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  • From Creative Passion to Profit: Success Strategies with Diane Strand, Serial Entrepreneur and Mindset Leader

    From Creative Passion to Profit: Success Strategies with Diane Strand, Serial Entrepreneur and Mindset Leader
    2024/09/20
    Diane Strand is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, marketer, speaker, and coach who helps entrepreneurs turn their creative passions into profitable businesses — as she did with her own business, JDS Productions, a seven-figure media company creating engaging video content for organizations, people, and products. In 2024, she released the mindset-leadership book Creativ-Preneur, which details critical entrepreneurial steps such as creating a business concept, establishing your entity, working through challenges to level up, and leveraging your money and marketing for success. With her experience working on the production team for famous shows and organizations such as General Hospital, Friends, and The Walt Disney Company, Diane co-founded the JDS Actors Studio, which has launched 100+ mainstream actors and producers such as Corrine Massiah and Sierra Swartz. Diane also co-founded the non-profit organization JDS Creative Academy, which works with mainstream, foster, and at-risk youth and special needs adults to provide career-pathway opportunities in visual, performing, and digital arts. She has won many awards, including 10 Telly Awards, 7 Communicator Awards, 2 Anthem Awards, Standout Business (San Diego and Riverside Counties), and the 2021 Non-Profit of the Year by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce. On your podcast, Diane would be excited to discuss: How to turn your creative passion into a profitable business. How to successfully leverage money and marketing as an entrepreneur. How can I lead as a woman in business and lift other women? How to collaborate and create compelling marketing videos for consumer audiences. Creating an inclusive workforce for marginalized groups and special needs adults. To get a feel for Diane, check out her appearance on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast, where she talks about turning her passion into a profitable enterprise. Website: https://jds-productions.com/ LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dianestrand Facebook Page - JDS, Inc. http://www.facebook.com/JDSProductions Facebook Page - JDS Actors Studio https://www.facebook.com/JDSActorsStudio Facebook Page - JDS Creative Academy https://www.facebook.com/JDSCreativeAcademy Check out our YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/JDSVideoProductions Summary Exploring Diane's Diverse Roles and Accomplishments Diane and Michael had a casual conversation, with Diane sharing her various roles and accomplishments, including her work as a serial entrepreneur, executive producer, bestselling author, speaker, and nonprofit founder. Michael expressed his admiration for Diane's background and experiences, and they agreed to delve deeper into her work during their conversation. Diane also mentioned her involvement in festivals, teaching, and her work with adults with developmental disabilities, which led to her involvement in TV shows, radio shows, and podcasts. Michael indicated that he would not delve too deeply into Diane's past work in general hospital or Disney, but acknowledged the importance of her experiences in shaping her current endeavors. Creativity and Entrepreneurship in Business Diane and Michael discussed the importance of creativity in business and entrepreneurship. Diane, with her background in Disney and General Hospital, emphasized the need for creatives to stay at the forefront of their businesses. She also mentioned her work with entrepreneurs and creatives to help them launch and scale their businesses. Michael agreed, highlighting the importance of remembering one's past accomplishments and experiences, and approaching challenges with a childlike curiosity. He also mentioned his work in the burnout space, reminding people to remember who they are and where they've come from. The conversation concluded with the importance of creativity and curiosity in business and personal growth. Embracing Challenges for Personal Growth and Success Diane and Michael discussed the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing challenges for personal growth and success. Diane emphasized the need to trust oneself, follow through on commitments, and not let fear hold one back. She also shared her acronym for 'dream' which stands for direction, realization, evaluation, action, and momentum. Michael agreed, highlighting the importance of being present and taking one step at a time, rather than overplanning. Both agreed that pivoting and adapting to changing circumstances is essential for success. They concluded by encouraging each other to find new experiences and challenges to continue growing and achieving their goals. Embracing Gratitude, Growth, and Resilience in Life Michael and Diane discussed the importance of gratitude, growth opportunities, and resilience in the face of challenges. They emphasized the value of creativity, determination, and collaboration, drawing parallels with their experiences in the arts and business. Diane shared her journey from dyslexia to a ...
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    31 分
  • Human Success in Business: Rasmus Holst's Global Journey and Investing in Employee Growth with Sensai CEO

