In this fascinating episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, host Cyndee Woolley sits down with Josephus Visser, a member of the technical staff at OpenAI, where he works on the supercomputing platform that trains models like ChatGPT. With approximately 35 years of experience at tech giants Google, Amazon, Meta, and now OpenAI, Yas brings a unique perspective on technology leadership.

Yas has managed global technical teams, designed highly reliable distributed systems, conducted over 500 technical interviews, and shares practical wisdom through his Wednesday Wisdom newsletter and podcast.

Key Insights:
Yas reveals OpenAI's vision-driven leadership culture where exceptionally smart people are empowered to forge ahead with minimal management. The conversation explores infrastructure security threats from nation-state actors, challenges of remote work culture, and how to effectively prompt AI tools for better results—treating interactions like conversations with multiple follow-ups rather than single questions.

Yas shares his philosophy of "intentionality" and "quality is fitness for use," explaining why choosing the right tool matters. He offers practical wisdom on using AI as part of your process rather than an endpoint, warning that if your job only consists of synthesizing existing information, AI will replace you.

His advice for entrepreneurs? We're in a time of experimentation. Start learning and dabbling with AI to discover what it can do for your specific use case. Don't wait—the not-so-obvious applications are still being discovered.

Perfect for tech leaders, entrepreneurs curious about AI implementation, and anyone interested in preparing for technology's future.

Links and Resources:
Website: www.Josvisser.substack.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josvisser1/

About the Guest:

Today's guest is Jos Visser, a technical leader whose career reads like a tour of the tech industry's most influential companies. Currently a Member of Technical Staff at OpenAI working on the supercomputing platform that trains models like ChatGPT, Jos brings approximately 35 years of experience, with the last 20 years at Google, Amazon, Meta, and now OpenAI.

What makes Jos's perspective particularly valuable is his focus on the human side of technology. He's managed and led global technical teams providing 24/7 support, designed highly reliable distributed systems, and conducted over 500 technical interviews. But perhaps most notably, he's become known for translating these experiences into practical wisdom through his weekly "Wednesday Wisdom" newsletter and podcast, where he shares lessons learned throughout his career.

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

In this powerful episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, host Cyndee Woolley sits down with Danny Flores, principal of Prime Capital Investments, for an inspiring conversation about transformation, tenacity, and the realities of building wealth through multifamily real estate investing.

Danny's journey is nothing short of remarkable—from teenage carpenter to general contractor at 21, through heavy construction building tunnels and bridges, to banking executive managing loans up to a billion dollars, and ultimately to founding his own multifamily investment firm. His path wasn't linear, but every twist prepared him for where he is today.

After witnessing accidents on construction sites, Danny made the difficult decision to return to school while working full-time—one of the toughest challenges he's ever faced. That determination paid off when he transitioned into banking, working with major clients like Jack in the Box and Metro Golden Mayer, learning financial modeling and business analysis that would prove invaluable.

But Danny never lost sight of his real passion: multifamily investing. Starting with a fourplex in 2000, he methodically built his portfolio through strategic 1031 exchanges, eventually opening a property management company in 2006. In 2018, he discovered the syndication model—pooling investor capital to acquire larger properties—and transformed his business, focusing on value-add opportunities across Arizona, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.

The conversation dives deep into what drives entrepreneurial success, the methodical approach needed for multifamily investments, how to evaluate markets across different states, and the realities of property management that HGTV doesn't show you. Danny's candid advice? If you're serious about scaling, skip the small stuff and think bigger. And remember: this business isn't glamorous—it requires expertise, strong teams, and unwavering commitment.

About Danny Flores

Danny Flores is the Principal of Prime Capital Investments, a Newport Beach-based firm specializing in value-add multifamily acquisitions across Arizona, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. His firm focuses on identifying undervalued properties---those that haven't been upgraded, are mismanaged, or have below-market rents---and repositioning them as performing assets.

In 2018, he founded Prime Capital Investments, bringing together expertise in construction, banking, and financial structuring to pursue 100+ unit multifamily acquisitions.

Danny also hosts the Orange County Power Players Podcast, where he interviews business leaders and entrepreneurs---a platform he uses to share investment insights and build authority in the multifamily space.

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

Join host Cyndee Woolley as she sits down with Tony Ottaviani and Brandon Waldorf, co-hosts of Echoes of Valor, a podcast dedicated to honoring fire and EMS personnel through powerful storytelling. In this compelling episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, these frontline responders share their mission to give voice to the often-overlooked heroes of emergency medical services—the "red-headed stepchildren" of first response.

Tony and Brandon candidly discuss why EMS professionals deserve the same recognition as firefighters and police officers, revealing the unique challenges faced by those who rush toward people experiencing the worst days of their lives. From handling behavioral health emergencies to de-escalating crisis situations, these professionals navigate intense trauma while maintaining compassion and dignity for every patient.

The conversation explores their work with the For Paul Foundation, a nonprofit supporting line-of-duty deaths and orphaned children of fallen first responders. Through Annual Heroes Dinners, scholarships ranging from EMT to paramedic training, and special care packages for grieving families, the foundation embodies their philosophy: leave EMS a little better than you found it.

Both hosts share personal coping mechanisms, the importance of leaving work at work, and their hope that their children learn one simple lesson—if you can be anything, just be kind. With nearly a year of podcasting under their belts and ambitious goals for 2026, Tony and Brandon are building a movement that honors the courage, sacrifice, and humanity of EMS professionals across the nation.

Links and Resources
Echoes of Valor Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7heaDIaEoU5h1zyZfTQ5dM
The For Paul Foundation: www.theforpaulfoundation.org
Connect with Antonio Tony Ottaviani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-ottaviani-baas-fp-c-cmte-756193125/

About the Guests

Antonio Ottaviani serves as Office of Emergency Management Safety Officer at Global Medical Response, where he coordinates emergency operations across multiple agencies. As a certified Critical Care Paramedic with over seven years of experience, Antonio focuses on communication as a key factor in emergency response.

Joining him is Brandon Waldorff, Florida Panhandle Division Manager for Amerimed EMS and a Critical Care Paramedic with 19 years of service. Brandon is a Coast Guard Veteran who served throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, and the Caribbean. His response efforts include hurricanes Michael, Ian, Dorien, Ivan, Rita, Katrina, and Dennis. His recognitions include Coast Guard and Army Achievement Medals, multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations, and the 2015 Florida Panhandle Rotary Club EMT of the Year award.

Together, Antonio and Brandon co-host "Echoes of Valor," a podcast featuring interviews with frontline responders and industry experts about the vital roles of fire and EMS personnel.

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/