Business
What Does Your Business’ Culture Say About You?
Stinky businesses suck.
You know the kind: the retail shop whose staff doesn’t acknowledge you when you walk in; the tech company or store whose customer service department requires your claim have three points and a conclusion, then sends you on a scavenger hunt before your issue gets addressed (not necessarily resolved).
You’ve had your fair share of the restaurant whose waiter snubs you all evening, then becomes miraculously polite close to check time in order to secure a nice tip.
Or worse, you’ve had to swallow snooty treatment at some five-star hotel or resort, yet you were still expected to pay top dollar for one-star service.
Ever wonder why the employees act that way, or how such sloppy behavior is possible in our capitalistic society?
All you have to do is bark up the tree. As you’ve no doubt learned the hard way from stinky businesses, a company’s culture is a reflection of its leader at the top.
So what’s your business telling people about you?
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
Dr. John C. Maxwell’s maxim above is a solid refrain in his book, Developing the Leader Within You, which also distills the definition of leadership to one word: influence.
People follow leaders through influence, for good or ill. Humans are a relational race, and we interrelate by mimicking each other. It’s so essential to our learning, it’s subconscious.
It’s how we learn a new language and customs, both as children and adults. It’s how we groped for our identity during those pressured years of middle and high school, and how we mature through mentorship.
It’s how social culture molds people of all ages through politics, art, and entertainment. It’s even how spouses come to finish each other’s sentences.
So it’s no surprise employees mimic what leaders do, and more importantly, what they don’t do.
If a leader doesn’t enforce a good habit, the employees won’t either.
This leadership loophole spawns stinky businesses.
If a leader doesn’t focus on courtesy or quality results, his followers take the liberty of neglecting them too, despite having the freedom to pursue those objectives themselves.
Of course, just saying the right principles and having them in print profits nothing. Action moves people to action.
In fact, when a leader says something and does the opposite, he negates his integrity and his followers lose respect for him. They then despise him, and in worst cases, mimic his dishonor, much to the customer’s detriment.
In leading your business, your greatest power is your actions.
When your peers and followers see your convictions in motion, you inspire them to examine themselves and be better people.
Couple positive influence with praise, and your followers will grow loyal, producing only their best results because they know you’ll do right by them.
They’ll in turn treat your customers (or clients) well because you’ve instilled in them your appreciation for people and quality results.
A business that treats its customers right has a leader that treats his team right.
If you dig this post or know someone who needs it, share it with your networks and start a conversation. Thanks for reading.
Flickr photo by Jeremy Jenum.
Business
Maria del Carmen Rodriguez Joins Florida National News as Spanish-Speaking Reporter and Co-Host
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) is proud to announce the addition of Maria del Carmen Rodriguez as a Spanish-speaking on-camera reporter and co-host, marking another major step in the network’s statewide expansion and celebration of its 11th anniversary.
Rodriguez joins the growing team at FNN News en Español, where she will bring her bilingual communication skills and cultural insight to the forefront of FNN’s Spanish-language news and lifestyle programming. Her arrival underscores FNN’s commitment to serving Florida’s rapidly growing Hispanic and Latino communities with trusted, relevant, and inspiring storytelling.
FNN President J. Willie David, III stated, “Maria del Carmen Rodriguez represents the next generation of diverse storytellers who connect authentically with our audiences. Her addition reflects FNN’s continued mission to expand across Florida while elevating Hispanic voices in broadcast journalism. We are proud to welcome her as part of our 11th anniversary and our vision for the next decade of growth.”
FNN Vice President Jenny Rosario shared, “Maria brings a natural warmth and professionalism to every story she tells. Her passion for community-driven journalism and ability to connect with Spanish-speaking viewers make her a valuable asset to our team. She will help us continue producing content that truly reflects Florida’s diversity and the stories that matter most.”
FNN Managing Editor Monica Hoyos added, “We’re excited to have Maria join the newsroom and our on-camera team. Her bilingual storytelling ability and dedication to authentic, people-centered reporting will strengthen both our English and Spanish platforms. She embodies the spirit of connection and inclusion that defines Florida National News.”
As Florida National News moves into its next decade, the network is expanding its presence across Florida with enhanced on-camera reporting, bilingual programming, and original digital content through FNN News Network, FNN Sports Network, and FNN News en Español — continuing its mission to inform, inspire, and empower communities statewide.
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News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Khamare Farrar Joins Florida National News as Part of Network’s 11th Anniversary and Statewide Expansion
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) proudly announces the addition of on-camera reporter and co-host Khamare Farrar to its expanding newsroom team. Farrar joins as part of FNN’s 11th anniversary celebration and the network’s ongoing statewide expansion across its English and Spanish platforms.
FNN Managing Editor Monica Hoyos on the set of the Florida National News Podcast en Español with new On-Camera Reporter and Co-Host Khamare Farrar.
Photo by Florida National News
Farrar’s arrival represents another milestone in FNN’s mission to amplify diverse voices and deliver trusted, impactful storytelling across Florida. The growing team will continue to strengthen coverage in entertainment, business, politics, and community-focused “Good News & Reviews” segments.
FNN President J. Willie David, III said, “Khamare’s professionalism, energy, and on-camera presence embody the next generation of journalists we’re proud to welcome to Florida National News. As FNN continues to grow its statewide footprint, we’re committed to providing more original programming, exclusive interviews, and engaging storytelling that informs and inspires our viewers.”
FNN Vice President Jenny Rosario added, “We’re building something truly special — a network that reflects Florida’s diversity and brings forward voices that matter. Khamare’s addition strengthens our entertainment and lifestyle coverage, and her charisma will resonate with our audiences across all platforms.”
FNN Managing Editor Monica Hoyos shared, “We’re thrilled to have Khamare join our newsroom team as both a reporter and co-host. Her enthusiasm, curiosity, and storytelling skills will help us continue producing compelling news and feature segments that connect with our audiences worldwide.”
As Florida National News moves into its next decade, viewers can expect expanded coverage, more on-camera reporting, and innovative digital programming through FNN News Network, FNN Sports Network, and FNN News en Español.
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News@FlordiaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News continues its celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting another Hispanic leader within its network — Managing Editor Monica Hoyos, a proud first-generation Colombian American whose professional journey reflects her passion for communication, cultural connection, and community empowerment.
A Career Built on Connection and Communication
Monica holds a B.A. in Communications and Spanish from Old Dominion University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in TESOL from George Mason University. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to bridging language and cultural gaps as both a professional interpreter and voiceover actor, bringing clarity and authenticity to English and Spanish audiences alike.
In 2025, Monica joined Florida National News as Managing Editor, Reporter, and Co-Host of the FNN News Podcast en Español, where she uplifts diverse voices through storytelling, interviews, and press coverage that reflect the heart of the Hispanic community.
Empowering Communities Through Leadership
Beyond her work with FNN, Monica serves as an Independent Contractor, working as Lead Project Manager for Esther Wise Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and as Senior Project Manager for Aravicta, a minority- and women-owned business offering professional speaking, coaching, and communication training for leaders and executives.
In both roles, Monica leverages her leadership and expertise to strengthen community initiatives, create inclusive programs, and promote representation for underrepresented voices across various industries.
Celebrating Heritage and Representation
Monica embraces her Colombian heritage with pride and purpose. She views Hispanic Heritage Month as both a celebration and a responsibility.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor our roots while celebrating the strength, resilience, and contributions of our community,” said Hoyos. “I carry my family’s journey and culture with me in every role I take on, and I’m committed to opening doors for others to do the same.”
Through her work, Monica continues to embody the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month — honoring her roots, connecting cultures, and empowering others to raise their voices.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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