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Five Minutes With Andy

Five Minutes With Andy

By Professional Association Management Company | Virtual Inc.

Innovative practice and technologies for small and mid-size businesses
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5 Minutes with Andy: How TED 2022 Altered How I Think

Five Minutes With AndySep 21, 2022

00:00
06:32
5 Minutes with Andy: How TED 2022 Altered How I Think

5 Minutes with Andy: How TED 2022 Altered How I Think

Tune into our latest 5 Minutes with Andy Podcast where Andy discusses all thing TED – with learning from the speakers on how we are going to colonize mars to learning from the audience and even what is going on in the world.

Sep 21, 202206:32
Finding Your Ikigai with Martha Fields

Finding Your Ikigai with Martha Fields

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Andy, he welcomes Martha Fields a Former Vice-President of a Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital. With Martha we find life, work, & healthy aging success in 2022 despite the 3 C's of change, COVID, and challenges. 

Aug 23, 202210:48
5MWA Back to the Office & Summer Outing

5MWA Back to the Office & Summer Outing

In our latest episode of 5 Minutes with Andy discusses going back to the office, a recent TED Talk, and how to be flexible. Tune in to hear more!


Jul 25, 202205:17
Social Impact & The Jimmy Fund

Social Impact & The Jimmy Fund

Tune into our latest 5 Minutes with Andy -- hear about Team Russo and the Jimmy Fund and Virtual, Inc.’s commitment to both!

Jun 22, 202205:07
Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned

In this episode, Andy welcomes Leah Sibilia – Senior Director of Events, Margot Rodger – Vice President of Events and Meetings, and Julie Utano - Senior Director, Client Services. This podcast discusses lessons learned with returning to events. From preparedness, new ways of thinking, and so much

Feb 23, 202208:60
2021 - A Year in Review

2021 - A Year in Review

In this episode, Andy discusses Virtual’s end of year wrap with what happened, how we made things happen, and looking toward 2022.

Dec 14, 202105:38
Why Standards Matter

Why Standards Matter

In this episode, Andy welcomes Mauro Lance, Virtual Inc.'s Chief Financial Officer and Mike McCamon a Senior Consultant with Virtual Inc. This podcast discusses all things standards, from why standards matter, what works well and how groups have evolved.

Oct 20, 202107:22
Ransomware: Its Sources, Its Impact, & How To Prevent It

Ransomware: Its Sources, Its Impact, & How To Prevent It

In this episode, Andy welcomes Justin Montville, Vice President of  Applications and Infrastructure at Virtual, Inc. This podcast discusses all thing ransomware, from knowing what the benefits are to how to best protect yourself and your devices.

Sep 14, 202107:21
Social Media - "It's Not just for Kids Anymore"

Social Media - "It's Not just for Kids Anymore"

In this episode of Five Minutes with Andy, Andy Freed is joined by Darya Behnia, Virtual Marketing Communications Specialist, Tayla Giuffrida, Marketing Communications Coordinator, as well as Carol Fusaro, Senior Marketing Communications Manager. Darya, Tayla and Carol discuss with Andy all things social media. From targeting your audience to knowing how to make a post aesthetically pleasing. 

Jul 22, 202108:42
ROI Scorecard for Measuring Membership

ROI Scorecard for Measuring Membership

In this episode of Five Minutes with Andy, Andy Freed is joined by Shannon Taylor, Virtual's VP of Client Services, as well as Brooke Weldon, Sr. Manager, Growth Programs. Brooke and Shannon discuss with Andy tips and tricks on ROI for membership and how it can be measured.

Jun 22, 202106:41
Events in the New World

Events in the New World

In this episode of Five Minutes with Andy, Andy Freed is joined by Margot Rodger, Virtual's VP of Events and Meetings, as well as Jennifer Tombaugh, President of Tauck. During the COVID - 19 Pandemic, name badges and cocktail receptions have been replaced by ring lights and Zoom. Andy, Marogt, and Jennifer will discuss what will events look like in the future and take questions such as can face-to-face events be conducted safely? Are hybrid events effective? Is asking questions a good way to structure a webinar?

