The Quality Hub
The Quality Hub podcast features conversations with ISO experts about quality management systems, ISO standards, and other business best practices. The hosts aim to demystify QMS and ISO concepts and act as translators for businesses. They share lessons learned from working with thousands of customers over 23 years. Listeners get weekly episodes designed to help them get more from their quality management system.
Episodes
Episode 27 - S4 - ISO 9001 - What are Practical Metrics
In this episode of the Quality Hub, Xavier Francis is joined by Suzanne Strausser, VP of Operations at Core Business Solutions, to break down how organizations can choose practical metrics and KPIs that truly support ISO 9001. They explain the differences between objectives, metrics, and key performance indicators, share examples for customer satisfaction, delivery, quality, training, and more, as
Episode 26 - S4 - ISO 27001 – How to Build a Security-First Culture Part 2
This week on the Quality Hub, it’s Part 2 of our conversation on building a security-first culture. Host Xavier Francis is joined by Tracy Bear, Manager of Audit Services at Core Business Solutions, to explore how organizations can keep ISO 27001 active and meaningful long after certification. They discuss measuring employee behavior instead of simply tracking compliance, creating a blame-free env
Episode 26 - S4 - ISO 27001 – How to Build a Security-First Culture Part 1
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis speaks with Tracey Bear, Manager of Audit Services at Core Business Solutions, about how organizations can build a true security-first culture under ISO 27001. Tracey explains why information security should not be treated as a one-time compliance project or something owned only by IT, but as a company-wide mindset
Episode 25 - S4 - What is Supplier Resilience and Quality – Lessons from Disruptions Part 2
In part two of this Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts conversation, host Xavier Francis continues the discussion on supplier resilience and quality with Jutta Bangs from the Tennessee APEX Accelerator. This episode focuses on what organizations should document in their quality management system when disruptions force them to use alternate suppliers, substitute materials, or expedite purchasin
Episode 25 - S4 - What is Supplier Resilience and Quality – Lessons from Disruptions Part 1
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Jutta Bangs from the Tennessee APEX Accelerator to discuss supplier resilience and quality in the face of modern disruptions. From COVID and tariffs to port delays, labor shortages, and material constraints, many organizations have learned just how fragile their supplier networks can be. Jutta explain
Episode 24 - S4 - Interview with an AI - Celebrating World AI Day
In this special World AI Day episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis tries something different by interviewing a live AI guest, “Chip Gatt,” as if it were an ISO consultant. The episode uses the interview format to explore what it feels like to engage with AI in a professional conversation, especially around complex topics like ISO standards, consulting, trust, a
Episode 23 - S4 - How Long Does ISO 9001 Take
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis talks with Renee Ferry, Customer Success Manager at Core Business Solutions, about how long ISO 9001 certification typically takes and what businesses can do to keep the process on track. Renee explains that while a standard ISO 9001 program often takes about six months, companies with the right time, resources, le
Episode 22 - S4 - ISO Internal Audits - Not Blame Just Better Processes
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis explores how ISO internal audits can become one of the most valuable tools in a quality management system. Featuring insights from Norm Verbeck, Kate Behr, Bruce Newman, and Tracey Bear, the discussion covers how internal audits help organizations strengthen processes, identify opportunities for improvement, support
Episode 21 - S4 - Cybersecurity for Beginners-Where Small Businesses Should Start - Part 2
In Part 2 of Cybersecurity for Beginners, The Quality Hub host Xavier Francis continues the conversation with Brian Reich, Director of Technology at Core Business Solutions, about practical cybersecurity steps small businesses can take to protect themselves from ransomware and other disruptive attacks. Brian explains why ransomware can be a serious threat for organizations of any size and emphasiz
Episode 21 - S4 - Cybersecurity for Beginners - Where Small Businesses Should Start - Part 1
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis is joined by Brian Reich, Director of Technology at Core Business Solutions, for part one of a practical conversation on cybersecurity for small businesses. Brian breaks down where small businesses should start, focusing on the most common and realistic threats: phishing, business email compromise, and more. Rather than overwhelming listeners
Episode 20 - S4 - Does ISO 9001 Apply to You
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, to answer a common question: “Does ISO 9001 apply to me?” Together, they break down why ISO 9001 is not just for large manufacturers, but can benefit organizations of any size or industry, from small businesses and service
