Chris Gaspar, Author at The Covert Code

Episode 64 – Joseph Hudicka

By Chris Gaspar|2025-05-19T18:49:46+00:00May 16th, 2025|Author, Podcasts|

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is “Empowering the Next Generation of Business Leaders through Innovation” with Joseph R. Hudicka, a Forbes author of The AI Ecosystem Revolution, keynote speaker, teacher, and philanthropist.

Meet Joseph R. Hudicka

Joe Hudicka is the CEO and founder of EvenFlow, a software solution that helps businesses unify their various digital communication channels. Hudicka is also a speaker as well as a supply chain expert with 25 years of experience in business process reengineering, business intelligence, and technological innovation. Hudicka serves on Rider University’s Advisory Board for the Centers for Entrepreneurial & Analytics Studies and holds multiple roles at the university, including Entrepreneur in Residence and Adjunct Professor.

For over 20 years, Joe has been connecting ideas with processes, systems, technologies, and solutions that transform visions into flourishing, thriving, and mind-bending businesses. With experience that spans the globe, numerous industries, and several Fortune 500 companies, Joe is a spirited force who leverages his vetted intuition, entrepreneurial expertise, and inspirational enthusiasm to foster and excel at innovations and become industry game changers.

In 2001, Joe co-founded The Clarity Team, LLC, a reputable consulting firm with a proven history of propelling B2B businesses forward by providing technological vision, enterprise synergy, and custom solutions, consistently delivering high-growth results. As the firm’s Senior Solutions Architect, Joe uses storytelling and Clarity Graphics to simplify complex issues, ultimately empowering organizations and teams to leverage innovation and resources to revolutionize the sales experience.

0

The Fraud Factor: Urgent Strategies for Safer Digital Marketing

By Chris Gaspar|2025-05-19T19:06:08+00:00May 13th, 2025|Press Releases|

An Eye-Opening Evening with Forbes Author & Digital Marketing Expert Anna Covert

(Honolulu, HI) May 12, 2025 — Digital fraud is quietly costing businesses billions each year, and most don’t even realize it. That’s the urgent focus of The Fraud Factor: Urgent Strategies for Safer Digital Marketing, a special event led by digital marketing expert and Forbes Books author Anna Covert. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 5, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Dave & Buster’s, Ala Moana. Designed for business owners, marketing professionals, sales teams, and students, this session delivers the latest tools and insights to protect digital campaigns from fraud and waste.

In today’s fast-paced marketing landscape, reach and conversion aren’t the only concerns—security is, too. From fake leads and bot traffic to click fraud and malicious ad placements, digital deception is eroding ROI across industries. Most campaigns operate without safeguards. Anna Covert, founder of Covert Communications and a trusted voice in ethical digital strategy, will break down the most common forms of fraud and provide practical ways to identify and stop them before they impact a brand’s reputation or bottom line.

Attendees will learn how to:

Identify the most common types of digital fraud, including click fraud and fake leads
Spot red flags early to protect campaigns from financial and reputational risk
Implement strategies to safeguard digital marketing efforts
Take immediate, practical steps to defend their business from online marketing fraud
Apply proven techniques to save 20% or more on Google Ads—with hands-on tips they can use right away.

In addition, Anna will reveal her go-to strategies so that virtually anyone running a Google or Microsoft search campaign can walk away with clear, actionable ways to improve performance and cut waste.

The event includes heavy pupus, one complimentary drink ticket (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and a book signing with Covert toward the end of the evening. Guests will also have a chance to win a free copy of her Amazon #1 bestselling book, The Covert Code—Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing, which will also be available for purchase on-site and online.

With over two decades in the industry and a reputation for results and integrity, Anna has worked with hundreds of companies globally. Her mission is to elevate the digital marketing profession through transparency, accountability, and education—and this event is a powerful step in that direction.

Tickets are limited, and early registration is encouraged. You can make reservations on Eventbrite.

0

Episode 63 – Harmon Kong

By Chris Gaspar|2025-05-12T20:16:18+00:00May 9th, 2025|Author, Podcasts|

On The Covert Code , discover a fresh perspective on wealth with Harmon Kong, Co-Founder of Apriem Advisors and Forbes Author of the Amazon bestseller “Values Over Valuables.” Learn how true legacy building goes far beyond financial assets to embrace the values, stories, and principles that shape generations. Perfect for entrepreneurs, family leaders, and anyone seeking to create meaning that outlasts their bank account.