May 27, 202109:02
5 Minutes with Andy: Seven Transformations of Strategic Planning

5 Minutes with Andy: Seven Transformations of Strategic Planning

In this episode of Five Minutes with Andy, Andy Freed is joined by Jay Vogt of Peoplesworth & Greg Kohn, Virtual’s Chief Growth Officer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, strategic planning became a critical need for many organizations. New challenges emerged. Interesting opportunities presented themselves. For some organizations, new financial realities required urgent action. Jay & Greg give us tips on how to facilitate Zoom meetings and how to strategically plan.

Apr 19, 202108:01
A Year In Review

A Year In Review

In this episode of Five Minutes with Andy, Andy Freed discusses Virtual has grown over the last year and learned a lot about  about one thing: Appreciation.

Mar 25, 202104:28
COVID-19 Business School

COVID-19 Business School

In this episode of Five Minutes with Andy, we learn about the ‘COVID-19 Business School’ and Andy focuses on the many challenges and opportunities related to the global pandemic in seven key categories. Andy teaches us the value of dancing in the rain and how to find opportunities. 

Feb 25, 202108:48
Global Collaboration

Global Collaboration

In this episode of Five Minutes with Andy, Amanda Brien, Virtual’s Senior Program Manager, and Patricia Morin, Virtual’s Director of Client Services, discuss the practical challenges of collaborating globally.

Jan 20, 202108:24
Online Event Engagement During COVID-19.

Online Event Engagement During COVID-19.

In this episode of Five Minutes with Andy, Margot Rodger, Virtual’s Vice President of Events & Meetings Event Services returns to discuss the importance of keeping an audience engaged while attending online events. From yoga classes to magicians, Margot has tips to make your event successful.

Nov 30, 202007:14
The Importance of Being a Team Player (On and Off the Field)

The Importance of Being a Team Player (On and Off the Field)

In this episode of Five Minutes with Andy, we are joined by Gustavo Rodriguez, an operations manager at Virtual, Inc. to discuss two of Andy’s favorite things - baseball and business. Join Gustavo and Andy as they talk about the similarities between being a team player in baseball and at work. We also get to hear about Gustavo’s father, an MLL baseball player. Tune into this episode to learn more about how being a team player is key to winning in the business world.

Oct 16, 202007:24
Engaging Networking Experiences for Online Events

Engaging Networking Experiences for Online Events

In this 5 Minutes With Andy, Margot Rodger our Vice President of Events shares her experience going virtual. From flying home from an event in the begging of quarantine to experimenting with online platforms to help our clients have successful online events. Margot shares her tips to make your virtual events engaging all while having a great experience.

Aug 31, 202008:02
Culture, Budgeting & the Bottom Line

Culture, Budgeting & the Bottom Line

In this 5 Minutes With Andy, we are joined by Terry Lowney our COO and CFO. Terry has been with Virtual for over 17 years and she shares her experiences. Terry explains the importance of a value based culture and how they are more than words on a plaque. She advises on company "health", daily tasks, meetings at her level and the importance between culture and the bottom line. 

Jul 28, 202007:49
Strategies for Reassessing Programs During the Pandemic

Strategies for Reassessing Programs During the Pandemic

In this episode of 5 minutes with Andy, Shannon Taylor, Vice President of Client Services joins Andy to discuss membership programs. 2020 is a great opportunity to reassess a lot of things, Shannon Taylor gives us insight as to why we should always be reassessing programs, not just during a pandemic. Andy and Shannon share their insights on tennis scores, Big Bird and how creativity really does go the extra mile. Tune in to hear about why reassessing is something we should be doing all of the time.
Jun 29, 202009:15
Lessons Learned from COVID-19

Lessons Learned from COVID-19

Parents feeding children, pets roaming around in the background and other scenes of domestic life you can now see during work videoconferencing are creating a new normal for the 9-5 routine. Many are making adjustments to working from home and staying connected. The important thing is to stay positive and engaged. Here are some tips from Andy to do just that and not just survive this new way of work, but thrive.
May 26, 202006:22
Online Meetings

Online Meetings

In this episode of “5 Minutes With Andy” we are getting top-notch advice from Andy Freed on how to facilitate and participate in online meetings. Andy gives us tips and tricks on how to stay focused and engaged in online meetings. From turning your video camera on to making sure your background is distraction-free, Andy shares his insights with you to make sure you stay on track in this new age of digital meetings.