    Human Success in Business: Rasmus Holst's Global Journey and Investing in Employee Growth with Sensai CEO
    2024/09/18
    Quick recap Summary CEO and Michael's Conversational Meeting Michael and Rasmus discussed their work and expectations for the meeting. Rasmus, the CEO of Sensai, a global Human Success Company, expressed his readiness to engage in a challenging and interesting conversation. Michael, looking forward to the conversation, mentioned that the meeting could last anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes and would be organic and conversational. Rasmus' Career Journey and Global Experiences Rasmus shared his career journey, which included living in Luxembourg and Silicon Valley and relocating his family, including their horse, from California to Denmark. He explained that there is an industry that moves horses around, even in first-class business class. Rasmus discussed his experiences after returning to Denmark after living abroad for 14 years, noting that it felt like moving backward and that he had become more aware of how the world works and how life is in different areas. He also mentioned his extensive travels and pride in being a global citizen. Michael agreed, adding that even when returning to one's hometown, it can feel like a new place due to changes over time. Investing in Employee Growth and Success Michael and Rasmus discussed the importance of investing in the continuing education of teams and leaders for workplace culture and retention. Rasmus emphasized the need for a shift in vocabulary from 'human resources' to 'human success,' highlighting the importance of investing in employees' growth and success, even if they leave the company. He also introduced the concepts of learning, engagement, and performance, suggesting that a balanced approach is necessary for employee success. Both agreed on the need for a cultural shift in how organizations view their employees and the potential for younger generations to drive this change. Investing in Human Success and Growth Rasmus and Michael discussed the importance of investing in human success rather than human resources. They agreed that when people are given the best possible chance to succeed in their work, the organization, customers, and individuals benefit. They also discussed the importance of creating an environment where people can thrive and grow, even if it means letting them go to better opportunities. Rasmus shared his experience hiring a new Chief Revenue Officer and how the company's focus on human success attracted many qualified candidates. They concluded that creating a positive work environment not only retains employees but also attracts new talent and fosters a sense of belonging among former employees. Adapting to Changing Workplace Expectations Rasmus and Michael discussed the changing expectations of younger generations in the workplace. They agreed that these generations want a different work experience that allows them to feel successful, challenged, and part of a team while also maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Michael emphasized the importance of human success and the need for organizations to adapt to these changing expectations. Rasmus shared his journey, highlighting how his career goals and aspirations have evolved. Discussing 'Human Success' in Organizations

    Rasmus and Michael discussed the concept of "human success" in the context of their respective organizations. Rasmus explained that "human success" encompasses personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of being a good human and achieving success. He also shared his experience finding his Chief Revenue Officer with a search firm, Heidrich. Michael agreed with Rasmus's perspective and expressed his intention to advocate for "human success" in his work.

    https://zensai.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasmusholst/
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    28 分
  • Empowering Women in Leadership: Insights from Lisa DeFrank-Cole on Diversity and Inclusion

    Empowering Women in Leadership: Insights from Lisa DeFrank-Cole on Diversity and Inclusion
    2024/09/16

    Lisa is the Director and F. Duke Perry Endowed Professor of Leadership Studies at West Virginia University. She is widely known for her academic and practical expertise in women’s leadership. A leadership coach and author of the award-winning textbook Women and Leadership, Lisa overcame many stereotypes as a first-generation college graduate from Appalachia to reach where she is today. WV Living magazine named her a “Wonder Woman” in 2019, celebrating her for defying barriers and working towards uplifting West Virginia. She has 20+ years of experience working with academic and government institutions in West Virginia, including the Governor’s Office. As a Fulbright Specialist Scholar, she taught women in Bahrain about leadership and empowerment. Lisa has also conducted leadership workshops for women in Saudi Arabia. Lisa’s insights on leadership have appeared in outlets such as Forbes, the London School of Economics Blog, La Razon daily newspaper in Spain, and KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh. https://lisadefrankcole.com/about/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-defrank-cole-7b32286b/ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-and-leadership-lisa-defrank-cole/1137845764

