DisruptED

As cities around the world face urgent questions of sustainability and carbon reduction, Detroit is becoming a testing ground for decarbonization in built environments. In 2020, $10 trillion was to be invested in new structures over the next decade, and given that buildings account for 37% of combustion-related emissions globally, the stakes have never been higher.

So, how can the construction industry adapt to not only create innovative structures but also do so sustainably?

This topic is at the forefront of the latest episode, the first of a two-part series on DisruptED, hosted by Ron Stefanski. Joining him is Ron Henry, the Senior Vice President of Sachse Construction, a man with four decades of experience in design and construction. Together, they dig deep into the challenges and opportunities that decarbonization presents for cities like Detroit and the construction industry at large.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The three scopes of decarbonization: Direct emissions from buildings, fuel consumption, and materials used.
• How increasing construction costs impact the willingness to adopt sustainable practices.
• The transformation of Detroit into a living lab for sustainable urban development.

Ron Henry is a University of Michigan alum with a Masters in Architecture. A veteran of the construction and architecture fields in the Greater Detroit area, he has been instrumental in tripling the size of Sachse Construction. Notably, he is a thought leader in the realm of sustainable built environments.

Today’s world is so fast-paced and digitally-driven, the dynamics of the workforce are evolving at a rapid pace. Yet, as we march forward, we are confronted with an age-old challenge: the lack of diversity and inclusion in job roles. Siloing of jobs based on gender, race, or background is no longer tenable, especially when there's a massive talent shortage and a pronounced skills gap. 

Addressing these challenges requires multifaceted solutions: from harnessing the potential of immigrants, providing equal opportunities, shattering stereotypes. But most importantly, empowering the workforce to rise to the occasion. Talking to Ron J. Sefanski about this subject for a second portion of an episode of “DisruptEd,” Jane Oates, President of WorkingNation, shared a few of her viewpoints on the pathways to a better future. Oates has decades of experience having worked at the US Department of Labor, and US Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP). Her company has also done work in creating short films.

Navigating a time marked by swift economic and technological upheavals, understanding the world of work and learning has become more pivotal than ever. It's crucial to address the "elephant in the room": our workforce and education systems are lagging behind, not quite prepared for the 21st-century challenges they face. 

As discussions revolve around repairing these cracks in the workforce and education systems, the spotlight falls on those who have dedicated decades to understanding and molding workforce policies and practices. Talking to Ron J Sefanski on the matter for an episode of “DisruptEd,” is Jane Oates, President of WorkingNation, and a stalwart of labor and education reform. On the show, Oates thought back to her time as a classroom teacher, to becoming a game-changer in the U.S. labor movement.

She has decades of experience having worked at the US Department of Labor, and US Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP). Her company has also done work in creating short films.

In today's ever-changing technological landscape, bridging the gap between education and employment has never been more crucial. As industries disrupt and traditional education paths become less linear, there's an emerging emphasis on skills-based hiring.

High tuition costs and the shifting paradigm of traditional education are paving the way for companies to prioritize skills over degrees. The tech sector, in particular, showcases a significant skills gap with a vast array of untapped talent. Enter initiatives like SkillStorm, which identify and empower underrepresented individuals, granting them not only vital tech skills but a pathway to a multitude of careers.

By partnering with renowned universities, SkillStorm is innovating the future of education, emphasizing immediate, industry-relevant upskilling. Let's investigate this skills-based hiring revolution with Joe Mitchell, COO of SkillStorm, who personifies this transformative journey on this episode of DisruptED with Host Ron Stefanski.

In the wake of rapid technological advancements, the global workplace is undergoing a seismic disruption shift, and the future of upskilling workers is a more critical challenge than ever before.

The intersection of technology, the pandemic, and globalization have created a new paradigm for businesses, and ignoring the changes could prove costly. A recent study revealed that 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 don’t yet exist, underscoring the urgency for upskilling.

What does the future of upskilling in this disrupted environment look like? How can businesses and individuals stay ahead of the curve?

Welcome to DisruptED: Education & Upskilling Edition, hosted by Ron J Stefanaski. In this first of a two-part conversation, Stefanski and his guest Vince Virga, Co-Founder at SkillStorm, examine the need for upskilling now.