Meet Harmon Kong

Harmon co-founded Apriem Advisors in 1998 and has since redefined the finance industry’s standards by treating every client as family, or “Ohana.” It is imperative to Harmon that Apriem prioritize personalized service, ensuring that each client feels valued and receives the full attention of the team.

Harmon’s leadership philosophy emphasizes that wealth management transcends mere numbers; it is fundamentally about creating and nurturing relationships. This approach has established Apriem Advisors as a trusted ally for multi-generational families seeking holistic financial solutions. With extensive experience in wealth management, Harmon has emerged as a thought leader, guiding families through financial complexities while promoting a life of purpose beyond monetary achievements. His methodology harmonizes financial and personal growth, enabling clients to cultivate wealth alongside meaningful lives. Recognized for his commitment to client welfare, Harmon is also the Amazon Best-Selling author of “Values over Valuable: Daring to Live the Life Money Can’t Buy.”

In addition to his professional endeavors, he actively volunteers with various organizations, serves on many boards and committees, and is continually contributing to community enrichment and cultural understanding.

When he is not working or volunteering, Harmon cherishes spending time with his family and friends. Whether exploring the great outdoors, enjoying a meal together, or embarking on new adventures, he values the moments that bring people closer together. His personal life reflects his professional values: the importance of relationships, the joy of shared experiences, and the significance of giving back.

0

Episode 62 – Featured Guest Nancy Harhut

By Chris Gaspar|2025-04-25T17:20:52+00:00May 2nd, 2025|Author, Podcasts|

This week on The Covert Code, discover the fascinating psychological triggers that drive consumer decisions and learn how to apply these principles ethically in your marketing strategy with Nancy Harhut!

Meet Nancy Harhut

Nancy Harhut is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at HBT Marketing, a consultancy that specializes in applying human behavior techniques to marketing and whose clients include H&R Block, AARP, and Transamerica. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, she previously held senior creative management positions with agencies within the IPG and Publicis networks, where she worked with clients including Dell, Bank of America, and AT&T. A regular international conference keynoter, she has been recognized as an Online Marketing Institute Top 40 Digital Strategist and Ad Club Top 100 Creative Influencer.

0

Episode 61 – Featured Guest Garry Wheeler

By Chris Gaspar|2025-05-12T20:41:06+00:00April 25th, 2025|Author, Podcasts|

This week on The Covert Code, we step into the creative frontier with Garry S. Wheeler, author and COO of Xpertloop, as he reveals how AI can amplify your authentic voice rather than replace it. Discover the unexpected ways artificial intelligence is revolutionizing audience connection!

Meet Garry Wheeler

Garry S. Wheeler is an award-winning and accomplished executive, bestselling author, and abstract artist with over 40 years of experience as an entrepreneur, CEO, COO, GM, CIO, CFO, and supply chain leader across multiple sectors, including high tech, IoT, AI, consumer products, manufacturing, real estate, professional services, media/entertainment, and non-profits. He has an extensive background in P & L and operations management and has led many successful mergers and acquisitions.

Wheeler is also a multi-award-winning international abstract artist and a nonprofit leader in the arts. He serves as the Board President of the Marco Island Center for the Arts and the Art Center Theater and is the former President of the Art Council of Southwest Florida. Garry is a world traveler who has traveled to more than 100 countries in his lifetime. Lastly, he has a need for speed, racing stock cars on 23 different NASCAR tracks over the last 15 years!

0

Episode 60 – Featured Guest Marcelo Calbucci

By Chris Gaspar|2025-05-12T20:42:31+00:00April 18th, 2025|Author, Podcasts|

Join us on The Covert Code Podcast; the topic is “Innovation and Scaling Startups” with Marcelo Calbucci, Founder, and author of The PRFAQ Framework. With over 20+ years of experience in product development, innovation, and scaling businesses, Marcelo is here to share valuable insights on how to solve customer pain points and drive growth.

Meet Marcelo

I’ve been obsessed with technology, products, and innovation for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first software when I was 12; I sold my first software at 16 (a CRM tool for MS-DOS), and that journey continues until today.

I was born in Brazil and moved to Seattle to work for Microsoft in the late 90s, mostly leading engineering at Bing. After seven years, the entrepreneurial call was too strong, and I left. Over 18 years, I’ve founded and built startups and startup studios in Seattle and in London. I’ve raised more than $40M for my startups in social networks, events, media, fitness, health, telecommunications, and more. I spent close to two years at Amazon, leading a product and engineering team in HR.

0

Episode 59 – Featured Guest Patrick Riccards

By Chris Gaspar|2025-04-23T04:07:46+00:00April 11th, 2025|Author, Podcasts|

Join us on The Covert Code Podcast; the topic is “Breaking out of your comfort zone” with Patrick Riccards, author of Dad in a Cheer Bow. Patrick shares strategies for growing your brand, connecting authentically, and driving business success.