    Increasing Women in Senior Leadership Positions Lisa and Michael discussed the importance of increasing the number of women in senior leadership positions. Lisa expressed her passion for this issue, citing the need for different perspectives and experiences in leadership roles. She pointed out the disparity between the number of women earning college degrees and their representation in leadership positions, stating that it would take over 200 years to achieve equal representation at the current rate. Michael agreed, using the example of Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, as a successful female leader who has navigated the company through challenging times. Both emphasized the need for equal access to leadership roles for women. Diverse Teams, Creativity, and Business Success Lisa discussed the benefits of diverse teams, highlighting that they are more creative and can solve problems better than homogeneous ones. She also mentioned that companies with women on board seats and in the C-suite tend to be more profitable. Michael shared his experience running a multi-site medical clinic with representation from 16 different countries, emphasizing the importance of creating an open and welcoming environment for people from different backgrounds. He noted that this approach improved access to care, particularly for patients who shared a common language or cultural background with their healthcare providers. Fostering Inclusive Collaboration in Organizations Michael and Lisa discussed the importance of creating a more inclusive and collaborative organizational culture. Michael emphasized the need for trust and understanding among team members, while Lisa highlighted the benefits of a collective approach to achieving goals. They also touched on the challenges of adapting to a traditionally competitive work environment and the need for change to foster a more egalitarian culture. Both agreed that organizations should strive to create an environment where individuals feel safe to be bold and innovative, and where collaboration is valued over competition. Fostering Inclusive Workplace Relationships and Equity Lisa and Michael discussed the importance of fostering relationships and community within the workplace. They highlighted the need for inclusive activities that cater to diverse needs, such as potlucks and childcare services. Lisa emphasized the impact of caregiving responsibilities on women's participation in the workforce, suggesting that paid childcare could be a significant benefit. Michael agreed, noting the need for work to be reinvented to accommodate individual needs and promote equity. They both expressed hope for a future where work is more accessible and equitable, leading to better products and services for everyone.
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    26 分
  • Exploring Leadership Styles for Effective Organizational Management

    Exploring Leadership Styles for Effective Organizational Management
    2024/09/13

    In this episode, we dive into the essential role leadership plays in shaping an organization's direction, success, and overall team dynamics. Leadership is the cornerstone of productivity and growth, but finding the right approach can be challenging. By exploring various leadership styles, you can better understand how to guide your team effectively and meet organizational goals.

    **Key Leadership Styles Discussed:**

    - **Transactional Leadership**: A structured approach focused on clear expectations, goals, and rewards for success. Ideal for efficiency but may limit creativity. - **Servant Leadership**: A people-first approach where leaders prioritize the well-being and empowerment of their team, fostering trust and collaboration. - **Directive Leadership**: A firm, decisive leadership style suited for swift execution in high-pressure environments, but it may stifle creativity. - **Bureaucratic Leadership**: Structured leadership that thrives in formal environments. It ensures stability but can be rigid, hindering adaptability. - **Laissez-Faire Leadership**: A hands-off approach promoting creativity and innovation, empowering teams to manage their own tasks while providing guidance. - **Charismatic Leadership**: Vision-driven leadership that inspires loyalty and motivation through the leader’s passion and personality, though it may lead to over-reliance on the leader.

    We also discuss the importance of evolving leadership approaches to meet the ever-changing demands of both the team and the organization. A successful leader adapts, learns, and grows with their team.

    - Subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful conversations on leadership, burnout, and workplace culture. - Tune into the **Breakfast Leadership Show Podcast** for interviews with top industry leaders and their unique leadership insights. - Check out the **Breakfast Leadership YouTube Channel** for personal development and leadership videos. - Need an expert speaker? Hire **Michael D. Levitt** for your next event.

