Season 2
EP 27 TEASER - JOANIE GRIFFIN
EP 26 - LINDSEY KAY
EP 25 - JIM LONG
EP 25 TEASER- JIM LONG
EP 29 TEASER- EMILY HOWARD
EP 24 – FERNANDO LOVO
EP 24 TEASER – FERNANDO LOVO
EP 26 TEASER - LINDSEY KAY
EP 23 TEASER - SYD & MACKY
Joanie Griffin – Founding Principal,Sunny505 For more than three decades, Joanie Griffin has been shaping the way organizations tell their stories. As the founder and CEO of Sunny505, she built her company around the belief that a strong brand is more than a logo or tagline — it’s an experiencethat leaves a lasting impression. Joanie has guided countless clients through the evolving world of communications, navigating shifts from traditional media to digital-first strategies, always with an eye toward impact and authenticity. Her career has been marked not only by professional success but also by a spirit of resilience and adaptability. Joanie is known for rolling up her sleeves, diving into thedetails, and finding creative solutions that make brands shine. She brings that same energy into her personal life. Whether on a road bike or grinding up gravel climbs, Joanie leads from the front, driven by a passion to push boundaries and enjoy the ride. Those who know her best describe her as both a strategist and a cheerleader — someone who builds momentum for others while inspiring them with her own positivity. In work andin life, Joanie Griffin embodies what it means to lead with purpose, enthusiasm, and heart. http://leadersofenchantment.com
Lindsey Kay is a social entrepreneur, animal rescue advocate, casual artist, and avid reader whose work has left a lasting mark on New Mexico and beyond. In 2010, Lindsey founded Pawsand Stripes, a groundbreaking Albuquerque-based nonprofit that provides service dogs and mental health support for veterans and theirfamilies. Under her leadership, the organization grew from a small startup intoa nationally recognized model in the service dog and veteran wellness space.She served as Executive Director for over a decade, guiding its mission with heart and innovation. Lindsey holds a master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Leadership and Administration from New Mexico Highlands University. A lifelong advocate for community well-being, she transitioned in 2024 to serve as Vice President ofClient Services at WESST,an organization committed to anti-racism, women's empowerment, and economicequity for BIPOC and marginalized communities. As of March 2025, she serves as WESST'sCEO, continuing her commitment to systemic change and inclusive entrepreneurship across New Mexico. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors, including: · 2013 Association of Fundraising Professionals’ YoungNonprofit Professional of the Year · 2015 Glamour Magazine’s New Mexico Hometown Hero · Forty Under 40 (Under 30), 2015 · 2015 Red Cross Real Heroes Award · 2018 C-Suite Award for Nonprofit CEO · 2023 Womanof Influence Lindseywas also featured in the 2014–15 A&E docu-series Dogsof War, which followed the journey of veterans, families, and the Paws and Stripes team.
Jim Long – Founder & CEO, Heritage Hotels &ResortsLeaders of Enchantment – Episode 25 Jim Long is one of New Mexico’s most visionaryentrepreneurs—a 12th-generation New Mexican who has dedicated his life andbusiness to celebrating and elevating the culture, beauty, and spirit of thestate. As Founder and CEO of Heritage Hotels & Resorts, based inAlbuquerque, Long has built a portfolio of iconic properties that blendhospitality, architecture, and authentic storytelling rooted in New Mexico’sdiverse heritage. He acquired his first hotel in 1992 and has sinceowned and operated over forty lodging properties across the U.S. In 2005, heformally launched Heritage Hotels & Resorts with a mission to preserve andadvance New Mexico’s unique cultural identity through design, food, art, andexperience. Today, the Heritage portfolio spans more than 1,200 guest rooms and115,000 square feet of meeting and event space across major markets from Taosto Las Cruces. Long is not just a hotelier—he’s a builder ofbrands, communities, and opportunities. In addition to his hotel ventures, heowns a major share of New Mexico’s Class A office space and has grown localfood and beverage staples like Garduño’s and Keva Juice. He’s also the founderof several companies and charitable foundations that collectively employthousands. A graduate of the University of New Mexico with adegree in Architectural Design, Long’s passion for design, culture, and placeis evident in everything he touches. In 2012, he was appointed an InternationalTrustee of the Prado Museum Foundation in Madrid—one of only six Americans tohold that position—and he has served on numerous cultural and philanthropicboards, including as Past President of the Spanish Colonial Society. From luxury accommodations to exceptional culinaryexperiences, Long’s vision for Heritage Hotels is clear: invest in New Mexico,celebrate its stories, and create unforgettable experiences that inspire bothlocals and visitors alike. Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc. embodies theculture, spirit, and traditions of New Mexico. https://www.hhandr.com
Jim Long – Founder & CEO, Heritage Hotels &ResortsLeaders of Enchantment – Episode 25 Jim Long is one of New Mexico’s most visionaryentrepreneurs—a 12th-generation New Mexican who has dedicated his life andbusiness to celebrating and elevating the culture, beauty, and spirit of thestate. As Founder and CEO of Heritage Hotels & Resorts, based inAlbuquerque, Long has built a portfolio of iconic properties that blendhospitality, architecture, and authentic storytelling rooted in New Mexico’sdiverse heritage. He acquired his first hotel in 1992 and has sinceowned and operated over forty lodging properties across the U.S. In 2005, heformally launched Heritage Hotels & Resorts with a mission to preserve andadvance New Mexico’s unique cultural identity through design, food, art, andexperience. Today, the Heritage portfolio spans more than 1,200 guest rooms and115,000 square feet of meeting and event space across major markets from Taosto Las Cruces. Long is not just a hotelier—he’s a builder ofbrands, communities, and opportunities. In addition to his hotel ventures, heowns a major share of New Mexico’s Class A office space and has grown localfood and beverage staples like Garduño’s and Keva Juice. He’s also the founderof several companies and charitable foundations that collectively employthousands. A graduate of the University of New Mexico with adegree in Architectural Design, Long’s passion for design, culture, and placeis evident in everything he touches. In 2012, he was appointed an InternationalTrustee of the Prado Museum Foundation in Madrid—one of only six Americans tohold that position—and he has served on numerous cultural and philanthropicboards, including as Past President of the Spanish Colonial Society. From luxury accommodations to exceptional culinaryexperiences, Long’s vision for Heritage Hotels is clear: invest in New Mexico,celebrate its stories, and create unforgettable experiences that inspire bothlocals and visitors alike. Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc. embodies the culture, spirit, and traditions of New Mexico.https://www.hhandr.com
Emily K. Howard is the founder and president of CheetahStrategy, a strategic planning and brand consulting firm she launched in 2021. Beginning January 1, 2025, she will step into a new role as the Executive Director of the Economic Forum of Albuquerque, succeeding Kathie Winograd. Emily brings years of experience across marketing,tourism, and strategic planning, having worked with organizations like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Visit Albuquerque, Esparza Advertising, and McKee Wallwork. She’s also the co-founder and co-hostof Start Bragging, a volunteer-driven movement and podcastdedicated to shining a positive light on Albuquerque. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in tenacity.In her piece “The Impact of Tenacity on Business Leadership” for American City Business Journals’ BizWomen, Emily defined tenacity as the fortitude it takes to keep pushing forward in business and leadership.It’s a mindset that has shaped her own journey and the way she leads. The Economic Forum of Albuquerque is amember-based, non-partisan organization that convenes business, government, education, and civic leaders to strengthen the city’s future. As the Forum’sboard chair Michael Stevens noted: “Emily’s dedication to Albuquerque, her strategic expertise and her ability to connect people and ideas make her the ideal candidate to lead the Economic Forum.” Beyond her professional roles, Emily is a proud momand wife, sports fan, pizza lover, occasional vodka gimlet drinker, weekend warrior, and a TCU alum/letterwinner. She brings both energy and authenticity to her work and life, and she’s passionate about building connections that elevate her community.
