#38 Choose Power: Grit, Strategy & Legacy with Rosie Paulsen

In this special anniversary episode, Nicole Alicea celebrates one year of the Create Brand NV Podcast by pulling back the curtain and introducing the voice behind the scenes—producer David “Fingers” Bell. Together, they reflect on nearly 20 years of friendship, their early days in radio, and how this podcast came to life—from idea to execution. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and a few laughs you won’t hear in a typical episode. Nicole also opens up about the realities of balancing business, life, and a passion project, while sharing insights on what it takes to stay consistent—even when things don’t go as planned. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering the show, this episode offers a more personal look at the journey behind the podcast—and what’s ahead. Produced by David “Fingers” Bell and hosted by Nicole Valentin Alicea.

We’re thrilled to welcome back retired commercial banker, Cynthia Weiss, for a candid and insightful discussion about protecting your business from fraud. Cynthia shares five key practices that every small business owner should implement to safeguard their company, including tips on handling vendors, monitoring cash flow, and establishing clear financial controls. We explore real-life examples of fraud, from fake vendors to internal embezzlement, and provide actionable advice on how to prevent these situations from happening to you.