Episode 19 - S4 -World Environmental Day! - ISO 14001 – How Going Green can be a Competitive Advantage
In this World Environment Day episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis is joined by ISO consultant Norm Verbeck to discuss how ISO 14001 can help organizations turn environmental responsibility into a competitive advantage. They explore how a certified environmental management system supports waste reduction, energy efficiency improved market positioning and more. The conversation also high
Episode 18 - S4 - What is AS9100 Steps to Certification
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes Bruce Newman, consultant at CORE, to break down AS9100 certification and why it matters for aerospace-related organizations. Bruce explains how AS9100 builds on ISO 9001 with stricter requirements for safety, traceability, risk management, supplier, leadership involvement and more. The conversation also cov
Episode 17 - S4 - ISO 9001 Certification Requirements
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is joined by CORE consultant Kate Behr to break down the core requirements of ISO 9001 certification and what organizations need to understand when building or maintaining a quality management system. Kate explains the seven actionable clauses of the standard—and shows how each one helps businesses create a stronger
Episode 16 - S4 - ISO 14001 - 2026 Update
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with CORE consultant Norm Verbeck to discuss the ISO 14001:2026 update and what currently certified organizations should expect. They break down the most important changes, including stronger emphasis on environmental context, climate-related risks, biodiversity, resource constraints, and more. Norm explai
Episode 15 - S4 - Document Control in ISO 9001
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, Xavier Francis sits down with Core consultant Matthew Pilley to break down document control in ISO 9001 and why it plays such a critical role in an effective quality management system. Together, they explore the key requirements for controlling documents and documented information, common mistakes organizations make when implementing d
Episode 14 - S4 - ISO 45001 – Leading a Safety Culture That Lasts - In Celebration of World Health & Safety Day
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Xavier Francis speaks with CORE consultant Brian Smith in Celebration of World Health and Safety day, about ISO 45001 and what it really takes to build a lasting safety culture. Brian explains that while quality systems are often driven from the top, safety culture must be built from the ground up, with frontline employees empowered to identify hazards, report n
Episode 13 - S4 - How ISO 9001 Can Affect Your Bottom Line
In this episode of Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, Xavier Francis and Core Business Solutions President Scott Dawson unpack how ISO 9001 certification can affect a company’s bottom line, explaining that while certification comes with real costs like audits, consulting, and staff time, the bigger payoff comes when organizations use ISO as a framework for meaningful improvement rather than t
Episode 12 - S4 - What is The Purpose of ISO 9001 - How it Works
In this episode of Quality Hub, Xavier Francis sits down with Core Business Solutions VP of Consulting and Development, Suzanne Strausser, to unpack the real purpose of ISO 9001 and why it remains such a valuable framework for organizations of all sizes. Together, they explore how ISO 9001 helps businesses create consistent, repeatable processes, and others, and build a quality management system t
Episode 11 - S4 -ISO 9001 What is the Human Side of Quality – Purpose and Performance Part 2
On this episode of the Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts it’s In Part 2 in the series on the human side of quality! Host Xavier Francis continues his conversation with Kaitlin Wierzbach, Consultant at Core Business Solutions, exploring how people-centered quality systems drive real performance. This episode examines common mistakes that unintentionally disengage employees and explains what a
Episode 11 - S4 -ISO 9001 What is the Human Side of Quality – Purpose and Performance Part 1
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is joined by Kaitlin Wierzbach, Consultant at Core Business Solutions, for Part 1 of a deep dive into the human side of quality—where purpose and performance truly intersect. The conversation explores the cultural warning signs of a quality management system, why compliance-driven systems often fail in practice, and
Episode 10 - S4 - How to Integrate Audits - One Assessment for Multiple Standards
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis sits down with Core Business Solutions consultant Joe Hill to explore how organizations can integrate multiple ISO audits into a single, streamlined assessment. They discuss the difference between combined and integrated audits, how modern ISO standards share a harmonized structure that makes integration easier, and why bringing multiple syst
Episode 9 - S4 -ISO 9001 What is the Certification Audit?