Key discussion points from the episode include:

• The challenges and opportunities presented by the convergence of technology, the pandemic, and globalization

• Vince Virga's journey into the workforce sector and the inception of SkillStorm

• The increasing demand for relevant skills and the role of upskilling in bridging the talent gap

Vince Virga boasts an impressive background. A first-generation college graduate, Vince's early experiences in the IT services industry in the mid-90s set the stage for his entrepreneurial journey. Co-founding SkillStorm, Vince has been instrumental in helping individuals elevate their skill levels to secure high-paying jobs in the tech sector. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to fostering a positive company culture, Vince's leadership has positioned SkillStorm at the forefront of the upskilling revolution.

A disrupted workplace can’t stay chaotic forever; the future of upskilling will decide how calm the storm is or how choppy.

The workforce is undergoing significant disruption in the age of rapid technological advancements. The need for upskilling employees has never been more pressing, especially as the traditional education system struggles to keep pace with the ever-evolving demands of the job market. Research indicates that by 2030, up to 375 million global workers may need to switch occupational categories due to automation and the changing nature of work.

So, how does the workforce prepare for this seismic shift? How can the U.S. ensure that underserved populations and veterans don’t get left behind in this race toward upskilling?

Welcome to DisruptED: Education & Upskilling Edition, hosted by Ron J Stefanaski. In this second installment of a two-part conversation on upskilling in a disrupted workplace, Stefanski and returning guest Vince Virga, Co-Founder at SkillStorm, discuss upskilling challenges and opportunities, especially for underserved communities and veterans.

Takeaways from this episode include the following:

• The importance of serving underserved populations and veterans in the upskilling journey

• The role of online and hybrid courses in providing flexibility and accessibility to learners

• The need for collaboration between educational institutions and employers to ensure relevant and timely upskilling

Vince Virga is the Co-Founder of SkillStorm, a leading training business in the IT sector. With over two decades of experience, Vince has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between education and employment, especially for underserved populations and veterans. His initiatives have trained and deployed thousands, with a significant percentage being veterans. Vince's commitment to providing first-generation professionals and veterans with the skills they need to thrive in the modern workplace has earned him accolades in the industry.

In the rapid rise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where every industry seems to be disrupted by software and technology, a burning debate simmers: Is the essence of human creativity being overshadowed by our tech tools? For those who once delineated clear borders between the worlds of art, design, and engineering, the fusion is unsettling, yet undeniably transformative. What, then, is the future of creativity in this age of technological marvel? Brook Banham, Founder and Designer at Sketchbattle, has an idea.

In this second of a two-part episode of DisruptED, hosted by Ron Stefanski with guests Brook Banham, Founder and Designer at Sketchbattle, the two dive deep into the crux of this debate. As they meander through the evolution of design, touching upon the origins of Brook's passion in the world of car design, to the significance of sketching in the age of CAD, a revelation becomes evident.

• The essence of design is shifting from its conventional routes, where lines between art and technology blur.
• Tools like 'Gravity Sketch', which merge the worlds of sketching and modeling, redefine what it means to be an artist in this tech-savvy era.
• The rise of technology does not necessarily mean the death of organic creativity. Rather, it offers a bridge between human expression and technological precision.

Brook Banham, with a rich background in design and innovation, founded Sketchbattle as the "Fight Club of Design." It's a platform for designers to showcase their skills, often under immense pressure, with the world watching. These design competitions reflect the fast-paced evolution of the industry and highlight the creative potential of the next generation.

In the evolving landscape of innovation, nothing is perhaps undergoing a more radical transformation than the concept of mobility. Once, the definition was simple: the automobile. Now, as we veer away from traditional vehicles and fossil fuels, Detroit—the city that once put the world on wheels—is making strides and redefining mobility.

The question looms: what does "mobility" truly mean in the 21st century?

DisruptED, hosted by Ron Stefanski and co-hosted by various industry experts, delves deep into this topic. This particular episode, the first of a two-part series, welcomes Brook Banham, founder and designer of Sketchbattle, and Rich Fahle, the Head of Partnerships at Newlab. Together, they discuss:

• Redefining Mobility: From a simple car to encompass drones, robo-taxis, electric ATVs, and beyond. It's a testament to the evolution of design and transportation.
• Sketchbattle's Evolution: An annual event showcasing fierce competition among designers, reflecting the competitive nature of the industry.
• Mobility as a Magnet for Young Talent: Today's youth is not as enamored with traditional cars as previous generations. They're more environmentally conscious and attracted to the realm of battery-powered scooters, drones, and more.

Brook Banham, with a rich background in design and innovation, founded Sketchbattle as the "Fight Club of Design." It's a platform for designers to showcase their skills, often under immense pressure, with the world watching. These design competitions reflect the fast-paced evolution of the industry and highlight the creative potential of the next generation.

Rich Fahle, the dynamic Head of Partnerships at Newlab, has been instrumental in transforming urban spaces into innovation hubs, most notably rejuvenating Detroit's book depository into the renowned Michigan Central Innovation Campus, "Jason two." As a recognized leader in urban revitalization and tech collaborations, he seamlessly bridges design, technology, and community engagement.

A new form of hybrid transportation is happening in Brooklyn, which could soon disrupt the mobility space in other cities.

Amid a world grappling with climate change and the need for sustainable solutions, a new player has entered the mobility scene. Pave Motors Inc., a company brought to the U.S. by Nicolaus and Casper Nagel from Germany, is introducing a unique solution to urban and suburban mobility. Their new electric motorbike, a fusion of an e-bike and an e-motorcycle, is designed to replace short-to-medium distanced car trips, offering a more efficient and eco-friendlier alternative. Making a dent in greenhouse gas emissions, where transportation accounts for nearly 30% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, creates the perfect opportunity for a new player in the market.

How can Pave Motors disrupt the mobility space and traditional transportation landscape with its innovative electric motorbikes? And what does this mean for the future of urban mobility?

Welcome to DisruptED: Advanced Manufacturing Edition, hosted by Ron J Stefanski. In this episode, Stefanski peeks into the disrupted world of mobility with guest Nico Nagel, Co-Founder of Pave Motors. The two explore the vision behind Pave Motors, the technology that powers its unique electric motorbikes, and how Nagel and his brother aim to transform urban transportation.

Stefanski and Nagel discuss the following:

• The inspiration behind Pave Motors and their unique electric motorbikes

• How the Nagels designed Pave Motors' bikes for accessibility in urban and suburban areas

• The environmental benefits of their fully electric, emission-free bikes

Nicolaus Nagel is a visionary in the field of sustainable transportation. Along with his brother Caspar, Nico founded Pave Motors to create a unique and sustainable solution to urban mobility. Born and raised in Germany, the Nagel brothers found inspiration in the popularity of motorbikes and e-bikes in Europe. They saw an opportunity to bring this efficient mode of transportation to the U.S. Nico, and Casper were both recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, highlighting their significant contributions to the field of transportation.

In today's rapidly evolving job market, the importance of upskilling for frontline workers cannot be overstated. The rise of new technologies, changing workforce dynamics, and income inequality have intensified the need for continuous learning and skill development. As the pandemic reshapes the way we work, the discussion on leveraging technology and intentional design to enhance virtual learning experiences becomes critical.

How can employers adapt to the changing landscape and effectively upskill their frontline workers in a world driven by technology and remote work?

In this second episode of a two-part series on DisruptED, Host Ron Stefanski engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Michelle Westfort, Chief University Officer at InStride, and Jonathan Lau, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at InStride. They explore the transformative trends of upskilling, including the growing importance of soft skills, the rise of micro-credentials and stackability, the role of adaptive and personalized learning, the impact of remote work on talent strategy, and talent retention strategies. As income inequality rises and individuals seek to secure meaningful and family-supporting jobs, the episode sheds light on how corporations can strategically invest in their workforce to drive long-term success.

The three also discuss...

The evolving landscape of upskilling for frontline workers, focusing on soft skills, technical skills, and role transformation.

• The significance of micro-credentials and stackability in shaping industry-focused learning pathways.
• The role of adaptive and personalized learning experiences and the power of intentionality in designing effective virtual education.
• The impact of remote work on talent strategy and how it aligns with employees' choices and company culture.

Michelle Westfort, Chief University Officer at InStride, is a visionary leader with extensive experience in upskilling and workforce development. Her contributions in building infrastructure to support employer-led education initiatives have positioned her as a thought leader in the industry.

Jonathan Lau, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at InStride, is a driving force behind the transformation of talent management through upskilling. His passion for empowering employees and bridging the skills gap makes him a prominent figure in the disruptive world of workforce development.