Fernando Lovo is the newly appointed Vice President for Athletics at the University of New Mexico, bringing a powerful blend of football operationsexpertise and strategic leadership in collegiate athletics. At just 36 yearsold, Lovo has already overseen over half abillion dollars in capital projects and held leadership roles across NFL and top-tier NCAA programs. Born in New Orleans and raised in Miami, he studied at theUniversity of Florida, earning a B.A. in Political Science and Government,followed by a Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Administration andManagement. He’s also a proud husband to Jordan and father to Liam (5) andLayla (3). Career Highlights University of Texas (2016–2023): o Most recently served as Executive Senior AssociateAthletics Director for Operations o Previously led facilities, operations, and capitalprojects, managing over $500M in improvements for Longhorn Athletics o Earlier, served as Chief of Staff for football during apivotal era of program transformation NFL – Jacksonville Jaguars (2021): o Served as Chief of Staff, bridging pro and collegiate-levelexpertise University of Houston (2015–2016): o Assistant AD for Football Operations during a nationallyrecognized season Ohio State (2012–2015): o Key contributor to the Buckeyes’ football operations duringtheir 2014 National Championship run With a proven track record of operationalexcellence, athlete support, and program-building leadership, Fernando Lovo is poised to elevate Lobo Athletics into a new era ofcompetitiveness and innovation. https://golobos.com/staff/fernando-lovo/ http://leadersofenchantment.com
Fernando Lovo is the newly appointed Vice President for Athletics at the University of New Mexico, bringing a powerful blend of football operationsexpertise and strategic leadership in collegiate athletics. At just 36 yearsold, Lovo has already overseen over half abillion dollars in capital projects and held leadership roles across NFL and top-tier NCAA programs. Born in New Orleans and raised in Miami, he studied at theUniversity of Florida, earning a B.A. in Political Science and Government,followed by a Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Administration andManagement. He’s also a proud husband to Jordan and father to Liam (5) andLayla (3). Career Highlights University of Texas (2016–2023): o Most recently served as Executive Senior AssociateAthletics Director for Operations o Previously led facilities, operations, and capitalprojects, managing over $500M in improvements for Longhorn Athletics o Earlier, served as Chief of Staff for football during apivotal era of program transformation NFL – Jacksonville Jaguars (2021): o Served as Chief of Staff, bridging pro and collegiate-levelexpertise University of Houston (2015–2016): o Assistant AD for Football Operations during a nationallyrecognized season Ohio State (2012–2015): o Key contributor to the Buckeyes’ football operations duringtheir 2014 National Championship run With a proven track record of operationalexcellence, athlete support, and program-building leadership, Fernando Lovo is poised to elevate Lobo Athletics into a new era ofcompetitiveness and innovation.
Lindsey Kay is a social entrepreneur, animal rescue advocate, casual artist, and avid readerwhose work has left a lasting mark on New Mexico and beyond. In 2010, Lindsey founded Pawsand Stripes, a groundbreaking Albuquerque-based nonprofit that provides service dogs and mental health support for veterans and theirfamilies. Under her leadership, the organization grew from a small startup intoa nationally recognized model in the service dog and veteran wellness space.She served as Executive Director for over a decade, guiding its mission with heart and innovation. Lindsey holds a master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Leadership andAdministration from New Mexico Highlands University. A lifelong advocate forcommunity well-being, she transitioned in 2024 to serve as Vice President ofClient Services at WESST,an organization committed to anti-racism, women's empowerment, and economicequity for BIPOC and marginalized communities. As of March 2025, she serves as WESST'sCEO, continuing her commitment to systemic change and inclusive entrepreneurship across New Mexico. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors, including: · 2013 Association of Fundraising Professionals’ YoungNonprofit Professional of the Year · 2015 Glamour Magazine’s New Mexico Hometown Hero · Forty Under 40 (Under 30), 2015 · 2015 Red Cross Real Heroes Award · 2018 C-Suite Award for Nonprofit CEO · 2023 Woman of Influence Lindsey was also featured in the 2014–15 A&E docu-series Dogs of War, which followed the journey of veterans, families, and the Paws and Stripes team.
Episode 23 – Syd & Macky: Racing the World, Rooted inNew Mexico Syd and Macky are professional mountain bikers, YouTubers,and partners in both racing and life. Since 2013, they’ve chased the mostchallenging mountain bike races around the world—first from a tiny orange car,then through years of van life, and now from their home base in Los Alamos, New Mexico. What began as a focus on enduro racing has expanded into afull spectrum of events, including cross-country, stage races, and endurancecompetitions like the El Paso Puzzler, Whiskey Off-Road, and Appenninica MTB.Their popular YouTube channel chronicles not just the thrill of racing, but the grit, training, and behind-the-scenes reality of living life on two wheels. In this episode, we talk about their journey from nomads toNew Mexico locals, how they’ve evolved as athletes and creators, and what itmeans to build community while constantly pushing the limits—physically,mentally, and geographically.
Micah Gray is a two-time Anderson graduate (BBA ’20,MBA ’21), former UNM football player, and rising voice in Albuquerque’sbusiness and alumni communities. Inspired early by his father’s leadership as apastor and a family grounded in sports, Micah’s work ethic startedyoung—selling candles and mowing lawns in high school. He brought that samedrive to UNM, where he juggled Division I football, two business degrees, a jobin Student Housing, and leadership roles on and off the field. A pivotal moment came during a finance talk withProfessor Reilly White, which sparked his interest in investing. Encouraged byadvisor Crystle Dorsey, he joined the Football Business Society, expanding hisnetwork and sharpening his post-football focus. That led him to real estate,where he combined his athlete mindset with an entrepreneurial spirit to becomea licensed advisor at SunVista Commercial Real Estate. Micah was recently elected president of UNM’sYoung Alumni Chapter and continues to lead by example. He’s the first in hisfamily to earn a graduate degree and believes deeply in the power of community,networking, and kindness. His story is a powerful example of what’s possiblewith vision, hustle, and heart.