Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought Leadership

Mark Johnson, co-founder of Michigan Software Labs, talks about sparking innovation in leaders, emerging AI tools reshaping business, and how automation and custom software are transforming industries. From his TED Talk to spotting game-changing startups at South by Southwest, Mark shares insights on trust, technology adoption, and why relationships still matter in a digital-first world.

Chapters:
(00:00) South by Southwest Stories and Kidney Stones
(05:20) TED Talk on Innovation and Leadership
(10:30) AI Tools Shaping the Future of Software Development
(17:45) Trust, Agents, and Human Connection
(23:50) Trends from South by Southwest and Automate
(31:10) The Role of Tech Week Grand Rapids in Inspiring Future Innovators

Tami Barnes, HR Director at Belt Power, reveals how companies can boost retention and performance by focusing on employees’ natural strengths. From teaching kids early about their “superpowers” to creating learning pathways for adults, Tami shares her fresh take on HR, employee engagement, and how businesses can truly win by helping their people thrive.

Chapters:
(00:00) Tami’s Journey to HR Leadership
(04:25) Why Businesses Struggle with Employee Retention
(09:15) Discovering Superpowers Early in Life
(15:50) HR’s Role in Balancing Employer and Employee Wins
(22:10) Creating Learning Pathways for Growth
(28:30) Advice for High School Graduates and Job Seekers

Elliot Parker, CEO of Alloy Partners, shares the story of Woodchuck AI—a Michigan startup transforming wood waste into clean electricity. Elliot explains how his venture studio teams up with corporations to launch “advantaged startups,” why big companies struggle with true innovation, and how running fast, weird experiments creates breakthroughs.

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Elliot’s Role at Alloy Partners
(03:20) How Woodchuck AI Was Born
(08:05) Using AI to Divert Waste from Landfills
(12:40) The Future of Clean Energy and Recycling
(17:30) Why Big Corporations Struggle with Innovation
(23:10) Building Advantaged Startups Outside the Brand
(28:15) What’s Next: New Ventures and Industry Shifts

Rohan Repale, Senior Product Manager at Harman, shares how he’s shaping the future of the digital cockpit in cars—from simplifying complex tech for safer driving to developing head-up displays that project critical info directly onto the road. He also explores AI’s role in personalization, the path to full autonomy, and why saying “no” is key to building better automotive products.

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Rohan’s Journey to Harman
(04:10) What Is a Digital Cockpit?
(08:25) Tackling Cognitive Overload in Cars
(14:05) Head-Up Displays and Augmented Driving
(20:30) Balancing Innovation with Human-Centered Design
(27:45) AI, Autonomy, and the Future of Mobility
(34:15) Advice for Breaking Into Automotive Tech

Keith Elder, CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony, shares how innovation, risk-taking, and community connection are keeping classical music alive and thriving. From orchestras collaborating with hip-hop artists to Beethoven in a ballpark during COVID, Keith reveals the bold moves redefining what a symphony can be—and why music is essential for healing and unity in every community.

Chapters:
(00:00) From Tuba Player to Symphony CEO
(04:15) Reinventing Orchestras Through Innovation
(09:05) Beethoven in the Ballpark During COVID
(15:30) Risks That Flopped and Risks That Won
(21:45) Expanding Reach and Partnerships Across Michigan
(28:00) Balancing Tradition and Modern Creativity
(35:40) Music’s Power to Heal and Unite Communities

John Vandervest, co-founder of Decimal Code, shares how an internal research project at Michigan Medicine turned into a startup revolutionizing medical billing with AI. From discovering massive revenue leaks to navigating long healthcare sales cycles and joining Techstars, John reveals the scrappy journey of bringing AI-powered accuracy to one of the most complex industries.

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Decimal Code’s Origin Story
(03:30) Becoming an Accidental Entrepreneur
(07:40) Early Wins and University Support
(12:05) Learning Curves and Sales Agility
(18:20) Breaking Biases Against AI
(24:15) Inside Techstars and Startup Growth
(29:50) Challenges of Innovating in Healthcare
(34:10) Where to Learn More About Decimal Code

Chris Randall left a safe corporate job and, without a degree, launched Sweep LLC—an on-demand cleaning platform that makes booking a cleaner as easy as ordering pizza. From surviving a pandemic launch to creating a transparent, gamified marketplace for cleaners, Chris shares how he’s transforming home services and giving cleaners the respect and earning power they deserve.

Chapters:
(00:00) How Sweep Got Started
(05:10) Surviving COVID-19 Challenges
(06:33) Building Trust in Cleaning Services
(10:35) Community Networking and Growth
(12:31) Expansion Plans and Franchising
(16:06) Innovations in Cleaning Tech
(18:26) Transparent, Customized Pricing

Brano Vargic shares how Talent Square is disrupting hiring with a platform he calls the “Shopify for job ads.” In just eight minutes, anyone can launch a fully-optimized recruitment campaign—no marketing expertise needed. Brano also opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, from container homes for glamping to the barefoot shoe movement, and how his global experience is fueling innovation in talent sourcing.

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Brano’s Global Journey
(04:20) From HR Leader to Entrepreneur
(09:15) The Origin of Talent Square
(14:40) How It Simplifies Hiring
(21:25) AI Vision for Talent Sourcing
(28:30) Early Adopters & Data-Driven Growth
(33:55) Exploring Barefoot Shoes and Container Homes
(41:10) Where to Connect with Brano

Ryan Gajewski of Truscott Rossman reveals how public relations is evolving in a world of shrinking newsrooms, fast-moving tech, and AI-driven search. From storytelling vs. spin to why every piece of media is “earned,” Ryan shares bold takes on reputation, content, and leading PR strategy in today’s attention economy.

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Introduction
(01:35) From Film School to PR Leadership
(07:10) How Technology Changed Media
(13:25) AI, SEO & the New Rules of Attention
(21:00) Why PR Must Embrace Change
(28:40) Failing Fast & Finding What Works
(34:55) Truscott Rossman’s Future-Focused Approach

After 25+ years in executive roles, Scott Hays hit reset. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Scott shares what it’s really like to leave corporate life behind, battle imposter syndrome, and start fresh as an entrepreneur. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to reinvent yourself—this episode is your answer.

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Introduction
(01:20) What Predictive Index Really Does
(05:10) The WWII Story Behind It All
(09:55) Why a 5-Minute Test Changes Everything
(14:30) From Wrestling Coach to Talent Coach
(20:00) Avoiding Burnout with Job Fit
(28:40) Cracking Communication Gaps in Teams
(37:25) The Workshop That Changes Culture
(46:10) Why Scott Loves This Work
(49:50) Where to Find Scott Online