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The Quality Hub

Core Business Solutions

The Quality Hub podcast is where we chat with ISO experts about “all things Quality.” Our goal is to share the knowledge we’ve gained by working with Quality Management Systems, ISO standards, and other business best practices with our podcast listeners. We want you to be encouraged by our education and experiences.

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#192
Wednesday · 20 min
Episode 30 - S4 - ISO 9001 Implementation and Certification Part 1 - Implementation
In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, Xavier Francis is joined by Suzanne Strausser, Vice President of Operations at Core Business Solutions, for the first part of a two-part conversation on ISO 9001 implementation and certification. They break down what a Quality Management System really is, where organizations should begin when implementing ISO 9001, how to identify and address gaps, and why effective implementation is about improving the way the business operates—not simply creating paperwork or preparing for an audit. Suzanne also shares practical guidance on documentation, process mapping, leadership involvement, and more as well as deciding whether ISO 9001 compliance or third-party certification is the right path for your organization. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#189
September 9 · 23 min
Episode 29 - The Customer at the Center - What ISO Really Says About Service
On this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is joined through a collection of conversations by ISO experts Bruce Newman, Kaitlin Wierzbach, Norm Verbeck, Diana Verbeck, and Scott Dawson. Together, they explore what ISO 9001 really says about keeping the customer at the center of an organization’s quality management system. The episode covers how to identify and document customer requirements, maintain effective communication throughout a project, measure satisfaction, respond to complaints, and use feedback to support continual improvement. The discussion also examines leadership’s role, the importance of internal customers, and how changing expectations for personalization, speed, and convenience are shaping the way organizations deliver quality products and services. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#197
September 2 · 14 min
Episode 28 - S4 - ISO9001 - How to Align Quality with Innovation -Digital Transformation Part 2
On this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis continues his conversation with consultant Pat Gagner about aligning quality with innovation through digital transformation. In part two, they discuss how organizations can protect cybersecurity, data integrity, and traceability while digitizing ISO processes, including the use of access controls, authentication, encryption, version control, and audit trails. They also examine the growing role of artificial intelligence and automation, the importance of validating AI outputs and establishing appropriate guardrails, and how ISO 42001 can help organizations manage AI responsibly. This episode encourages businesses to take practical, manageable steps toward a more secure, efficient, and data-driven management system. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting More About ISO 42001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-42001-certification Why ISO 42001 Certification Matters: https://www.thecoresolution.com/why-grammarlys-iso-42001-certification-matters
#196
August 26 · 14 min
Episode 28 - S4 - ISO9001 - How to Align Quality with Innovation -Digital Transformation Part 1
On this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is joined by consultant Pat Gagner to discuss how organizations can align quality with innovation through digital transformation. They explore how moving beyond paper-based and manual processes can improve documentation, traceability, audit readiness, compliance monitoring, and real-time decision-making within an ISO-based management system. The conversation also examines the role of automation, data analytics, and digital tools in handling repetitive tasks while allowing people to remain focused on judgment, problem-solving, accountability, and continual improvement. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#188
August 19 · 19 min
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 well as discuss how to avoid measuring data that adds little value or encourages the wrong behavior. The conversation also offers practical guidance for small and midsized businesses on keeping KPIs simple, meaningful, aligned with customer expectations, and useful for evidence-based decision-making and continual improvement. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#187
August 12 · 15 min
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 environment that encourages fast reporting, supporting hybrid and remote employees with practical safeguards and more. The episode also highlights the importance of ongoing training, celebrating security wins, and treating ISO 27001 as a living management system that helps employees work confidently, efficiently, and securely. Helpful Resources: ISO 27001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-27001 Who Needs ISO 27001?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/who-needs-iso-27001-certification The Benefits of ISO 27001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/the-benefits-of-implementing-iso-27001 For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1 Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#186
August 5 · 15 min
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 led by top management and understood by every employee. The conversation explores how leadership can make security relatable, reduce blame culture, and help employees see their role in protecting data and much more. Tracey also discusses common cultural barriers, including the belief that security slows work down, the “not my job” mindset, and fear-based reporting, while offering practical insight into creating short, relevant, real-world security awareness training that supports stronger habits every day. Helpful Resources: ISO 27001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-27001 Who Needs ISO 27001?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/who-needs-iso-27001-certification The Benefits of ISO 27001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/the-benefits-of-implementing-iso-27001 For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1 Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#185
July 29 · 14 min
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 purchasing decisions. Edith explains why documentation is critical for auditors, customer expectations, government contracts, and continuous improvement, while also sharing practical ways businesses can strengthen supplier management without overcomplicating their QMS. From mapping critical suppliers and building qualified backup options to adding resilience into supplier scorecards and more, this episode highlights how organizations can be proactive, prepared, and better positioned when the next disruption occurs. Helpful Resources: Jutta Bangs: jutta.bangs@tennessee.edu National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX): www.napex.us How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#184
July 22 · 17 min