Make sure to listen in and get all the tips.
May 04, 202007:20
Andy’s Attic

Andy’s Attic

On this episode of “Five Minutes with Andy” we are coming to you directly from Andy Freed’s Attic. Andy is working from home due to COVID-19 and the only space available to him is his attic. Andy has incorporated several ways to be more effective while working from the confines of his attic to share. Andy gives us tips on booking time in our calendar, how to be “more like Gumby” and how he is proud of Virtual Inc., and its employees. Although Andy is working in his attic, he feels like he has an opportunity to be connected now more than ever.
Apr 06, 202009:00
Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership

At Virtual, Inc. we have been practicing servant leadership long before we even knew what to call it. Whether we are inspiring others, building our teams, or creating future leaders, servant leadership is a valuable asset to us at Virtual. Tune into “5 Minutes with Andy” and learn how servant leadership is helping us make our mark on the world.

Listen here to why Andy chose to incorporate servant leadership into our everyday culture!
Jan 28, 202006:18
The Importance of Culture

The Importance of Culture

At Virtual Inc., we want to make sure we are achieving goals, driving success and having some fun while we doing it. Our culture enables us to do just that! Listen to Andy Freed’s new “Five Minutes with Andy” podcast on the importance of culture and how we make it work at Virtual. Andy shares his favorite things about Virtual’s culture and tips on how to improve your company’s culture.

Dec 30, 201906:02
How Hidden Standards Impact Your Life

How Hidden Standards Impact Your Life

The theme around the tenth episode of Virtual Inc.’s podcast “Five Minutes with Andy” is standards. People don’t realize how important standards – and associations that create standards — are in our lives. Standards keep things running. From firefighting to using technology — even buying a Coke in a vending machine. Standards in some way, shape or form impact all our lives daily.
To hear more about Virtual’s role in standards click on the link and hear what Andy has to say!
Nov 20, 201906:08
Families and Companies

Families and Companies

“We are family” is the topic of this the ninth episode of Virtual’s podcast “Five Minutes with Andy”. Companies are a lot like families and all families have good times and not-so-good times – and sometimes downright scary times! In the Virtual family we support each other through the tough times and give back to the communities we live in and the causes we care about. Like Andy says, “See what you can do to help!”
Here’s to our second family! Click on the link and hear what your CEO has to say!
Oct 18, 201907:06
Vision.  Results.  Strategy.  An overview of the Virtual Way with special guest Craig Paxson

Vision. Results. Strategy. An overview of the Virtual Way with special guest Craig Paxson

The eighth episode of Virtual’s podcast, “Five Minutes with Andy” features Virtual’s Executive Vice President Craig Paxson and Andy discussing VRS. VRS stands for “Vision”, “Results” and “Strategy” VRS is foundational to the way Virtual works with its clients. Some might call it Virtual’s “secret sauce”. In this podcast, Andy and Craig describe VRS and its purpose.
We invite you to sit back, relax and listen in. Enjoy!
Aug 14, 201906:57
Interns Gotta Eat!!! Five Minutes With Andy

Interns Gotta Eat!!! Five Minutes With Andy

Welcome to our seventh episode of Virtual’s podcast, Five Minutes with Andy. In Episode 7, Andy shares information about how Virtual runs its internship program.
Internships are valuable for college students and for companies if programs are performed well. “If the job of an intern is to be seen and not heard then you’re not taking advantage of the program,” says Andy.
We invite you to sit back, relax and listen in. Enjoy! And remember, interns gotta eat!
May 20, 201906:01
Five Minutes with Andy: Effective Event Planning Strategies

Five Minutes with Andy: Effective Event Planning Strategies

Welcome to the sixth episode of Virtual’s podcast, 5 Minutes with Andy, in which our CEO, Andy Freed, offers you tips, tricks, and insights into leadership, management, and business skills.