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with consultant Bree Bailey to demystify the ISO 9001 certification audit and take the fear out of the word “audit.” From what a certification audit actually is, to how Stage 1 and Stage 2 work, what auditors are really looking for, and how findings are handled, Bree walks listeners through the entire proc
Episode 8 - S4 - ISO 9001 What is the Internal Audit Process?
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is joined by Core Business Solutions consultant Yarelis Rios to explore the ISO 9001 internal audit process and its real purpose within a quality management system. Drawing on over two decades of experience in engineering and quality leadership, Yarelis explains how internal audits should go beyond simple compliance
Episode 7 - S4 -What is SOC 2 and Should I Pursue it?
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, Xavier Francis interviews Beau Butaud of Render Compliance to break down what SOC 2 is, who it’s for, and whether it’s worth pursuing. They discuss how SOC 2 serves as a third-party audit that builds trust between B2B companies handling sensitive data, explain the five Trust Services Criteria with a focus on security, and clarify the d
Episode 6 - S4 -CMMC - Where are We Now?
In this episode of the Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, Xavier Francis and CMMC consultant Ty Elliott discuss the current state of CMMC following the November 10, 2025 implementation of the final rule integrating CMMC 2.0 into federal contracting requirements. They explain what’s required now—Level 2 self-assessments for companies handling CUI—and what’s coming next, including mandatory thi
Episode 5 - S4 - ISO 9001 What is Opportunity Management – The Forgotten Half of Clause 6.1
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, to unpack Opportunity Management—the often-overlooked half of ISO 9001 Clause 6.1. The conversation explores why organizations tend to fixate on risk while missing chances to intentionally create value, clarifies how ISO d
Episode 4 - S4 -ISO 9001 What is Risk-Based Thinking
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with CORE Business Solutions consultant Brian Smith to break down the concept of risk-based thinking in ISO 9001—what it really means, how it aligns with traditional risk management, and why it’s essential for preventing surprises and strengthening business performance. Brian explains how organizations can
Episode 3 - S4 - ISO 9001 - How to Align Strategic and Quality Objectives
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes back Suzanne Weber-Smatko, Director of Consulting Services at Core Business Solutions, for a practical and engaging discussion on ISO 9001 and the critical importance of aligning strategic objectives with quality objectives. Together, they explore why quality management systems should support business strat
Episode 2 - S4 - What is ISO 9001 and what can it do for you in 2026 Part 2
In part two of this ISO 9001 deep dive on Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is once again joined by Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, to explore what’s changing—and what’s staying the same—in the upcoming ISO 9001:2026 update. The conversation breaks down key areas of emphasis in the draft standard. Suzanne also shares practic
Episode 2 - S4 - What is ISO 9001 and what can it do for you in 2026 Part 1
In this episode of Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, to demystify ISO 9001 and explain why it remains one of the most powerful and relevant business frameworks heading into 2026. Together, they break down what ISO 9001 is, why it was created, and how it shaped the way modern org
Episode 1 - S4 - Looking Ahead to 2026 Part 2
On this episode of the Quality Hub Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis continues the conversation with Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, on Looking Ahead to 2026 by diving deeper into how evolving ISO standards, cybersecurity requirements, and CMMC are shaping the business landscape in 2026. This episode explores how standards like ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 help small
Episode 1 - S4 - Looking Ahead to 2026 Part 1
In this episode of Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, to kick off 2026 with a forward-looking conversation on standards, security, and smart growth. Reflecting on the challenges of 2025, they explore what business leaders can learn moving forward, with a strong focus on resilience, alignment, and the importance o
Episode 34 -S3 - ISO 9001 - How to Better Your Employee Engagement in a Culture of Quality
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis shares standout moments from past guests to explore how a true culture of quality—grounded in ISO 9001—can significantly boost employee engagement. The discussion explains why ISO 9001 isn’t just about compliance, but about creating clarity, consistency, and support that reduce stress and help people succeed. Guests