Meet Patrick Riccards

Patrick Riccards founded the Driving Force Institute for Public Engagement, a national effort transforming the teaching and learning of American history and civics through provocative, relevant video content for students and related professional development for teachers. DFI is committed to inspiring today’s learners need to “think like historians.”

Previously, Patrick served as executive director and CEO of Life After Hate, the nation’s leader in the violence intervention community. He has also held positions as a university vice president and as the chief communications and strategy officer at the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, helping build many of its signature initiatives, including the High Meadows Graduate School of Teaching and Learning (acquired by the University of Kansas in 2022). He also was CEO of the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now, executive director for communications and public affairs at the American Institutes for Research, chief of staff to the National Reading Panel, and executive director of the Pennsylvania STEM Initiative. Patrick began his career working on Capitol Hill and on political campaigns.

0

Episode 58 – Featured Guest Marianne Bachynski

By Chris Gaspar|2025-04-11T19:50:11+00:00April 4th, 2025|Podcasts|

Join us on The Covert Code Podcast; the topic is “Driving Business through Technology Transformation” with Marianne Bachynski, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in leading IT strategy and business transformations for large Fortune 500 companies including Morgan Stanley, AIG, and more.

Meet Marianne Bachynski

Marianne Bachynski is a distinguished executive with a wealth of experience leading technology and business transformations at the highest levels. Renowned for her strategic insight and governance expertise, Marianne has made significant contributions to Fortune 500 companies through various C-Suite positions. Her career is marked by a proven ability to align IT, operational, and business strategies to drive growth and efficiency within complex organizations.

Marianne Bachynski’s career highlights her strategic vision, operational expertise, and leadership capabilities. Her ability to manage large teams, oversee complex projects, and drive organizational success makes her an asset for any board. Marianne’s broad experience and commitment to excellence position her as an ideal candidate for contributing to the governance and strategic direction of forward-thinking organizations.

0

Episode 57 – Featured Guest Brad Mahon

By Chris Gaspar|2025-03-30T06:21:08+00:00March 27th, 2025|Author, Podcasts|

Join us on The Covert Code Podcast; the topic is “Transforming education through Leadership and Community Engagement” with Brad Mahon, President & CEO of Great Plains College and author of Leadership Is Personal.

Meet Brad Mahon

Brad Mahon, MBA, PhD, has enjoyed more than 25 years as a leader in higher education. His experience spans from the classroom to the boardroom, always with an emphasis on engaging the community.

As a college president and past university dean, Brad passionately advocates for providing learners with transformative educational experiences and aligning institutions with the communities they serve. Collaboration and cooperation are hallmarks of his administration.
tenures, including establishing strategic partnerships with other educational institutions, community organizations, and industry. In 2022, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, recognizing his service to the education sector.

Brad recently published Leadership Is Personal, which reveals the transformative power of authentic, community-focused leadership. Drawing from his rich experiences in higher education and the arts, he shows how cultivating strong internal cultures and external community connections can drive organizational success.

When no one is looking, Brad still regularly sneaks off campus to moonlight as a professional guitarist. He’s a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 547 and the Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners.

0

Episode 56 – Featured Guest Lawrence Hanley

By Chris Gaspar|2025-05-01T01:05:38+00:00March 21st, 2025|Podcasts|

Join us on The Covert Code Podcast; the topic is “The Business of Greenery” with Lawrence Hanley, Founder & CEO of Desk Plants. From a simple idea to a thriving company, Lawrence shares insights on leveraging the art of gift giving to boost engagement, maximize referrals, and make any customer space a little more zen.

Meet Lawrence Hanley

Lawrence Hanley is the visionary founder and CEO of Desk Plants, a company dedicated to bringing nature into workspaces through stylish, low-maintenance plant solutions. With a background in environmental science and urban design, Lawrence established Desk Plants in 2018 after recognizing the growing disconnect between modern office workers and natural environments. His company specializes in curating plant collections specifically designed for desk spaces, meeting rooms, and office common areas, combining aesthetic appeal with proven wellness benefits. Lawrence’s passion for biophilic design and sustainable business practices has positioned Desk Plants as a leader in the workplace wellness sector, serving clients ranging from tech startups to Fortune 500 companies. Under his guidance, Desk Plants has expanded its offerings to include educational workshops, corporate wellness programs, and customized greenery solutions for businesses nationwide.

0

About Chris Gaspar