.

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Eastern European Business Network

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In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, we sit down with fellow podcaster Patrick MacIsaac with Roby Commercial Construction, we explore how storytelling, leadership, and branding shape the built environment.

From radio shows to podcasting to strategic communication, this conversation uncovers key lessons for creative entrepreneurs. Tune in to rethink how you share your voice.

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The Roby Family of Companies

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¡Bienvenidos a The Power of Design Podcast! En esta ocasión, tenemos un episodio muy especial: nuestro primer episodio en español. Hoy, nos acompaña Jefferson Ovalle, fundador de Genesis Construction, junto a nuestro host Jack Ossa.

Ambos son colombianos que han logrado establecer exitosamente sus empresas en Estados Unidos, y hoy compartirán con nosotros algo más que sus historias: los consejos clave que todo inmigrante hispanohablante necesita para abrirse camino en este país.

En este episodio titulado "La Ventaja del Inmigrante", Jack y Jefferson nos hablan sobre los desafíos y las oportunidades que enfrentaron al llegar a un nuevo país. Lo más importante, nos brindan ideas valiosas para quienes están buscando trabajo o pensando en crear su propia empresa en Estados Unidos.
Prepárate para escuchar experiencias reales, consejos prácticos y motivación para tomar las riendas de tu futuro. ¡No te lo pierdas!

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Joe Franco is a landlord representation agent and senior vice president at CBRE Charlotte. Joe is a relentless professional. He focuses on project leasing and the strategic marketing of office properties throughout Charlotte on behalf of institutional and private investors.

Recently my firm, Ossa Studio, has been working with Joe and his team, helping Joe do what he does best: maximizing value for his clients. Today, we’ll talk about motivation, design and the leasing industry.

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On this episode of the Power of Design podcast, host Jack Ossa sits down with John Christenbury; John is a Tenant Representation Broker and Managing Director at Cushman and Wakefield in Charlotte North Carolina. John is a go-getter and an emerging leader in the commercial real estate industry; he is a world traveler and understands the value of diversity and inclusion to create a better future for our community.

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On the first episode of the Power of Design podcast, host Jack Ossa sits down with Chris Butlak, founding partner of Barringer Construction. Chris is a visionary entrepreneur, a tireless relationship builder, and is laser-focused on delivering quality to his clients.

We'll talk to Chris about his upbringing, architecture education, entrepreneurship, and the current state of the construction industry in Charlotte.

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Thank you for tuning into The Power of Design Podcast. I’m your host, Jack Ossa.

Architecture and design and have always been a part of my life and very close to my heart.  After graduating from architecture school in my home country of Colombia, I decided to move to the United States in search of new opportunities and to pursue the dream of starting my own architecture firm.

At first, it wasn’t easy. I started out working long hours cleaning dishes, bussing tables and scrubbing toilets. Eventually I was given the opportunity to get a working visa and started my professional career working for multiple design firms. After years of struggle, dedication and learning experiences, today I’m not only a US citizen and a first-generation immigrant; but also an entrepreneur, building a multidisciplinary design firm that helps people create impactful experiences through the power of design.

I created The Power of Design Podcast to connect the people and ideas that create a powerful and inspiring built environment.

I want to talk to industry leaders and out-of-the-box thinkers from the design, architecture, construction, and real estate industries about the power of design, space, and their role in our community. We’ll also talk about topics that we’re passionate about like diversity, technology, entrepreneurship, branding and much more.

I’m inviting you to join me as we discuss these ideas by subscribing for free to The Power of Design Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss our first episode which goes live July 14. Find out more by following us on Instagram at @thepowerofdesignpodcast and visiting us online at thepowerofdesignpodcast.com. Thank you!

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Welcome to another episode of The Power of Design podcast! Today, we are pleased to have Thom Klingman, Vice President of New Business Development at CBI Workplace Solutions, with us.

CBI is a solution-oriented organization focused on helping clients harness the power of the workplace. In this episode, Thom will explore his professional journey and strategies for building strong business relationships. He will also discuss his personal decision to stop drinking alcohol and share his recent experience as a kidney donor.

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Today, we're joined by Ben Visser, founder of Social Design House, a dynamic branding and digital design studio located in Rock Hill, SC. Throughout this episode, Ben shares his entrepreneurial journey and discusses how digital design has empowered the growth of his business. Join us as we delve into the inspiring world of design and entrepreneurship with Ben Visser.

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In today's episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Jack speaks with Russ Little, a principal at Strata Project Management. This Charlotte, NC-based firm offers comprehensive construction project management and real estate consulting services. With years of global experience, Russ delivers expert advice, impeccable execution, and the meticulous attention to detail that can only be delivered by owner-operated boutique firms.

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