Episode 33 - S3 - Leading Through Change
In this highlight episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, we revisit the most powerful insights from past conversations on leading through change. Across challenges and uncertainty, our featured moments explore what it means to stay steady under pressure, lead with authenticity, and turn disruption into opportunity. From practical tools for emotional resilience and transparent commu
Episode 32- S3 -Transition Talk ISO Updates 45001-2027 Update
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is joined by Stuart Kelly and Kevin Franklin of LRQA to explore the upcoming wave of ISO standard updates, including the major revision to ISO 45001 expected by 2027. The discussion highlights how these changes reflect a shift toward sustainability, resilience, data-driven decision-making, and workforce well-being—c
Episode 31 - S3 - Common Pitfalls of Internal Auditing Program
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis welcomes Tracey Bear, Manager of Audit Services at Core Business Solutions, to explore the common pitfalls of internal auditing programs. Tracy shares her extensive background—from rocket science to audit management—and offers practical advice on turning audits from “check-the-box” tasks into powerful tools for continuous improvement. Togethe
Episode 30 - S3 - ISO 9001 - Continuous Improvement Tools
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes back Kate Behr, consultant at Core Business Solutions, for a deep dive into the practical tools that drive continuous improvement under ISO 9001. Together, they unpack essential concepts like the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, root cause analysis, internal audits, and corrective and preventive actions, exp
Epsiode 29- S3 -Transition Talk ISO Updates - 9001:2026 Update
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Stuart Kelly and Kevin Franklin of LRQA to unpack the upcoming ISO 9001:2026 updates and what they mean for businesses worldwide. The discussion dives into the growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making, digitalization, ethics, sustainability, and organizational resilience—showing how ISO standar
Episode 28 - S3 - Benefits of outsourcing QMS Administration
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes back Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, to explore the benefits of outsourcing QMS administration. Together, they break down what it means to outsource your Quality Management System administration, and why more small and mid-sized businesses are choosing this pa
Episode 27 - S3 - CMMC is Now Law - What it Means for You - Part 2
In part two of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis continues his conversation with Rick Krick, Director of Security Solutions at Core Business Solutions, to explore what the CMMC becoming law truly means in practice. Rick explains how contractors can still compete if they're not yet fully certified, what “conditional certification” allows, and the critical flow-down res
Episode 27 - S3 - CMMC is Now Law - What it Means for You - Part 1
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Rick Krick, Director of Security Solutions at Core Business Solutions, to discuss a monumental update — CMMC is now law. As of November 10, 2025, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) becomes legally enforceable under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), trans
Episode 26 - S3 - ISO Myth-Busters
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis is joined by Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, to bust some of the biggest myths about ISO certification. Together, they tackle misconceptions like “ISO is only for big companies,” “it’s just paperwork,” or “certification is permanent,” and reveal how ISO standards are actually scalable, practical
Episode 25 - S3 - ISO 9001 How to Maintain Your QMS
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis sits down with consultant Norman Verbeck to explore how organizations can effectively maintain their ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS). They discuss the importance of leadership commitment, embedding ISO practices into daily operations, and simplifying processes to encourage company-wide ownership of quality. Norman shares insights on
Episode 24- S3 - ISO9001 Common Pitfalls in Maintaining Certification
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes Core Business Solutions consultant Norm Verbeck to explore the most common pitfalls organizations face in maintaining ISO 9001 certification. From overlooked clauses to the importance of leadership engagement, employee involvement, and effective documentation, Norm highlights both the sustaining and sabotag
Episode 23 - Transition Talk ISO Upates -14001- 2026 Update