    Stay connected with us on LinkedIn and share this episode with your network for more leadership insights!
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    9 分
  • Revolutionizing Kids' Coding Education: Exploring Hedy with Felienne Hermans

    Revolutionizing Kids' Coding Education: Exploring Hedy with Felienne Hermans
    2024/09/13

    Felienne is the creator of Hedy, an open-source and accessible platform for kids aged ten and above to learn textual programming in multiple languages. The platform has about 500K users a month. It has been translated into 49 languages, including Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish, and has 400+ volunteer programmers, translators, and teachers who continuously improve and maintain it. To teach a child programming, a parent or teacher can use Hedy's built-in lesson plans or customize their kid's learning experience by authoring their lessons and loading these into Hedy's user interface. Felienne holds a Ph.D. in Software Engineering and has been a strong advocate for finding better ways of teaching programming and guiding the young generation into the programming world for more than ten years. She is also a professor of computer science education at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands and a high-school computer science teacher one day a week at Lyceum Kralingen in the Codasium program, which teaches kids to code. On the podcast, Felienne would love to talk about: We must radically transform how we teach kids programming languages to prepare them for the next wave of computing. Breaking Barriers: The role natural languages and culture play in forging the future of programming. Why every parent should encourage their child to learn coding skills, and Felienne's best tips for teaching kids how to code. https://www.felienne.com/ https://hedy.org/ https://www.codasium.nl/

    Summary Discussing Programming, Coding, and Hetty Michael and Felienne discussed the importance of learning programming and coding at a young age, especially in an increasingly technology-driven society. They planned to focus their conversation on Hedy, a project Felienne is working on. Michael emphasized the significance of Felienne's work and expressed his interest in understanding more about it. Felienne Hermans' Journey in Teaching Programming to Children Felienne Hermans, a university professor and school teacher specializing in teaching programming to children, discussed her journey into this field. She initially focused on professional programmers but switched to teaching 12-13-year-olds after realizing the potential impact of introducing programming skills to the next generation. Felienne shared her challenges while teaching her students Scratch and Python, including the language barrier and syntax difficulty. She then shared how she created a simplified Python programming language in Dutch, which grew into a globally used open-source project supporting 56 languages. This project also became a significant research area due to its technical and academic challenges. Felienne's Multilingual Programming Tools Initiative Michael appreciates Felienne's initiative to create programming tools in multiple languages, allowing more people worldwide to participate in coding. He shares an anecdote about a student struggling with code, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks to gain a fresh perspective. Felianne agrees, noting that her dual roles as teacher and product developer allow her to identify areas for improvement. She highlights that programming teaches both coding and problem-solving, and resilience. Programming Skills and Student Education felienne and Michael discussed the value of programming and problem-solving skills in students. felienne emphasized the importance of teaching students to analyze and understand code rather than memorize it. Michael concurred, highlighting that these skills help in coding and other areas of life, such as problem-solving and communication. They both agreed that students should understand that technology is human-made and that programming is essential in creating and maintaining it. AI, Coding, and Life Skills felienne and Michael discussed the potential and limitations of artificial intelligence (AI). Michael emphasized that AI will likely create new job opportunities and free up people for other tasks, but it's crucial to understand the coding behind it. He used a coffee machine analogy to explain that while AI can simplify tasks, people should still be able to perform them without it. felienne agreed, highlighting the importance of learning coding as a life skill. They both expressed concern about the current generation's reliance on technology and the need to understand the underlying systems. Balancing Consumption and Creation in Digital Age felienne and Michael discussed the imbalance between consumption and creation in the digital world, with Felienne expressing concern that children are not encouraged to be creators. They both agreed on encouraging and fostering creativity among future generations.
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    26 分
  • Unlocking Purposeful Career Redesign: Lessons from Helen Hanison

    Unlocking Purposeful Career Redesign: Lessons from Helen Hanison
    2024/09/12
    You can find out more about Helen and take the ACT Type Quiz here: https://www.helenhanison.com Career Redesign Community: Actionable career redesign advice straight to your inbox. https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/822669/forms/124199513772525109 Helen’s first book, Unstuck: A Smart Guide to Purposeful Career Redesign. Get your copy (with special gifts) here: https://www.helenhanisonbook.com Purposeful Career Redesign: Explore the self-paced, online coaching course here: https://helenhanison.thinkific.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-hanison-com
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    25 分
  • Digital Immortality: Dan Thomson's Journey with AI Replicas and Legacy Preservation