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 explains why businesses need to move beyond once-a-year supplier evaluations and take a more dynamic, risk-based approach that considers financial stability, geographic exposure, and more. The conversation also explores how ISO 9001 supports stronger supplier management, why relying on a single source can create major vulnerabilities, and how small and mid-sized businesses may find new opportunities as government buyers place greater value on dependable, resilient suppliers. Helpful Resources: Jutta Bangs: jutta.bangs@tennessee.edu National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX): www.napex.us How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#183
July 15 · 16 min
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, and decision-making. Rather than presenting AI as a replacement for human expertise, the conversation invites listeners to think critically about how AI fits into the business world, where its limitations become clear, and why human judgment remains essential when applying standards in real organizations. Helpful Resources: More About ISO 42001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-42001-certification Why ISO 42001 Certification Matters: https://www.thecoresolution.com/why-grammarlys-iso-42001-certification-matters How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#181
July 8 · 24 min
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, leadership support, and consistent communication can sometimes complete it in as little as four months. The conversation also covers common timeline mistakes, the importance of engaging a registrar early, keeping project teams focused, avoiding unnecessary complexity, and using ISO 9001 as more than a certificate on the wall, but as a practical foundation for continual improvement, efficiency, cost savings, and long-term business growth. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#182
July 1 · 16 min
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 integrated management systems, and prepare for external audits. Rather than focusing on blame or paperwork, this episode highlights how audits can become a strategic tool for continuous improvement, employee engagement, and long-term business success.
#180
June 24 · 14 min
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 emphasizes that survival often depends on preparation before an incident happens. The discussion covers the importance of tested off-site backups, and much more. This episode reinforces that small businesses do not need to be cybersecurity experts to reduce risk; they just need to consistently apply the basics, use tools they may already have and consider support from a trusted managed service provider when needed. Helpful Resources: Cyber Attacks Explained: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cyber-attacks-explained Cybersecurity Checklist: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity-checklist Cyber Hygiene: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity-checklist Cybersecurity Explained: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity-explained Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources
#179
June 17 · 19 min
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 with complex tools or enterprise-level solutions, the discussion highlights simple, high-impact steps any small business can take, including verifying financial requests by phone, treating email like a financial instrument, and more. This beginner-friendly episode offers clear, practical guidance for business owners who want to protect their money, accounts, and operations without overcomplicating cybersecurity. Helpful Resources: Cyber Attacks Explained: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cyber-attacks-explained Cybersecurity Checklist: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity-checklist Cyber Hygiene: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity-checklist Cybersecurity Explained: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity-explained Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources
#175
June 10 · 15 min
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 providers to nonprofits, schools, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. The conversation explores how ISO 9001 can help create consistency, improve processes, reduce errors, support growth, and provide structure without overcomplicating operations. They also discuss the difference between using ISO 9001 as an internal improvement framework versus pursuing certification, emphasizing that the real value comes from building a quality management system that fits the organization’s needs. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#176
June 3 · 17 min
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 highlights why customers, investors, and procurement teams increasingly value sustainability, and how companies can use ISO 14001 not just as a certification, but as a long-term business improvement tool that strengthens credibility, reduces risk, and supports continual improvement. Helpful Resources: ISO 14001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-14001 For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1 Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#174
May 27 · 22 min
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 covers which businesses typically need AS9100, AS9110, or AS9120 certification, common certification challenges, and what companies can expect during the certification process. Whether you manufacture, repair, distribute, or supply products for the aerospace industry, this episode offers a practical overview of what it takes to get certified and why the investment can open doors to high-value opportunities. Helpful Resources: AS9100: https://www.thecoresolution.com/as9100 AS9120: https://www.thecoresolution.com/as9120-certification-consulting AS9100 Biggest Challenges: https://www.thecoresolution.com/as9100-biggest-challenges-for-certification AS9100 Biggest Risks: https://www.thecoresolution.com/as9100-biggest-risks AS9100 Requirements: https://www.thecoresolution.com/as91002016-requirements Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources
#173
May 20 · 17 min
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 foundation, align leadership with quality goals, support employees, measure performance, and drive continual improvement. The conversation emphasizes that ISO 9001 is not just about passing an audit, but about creating a practical system that helps organizations operate more consistently, improve over time, and deliver greater value to customers every day. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#172
May 13 · 19 min
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 explains that the update is not a complete overhaul, but rather an evolution that requires organizations to show clearer awareness, better decision-making, and stronger alignment between environmental management and business strategy as they prepare for the typical three-year transition period. Helpful Resources: ISO 14001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-14001 For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1 Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting
#171
May 6 · 24 min
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 document control, how to ensure employees always use the most current revisions, and the difference between controlled documents and controlled records. The conversation also highlights how modern document management systems can streamline compliance, improve efficiency, and reduce risk, while offering practical advice for companies preparing for their first ISO 9001 certification audit. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?: https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes