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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 near misses, and even stop work when something feels unsafe. The conversation emphasizes that leadership’s role is not to control safety directly, but to provide resources, encouragement, and proof through action that safety matters more than productivity or profit. They also discuss the importance of proactive hazard reviews, psychological safety, fatigue, stress, and avoiding incentives that accidentally discourage honest reporting. Overall, the episode argues that lasting safety culture depends on trust, employee ownership, and leaders consistently backing safety concerns with real support. Helpful Resources: ISO 45001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-45001 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
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 treating it as a box-checking exercise. They discuss how a strong quality management system can reduce waste, improve efficiency, strengthen employee engagement, and more, all while elevating a company’s credibility in competitive markets where certification is often expected. The episode emphasizes that the real financial return from ISO comes through what ISO 9001 can provide, that turns certification into a driver of long-term growth and measurable savings. 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
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 that supports continual improvement rather than just compliance. Suzanne also breaks down key concepts like PDCA, risk-based thinking, common misconceptions about certification, and the measurable benefits companies can expect when ISO 9001 is implemented effectively, making this a practical and approachable conversation for anyone new to the standard or considering certification. 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
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 aspects can lead to involvement, improved consistency, customer satisfaction, and organizational resilience. Kaitlin emphasizes that when leadership makes quality safe, ISO 9001 becomes a living system that strengthens both culture and results. 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
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 what changes when organizations shift from checking boxes for audits to using quality as a tool for real improvement. Kaitlin shares practical insights on leadership involvement, employee engagement, documentation that reflects reality, and how embedding quality into everyday work transforms ISO 9001 from an obligation into a living system that drives trust, accountability, and customer satisfaction. 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
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 systems together can reduce redundancy and improve efficiency. Joe shares insights from his years in certification auditing, explaining how integrated systems provide a more holistic view of organizational performance, improve communication across departments, and can even reduce audit time and cost. The conversation also covers common challenges, best practices for designing an integrated assessment, and practical advice for organizations looking to add new standards without creating siloed processes. Helpful Resources: Auditing Services: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-auditing-services 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