    Digital Immortality: Dan Thomson's Journey with AI Replicas and Legacy Preservation
    2024/09/09
    Dan Thomson founded Sensay in 2023, a leading platform for creating AI-based digital clones and a pioneer in digital immortality. He founded Sensay to develop solutions across a range of sectors, from healthcare to education, building a knowledge capture and share platform for the betterment of humanity. Dan has a BA in Philosophy from King’s College London and an MBA from the University of Cambridge. He has authored two books to date: ‘Immortality in a Digital Age’ and ‘The Digital Afterlife’. Summary AI Digital Replicas and Personal Use Michael and Dan discussed Dan's work in AI, specifically on creating lifelike digital replicas of people. Dan explained that this tool is helpful for anyone in business or personal life, as it can draft messages in one's style and voice with their knowledge base. Michael expressed interest in using this technology, noting that it made him think of aspects he hadn't considered before. The meeting was scheduled to last between 20 to 25 minutes. Entrepreneurial Journey and Industry Insights Dan shared his entrepreneurial journey from philosophy to the hospitality industry, including setting up restaurants and bars, before transitioning to tech after a severe concussion. He highlighted the high failure rate and competitiveness in hospitality but praised the industry for fostering hardworking, trustworthy, and creative individuals. Michael acknowledged AI's potential while also appreciating entrepreneurs' humble beginnings. They discussed the value of diverse skill sets and community experiences, like Michael's time at a grocery store, in recognizing people's needs for entrepreneurship. Addressing Memory Loss and Sharing Stories Michael expressed his concern about the loss of memory due to Alzheimer's or dementia and how it affects individuals and their loved ones. He suggested that technology could be used to record and share personal stories and experiences, which would be particularly valuable for those who have lost access to family members due to death. Dan agreed, sharing his own experience of memory loss and how it can be terrifying. He also mentioned that people with degenerative mental diseases are often advised to start a journal or life book to record their stories, but this can be difficult for the elderly. Exploring AI Chatbots for Story Preservation Dan discussed the potential of AI chatbots to learn from individuals and preserve their unique stories and experiences for future generations. He highlighted various use cases: education, preserving legacies, gaming, personal assistance, and brand marketing. Dan also mentioned the technology's ability to extend and empower individuals beyond their physical limitations. Michael agreed, emphasizing the technology's potential to free up time for humans to focus on human-to-human interactions, using Taylor Swift as an example. Embracing AI for Global Collaboration and Growth Michael discussed the potential for increased global collaboration and creativity, particularly in education and technology. He emphasized the importance of not fearing the impact of AI on jobs but rather embracing it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Michael also shared his personal experience of tracing his ancestry back to the late 11 hundreds, which sparked his curiosity about the lives of his ancestors. He encouraged others to embrace AI and technology's opportunities rather than fearing them. Exploring AI, Legacy, and Family Trees Michael and Dan discussed the potential of using AI and technology to understand our future better and preserve our past. They highlighted the importance of recording personal stories and experiences for future generations despite concerns about privacy and security. Dan emphasized the opportunity to leave a legacy for those curious about our lives and experiences and the potential for future generations to learn from our knowledge and experiences. They also touched on the idea of interactive family trees and the possibility of communicating with ancestors. The conversation concluded with the idea that we live in a "golden age of technology" where we have the tools to record and preserve our stories for future generations. Discussing Data Privacy and AI Character Development Dan and Michael discussed the implications of recording and sharing personal data, with Michael advocating for the greater good and Dan highlighting the potential for misuse. They also touched on the importance of understanding different historical perspectives and the challenges of creating AI characters that reflect diverse personalities. Dan emphasized the potential of their platform to save time and improve efficiency, allowing users to focus on more critical tasks. They concluded by expressing excitement for the future of their project and its potential to revolutionize how people interact with technology. Exploring Sensay's Products and Potential Benefits Michael and Dan discussed Dan's company, Sensay, and its ...
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    28 分
  • Mastering Dog Training with Ryan Wimpey, Owner of Tip Top K9

    Mastering Dog Training with Ryan Wimpey, Owner of Tip Top K9
    2024/09/02
    Summary Ryan's Journey in Dog Training and Business Michael and Ryan had a conversation about their shared love for dogs and Ryan's business, which trains and franchises dog trainers. Ryan shared his personal journey of rescuing a dog with behavioral issues, which sparked his passion for dog training. Michael, who has a wide audience of listeners, expressed his interest in learning from Ryan's experiences and lessons learned in business and life. They also discussed the importance of giving business opportunities to those with no experience, a topic that is relevant to both of their industries. Disrupting Traditional Work: Exploring Franchise Opportunities Michael and Ryan discussed the changing attitudes towards work, particularly among younger generations. Michael emphasized that many young people are dissatisfied with the traditional work setup and are considering starting their own businesses. Ryan proposed the idea of franchising as a viable alternative, offering the benefits of business ownership with the support of an established system. He shared examples of individuals with little business experience who have successfully become franchise owners, and how this model allows for a better work-life balance and increased income. Franchising Benefits and Dog Training Business Ryan and Michael discussed the benefits of franchising, using the example of a dog rescue and training business. Michael emphasized the appeal of working with animals and the potential for business growth with a franchise model. He also highlighted the value of having established templates and systems to focus on building the business. Ryan agreed, sharing his experience of increased demand for dog training services during the pandemic. Both noted the importance of hard work and dedication in any business venture. Franchise Support, Training, and Community Impact Ryan discussed the company's efforts to support franchisees, including providing systems and training. He highlighted the recent success story of a former call center employee who, after undergoing initial training and role play exercises, was able to replace her husband's income and bring their family together. Ryan also mentioned the company's partnership with local rescues to train dogs for free, aiming to help them get rehomed. Michael expressed appreciation for the positive impact the company's initiatives have on people's lives. Finding Fulfillment in Work and Business Michael and Ryan discussed the importance of finding fulfillment in one's work. Michael emphasized that having a positive impact on people's lives, whether it be through their business or personal pursuits, is crucial for long-term success and happiness. He also highlighted the significance of identifying what is important to oneself and aligning one's work with those values. Ryan agreed, noting that financial success without fulfillment can lead to burnout and a lack of motivation. Both praised the expansion of their respective businesses as a testament to their commitment to making a difference. Franchisee Support and Business Growth Ryan discussed the feedback received from franchisees after a training event, highlighting their desire for more support and guidance as they grow their businesses. Michael responded by advising franchisees to delegate tasks and find mentors before they feel ready, emphasizing that stepping out of one's comfort zone is necessary for growth. He also stressed the importance of learning from those who are a few years ahead and sharing insights and experiences. Both agreed that this approach could lead to personal and business development. Embracing Challenges for Impactful Leadership Michael and Ryan discussed the importance of pushing oneself beyond comfort zones to achieve greater impacts. Michael emphasized that fear is a natural response to challenges but should not deter individuals from pursuing significant accomplishments. Ryan agreed and highlighted the need for calm, confident leadership in both managing staff and rescuing dogs, as they both require clear guidance and positive reinforcement. They concluded that such leadership would prevent burnout and ensure staff retention, while also improving the well-being of the dogs in their care. Tip Top K9 Franchise Opportunity Discussion Ryan and Michael discussed ways for people to learn more about Ryan and his franchise opportunity at Tip Top K9. Michael agreed to include this information in the show notes of his podcast. Additionally, Michael shared his intention to expedite the release of his podcast episodes due to the current relevance of their content. He also mentioned his satisfaction with the quick turnaround and expressed his gratitude towards Ryan. --- I am Ryan Wimpey, owner of the 19 Tip Top K9 Dog training locations across the United States. We started up in 2008 and have continued to grow into a nationwide franchise across the country. Just like you, I am passionate about unwavering dedication, no ...
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    25 分