In Episode 6, Andy shares his advice on effective event planning strategies and considerations.  He also explains why getting out from behind your desk and attending an event can help build meaningful relationships. “In a world where so much gets done online and by conference call, there’s still no substitute for sitting in the same room with folks,” says Andy.

We invite you to sit back, relax and listen in. Enjoy!

Mar 26, 201907:23
5 Minutes with Andy: Wow

5 Minutes with Andy: Wow

Welcome to the fifth episode of Virtual’s podcast, 5 Minutes with Andy, in which our CEO, Andy Freed, offers you tips, tricks, and insights into leadership, management, and business skills.

In Episode Five, Andy explains how Virtual’s employee recognition program contributes to growing a stronger and happier workplace. “One of the deepest human needs is the need to be recognized,” says Andy. “I think it’s really important for folks to feel recognized and appreciated for what they do and that’s what we’re doing”.

We invite you to sit back, relax and listen in. Enjoy!

Feb 12, 201905:03
5 Minutes with Andy: The Power of Trust

5 Minutes with Andy: The Power of Trust

Welcome to the fourth episode of Virtual’s podcast, 5 Minutes with Andy, in which our CEO, Andy Freed, offers you tips, tricks, and insights into leadership, management, and business skills.

In Episode Four, Andy discusses the power of trust within a company. This discussion explores how the power of trust can lead to better results and greater success within a company. “The only asset we have is our relationships,” says Andy. “It’s our relationships with one another as employees and our relationships between ourselves and our clients. Trust is the glue that holds those relationships together.

We invite you to grab a cup of coffee and listen in. Enjoy!

Jan 10, 201905:03
5 Minutes with Andy: Vacation, Performance and Taking the Time You Need

5 Minutes with Andy: Vacation, Performance and Taking the Time You Need

Welcome to the third episode of Virtual’s podcast, 5 Minutes with Andy, in which our CEO, Andy Freed, offers you tips, tricks, and insights into leadership, management, and business skills.

In Episode Three, Andy discusses vacation time and employee performance. This discussion explores how you can find balance in taking the time you need to succeed, while maintaining the integrity of your company’s professional services. “Our goal is to make sure employees are succeeding, energized, and ready to provide action for their clients,” says Andy.

We invite you to grab a cup of coffee and listen in. Enjoy!

Oct 15, 201806:60
5 Minutes with Andy: Fear, Coughdrops, and Getting Naked

5 Minutes with Andy: Fear, Coughdrops, and Getting Naked

5 Minutes with Andy (Podcast)

Welcome to the second episode of Virtual’s new podcast, 5 Minutes with Andy, in which our CEO, Andy Freed, offers you tips, tricks, and insights into leadership, management, and business skills.

In Episode Two, Andy discusses Patrick Lencioni’s book Getting Naked, which explores the management of professional services and how you want to conduct yourself in any business. “I could see so much of who we are, and who we hope to be in the pages of this book,” says Andy.

We invite you to grab a cup of coffee and listen in. Enjoy!

Jul 20, 201805:50
Introducing Virtual’s New Podcast: 5 Minutes with Andy

Introducing Virtual’s New Podcast: 5 Minutes with Andy

5 Minutes with Andy (Podcast)

Introducing the new Virtual podcast, 5 Minutes with Andy, in which Virtual, Inc.’s CEO, Andy Freed, will be offering you tips, tricks, and insights into leadership, management, and business skills.

In Episode One, Andy discusses the various benefits and lessons learned in Virtual joining forces with the Drohan Management Group out of Reston, VA and Professional Credential Services, Inc. out of Nashville, TN. Together, the combined companies deliver a broader set of enhanced services. Through a great deal of learning,  listening, and understanding what’s possible, Virtual is trying to take the best aspects from each company, and to make something new, different and exciting.

We invite you to grab a cup of coffee and listen in. Enjoy!

Jul 18, 201806:21