On this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis chats with Stuart Kelly and Kevin Franklin from LRQA about one of the biggest shifts in ISO standards we’ve seen in nearly a decade. With the 2026 update to ISO 14001 on the horizon, they dive into what’s changing, why it matters, and how businesses can get ahead of the curve. From climate change and sustainability to new tech, regulations, a
Episode 22 - AI in Manufacturing - Real Opportunity or Real Hype
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Danny Norman, Advanced Manufacturing Consultant with Tennessee MEP, to explore whether AI in manufacturing is a real opportunity or just hype. Together, they dive into how manufacturers can begin experimenting with AI—particularly large language models. The conversation high
Episode 21- S3 - Protecting What Matters Passwords, MFA, and You Part 2
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis continues the conversation with Brian Reich, Director of Technology, and Anne Siebert, Product Manager at Core Business Solutions, diving deeper into practical ways to protect digital security through passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and password managers. They discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on
Episode 21 - S3 - Protecting What Matters Passwords, MFA, and You - Part 1
In this episode of Quality Hub – Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Brian Reich, Director of Technology, and Anne Siebert, Product Manager at CORE Business Solutions, to unpack the evolving world of password security. They explore how best practices have shifted from complicated character rules to the modern standard of longer passphrases, discuss the risks of password r
Episode 20 - S3 - ISO 9001 - Data Driven Decision Making
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Brenden Lowery, consultant at Core Business Solutions, to explore the critical role of data-driven decision-making in ISO 9001. They discuss how small and medium-sized businesses can leverage simple tools like ERP systems and spreadsheets to track key metrics such as on-time delivery, defects, etc, ev
Episode 19 - S3 - ISO 9001 and How To Write a Quality Policy
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes back Ty Elliott, a seasoned ISO consultant from Core Business Solutions, to demystify the process of writing an effective quality policy under ISO 9001. Together, they explore what a quality policy really is, why it's a cornerstone of a quality management system, and how to craft one that's concise, meaning
Survive & Thrive - Ep10 - Shoring Up Your Supply Chain
In this episode of The Quality Hub’s Survive & Thrive series, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, Jutta Bangs, Counselor with the Tennessee APEX Accelerators, and Kevin Cooper, Strategic Advisor with Tennessee MEP. Together, they discuss how small businesses can shore up their supply chains and build resilience against future disruptions. From s
Survive & Thrive Ep 9 - You're Not Alone
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Stephen Williams, Business Advisor at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. Together, they explore how small businesses can navigate disruption and uncertainty by building resilient relationships and tapping into available
Survive & Thrive Ep 8 - Government Contracting in Crisis Survive Now, Win Later
In this episode of the Survive & Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Michael LeJeune, host of the Game Changers for Government Contractors podcast, to explore how small businesses can navigate the evolving landscape of government contracting during times of crisis. The conversation covers market vola
Survive & Thrive Ep 7- Becoming the Supplier of Choice in a Disrupted Economy
In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Doug Petillo, Managing Partner at Navigant Ventures, for a compelling discussion on how small businesses can become the supplier of choice in today’s disrupted economy. As part of the Survive and Thrive series, the conversation explores the importance
Survive & Thrive Ep 6 - Making the Right Moves: Data-Driven Decisions in Uncertain Times
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis sits down with Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Sara Hanks, Executive Director of NWIRC, to explore how small businesses can make smart, data-driven decisions in the face of uncertainty. Together, they unpack the dangers of emotion-led choices, the importance of data quality, and
Survive & Thrive Ep 5 - Government Contract Turbulence
In this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis hosts a discussion with Scott Dawson, and Drew Markley from Core Business Solutions and Stephanie Alexander CEO of BOOST, on the turbulent landscape of government contracting in 2025. Key issues include stalled contract awards, reduced government staffing, and heightened competition, leading many small businesses to freeze operations out o
Survive & Thrive Ep 4 - Resilient Leadership During Uncertain Times
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Staci Miller, Director of Operations at WVU Industrial Extension, to explore how leaders can foster resilience during uncertain times. The conversation centers on practical strategies for navigating organizational risk, including the
Survive & Thrive Ep 3 - Winners and Losers in Federal Contracting
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and John Mattox, Partner at Schoonover and Moriarty, to unpack the evolving landscape of federal contracting for small businesses. They explore the impact of executive orders, contract cancellations, and the FAR rewrite on contractors, wh
Survive & Thrive Ep 2 - Understanding Cost Structures and Index-Based Negotiation
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson of Core Business Solutions and Jeanne Perron of IMEC to explore how small manufacturers can regain control of their cost structures and supplier strategies. Jeanne introduces the concept of the “silent slide,” where suppliers fail to pass on cost savings, and emphasizes the im
Survive & Thrive Ep 1 - Risk-Based Decision-Making in a Time of Uncertainty
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis speaks with Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Dennis Gilbert, President of IMC Pennsylvania MEP, about applying risk-based thinking in times of uncertainty. They explore how small businesses can navigate disruption through agile strategic planning, open team engagement, and refram
Kickoff - Survive & Thrive Series: Practical Strategies for Small Businesses
In the kickoff episode of the Survive and Thrive series on The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, introduce a timely new podcast focused on helping small businesses navigate today’s economic uncertainty. With insights drawn from real-world challenges—like shifting federal policies, supply chain issues, and market disr
Episode 18 - S3 - AI Risk and What Comes Next: Why ISO 42001 Matters Now Part 2
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis continues his discussion with Kevin Franklin, Chief Product Officer at LRQA, and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions. Join them as they take a deep dive into the critical role of ISO 42001 in navigating AI risks and establishing trust in AI systems. The conversation demystifies common misconceptions about ISO 42001, highlightin
Episode 18 - S3 - AI Risk and What Comes Next: Why ISO 42001 Matters Now Part 1
In this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis speaks with Kevin Franklin, Chief Product Officer at LRQA, and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, to delve into the timely and crucial topic of AI risk management and governance. AI is here and not going away, and understanding the increasing importance of ISO 42001, a new standard designed to provide businesses—wheth
Episode 17 - S3 - Integrating ISO 9001 with other Standards (IMS)
In this episode of Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis and returning guest Bruce Newman, consultant at Core Business Solutions, explore the benefits and challenges of integrating ISO 9001 with other ISO standards (like ISO 14001 and ISO 45001). They discuss how an Integrated Management System (IMS) simplifies operations, reduces costs and much more. Bruce also shares real-w
Episode 16 - S3 - ISO 9001 for Start-ups - Is it Worth it
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis chats with Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, about the value of ISO 9001 certification for startups. They explore how early adoption can help new businesses build structure, reduce costly mistakes, attract investors, and qualify for contracts—all while avoiding common misconceptions like excessive
Episode 15 - S3 - ISO 9001 Why it Still Matters in Today's Market
In this episode of The Quality Hub – Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Drew Markley, VP of Sales, and Renee Ferry, Customer Success Manager at Core Business Solutions, to explore why ISO 9001 certification continues to be a critical asset in today’s competitive market. The conversation addresses common concerns about cost, disruption, and complexity, highlighting how Co
Episode 14 -S3- ISO 9001 and Environmental Management and How They Align
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is joined once again by Norm Verbeck, consultant from Core Business Solutions, to dive into how ISO 9001 (QMS) and ISO 14001 (EMS) align and complement each other. They discuss the key similarities between the two standards, including shared requirements like management reviews, internal audits, corrective actions,
Episode 13 - S3 - ISO 9001 Risked Based Thinking Part 2 - Key Metrics
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis returns with Brian Smith, Director of Consulting Services at CORE, for Part 2 of their deep dive into ISO 9001 risk-based thinking—this time focusing on key metrics. They unpack how to align quality objectives with strategic goals, measure what matters, and track risk at both the organizational and process levels. Brian offers real-world exam
Episode 13 - S3 - ISO 9001 Risked Based Thinking Part 1 - How to Apply
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis is joined by Brian Smith, Director of Consulting Services, to kick off a two-part series on ISO 9001 and risk-based thinking and how to apply it. They explore how the standard shifted to make risk management a central, preventive tool rather than a prescriptive requirement. Brian shares practical tools like the Improvement Plan and SWOT analy
Episode 12 - S3- ISO 9001 Senior Management - Engagement Part 2
In this episode of The Quality Hub, chatting with ISO experts, Xavier Francis and Suzanne Weber-Smatko continue their discussion of ISO 9001 Senior Leadership, this time focusing on how middle managers can engage senior leadership in ISO 9001 implementation. They explore key benefits like efficiency, cost savings, and risk mitigation while tackling common challenges like resistance to change and f
Episode 12 - S3 - ISO 9001 Senior Management - Training Part 1
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Xavier Francis and Suzanne Weber-Smatko discuss the critical role of: ISO 9001 Senior Management - Training. They explore leadership’s impact on quality management, key responsibilities, and strategies for integrating ISO principles into business goals. Suzanne highlights challenges like time constraints and resistance to change, offering solutions to drive comm
Episode 11 - S3 - Quality Culture - Employee Satisfaction Part 2
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis and consultants Kaitlin Wierzbach and Kate Behr discuss how ISO 9001 fosters employee satisfaction through clear expectations, involvement, and recognition. They highlight the role of training, communication, and continuous improvement in creating a quality-driven culture where employees feel valued and engaged—all with a fun ice cream-themed
Episode 11 - S3 - Quality Culture - How ISO Impacts Organizational Culture Part 1
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with consultants Kaitlin Wierzbach and Kate Behr from Core Business Solutions to explore how ISO 9001 impacts Organizational Culture. They discuss the challenges and benefits of implementation, how leadership plays a critical role in fostering quality culture, and the ways ISO can enhance employee engageme
Episode 10 - S3 - A New Partnership - Core Business Solutions Joins LRQA
In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis dives into LRQA’s recent acquisition of Core Business Solutions (CBS) with guests Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA, and Scott Dawson, President of CBS. They explore the history of both companies, the strategic reasons behind the partnership, and how it will enhance compliance solutions for businesses—especially small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). W
Episode 9 - S3 - ISO Edge - Elevating Your Small Business
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is joined by Core Business Solutions' sales and customer success leaders, Kevin Metz and Renee Ferry, to discuss the power of ISO certification for small businesses. From machine shops to government contractors, they explore how ISO 9001 and other standards can streamline operations, improve quality, and open new bu
Episode 8 -S3 - ISO 9001 Certification vs Compliance
In this episode of "The Quality Hub," host Xavier Francis is joined by Norm Verbeck, a consultant from Core Business Solutions, to explore the distinctions between ISO 9001 certification and compliance. Norm discusses the rigorous process of certification, and contrasts it with compliance, where companies internally manage adherence to ISO standards without external audits. This episode sheds ligh
Episode 7 - S3- ISO 9001 vs other QMSs What's the Difference? Part 2
On this episode of the Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis continues the discussion with Suzanne Weber-Smatko and Murphy Shaw on quality management methodologies beyond ISO 9001. They explore Total Quality Management (TQM) as a culture-driven framework for continuous improvement, Lean as a waste-reduction methodology focused on efficiency, and the importance of management a
Episode 7 - S3- ISO 9001 vs other QMSs What's the Difference? Part 1
In this episode of the Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis discusses ISO 9001 vs other Quality Management Systems - What's the Difference (Part 1) with Suzanne Weber-Smatko and Murphy Shaw from Core Business Solutions. They explore ISO 9001’s role in standardizing processes for consistency and improvement, comparing it to industry-specific standards like ISO 13485 for medic
Episode 6 - S3 - Understanding the PDCA Cycle in ISO9001
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes back Suzanne Strasser, VP of Consulting and Development, to explore the PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and its vital role in ISO 9001. They discuss how this structured, iterative method drives continuous improvement by aligning with key ISO 9001 clauses. From setting goals and testing solutions to analyzing
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