DisruptED

The world is experiencing rapid changes in technology, work dynamics, and industry demands. As the job market evolves, frontline workers face new challenges in staying relevant and employable. The discussion on upskilling these workers has become crucial now more than ever. According to recent research, 75% of frontline workers feel the need for more skills training to meet the demands of their roles and the changing workplace.

How can employers effectively upskill their frontline workers to bridge the skills gap and ensure long-term business success?

In this episode of DisruptED, Host Ron Stefanski sits down with Michelle Westfort, Chief University Officer at InStride, and Jonathan Lau, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at InStride, to explore the disruptive world of upskilling for frontline workers. They delve into the challenges and opportunities that arise when empowering workers with new skills, the importance of employer investment in their workforce, and the changing dynamics of the talent equation.

The three discuss...

• The need for rethinking workforce education and investing in employees' skills and growth.
• The challenges corporations face in adopting a different approach to upskilling for frontline workers and the impact of the changing talent equation.
• The critical role of technology and infrastructure in designing effective upskilling programs.

Michelle Westfort, Chief University Officer at InStride, is a seasoned thought leader with extensive experience in the upskilling space. Her background includes various roles in education and workforce development, and she has played a key role in building the infrastructure to support employers' upskilling initiatives.

Jonathan Lau is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at InStride, a visionary leader in the field of upskilling and workforce development. With a passion for empowering employees and bridging the skills gap, Jonathan has been a driving force behind the transformation of how corporations approach talent management.

The Electric off-road vehicle market projection should exceed USD 400 million by 2032, driven by the growing popularity of outdoor recreational activities, particularly in North America. The all-terrain vehicle (ATV) segment growth projections trend at 15% CAGR from 2023 to 2032, fueled by the increasing number of ATV clubs worldwide. The sports electric off-road vehicle market, previously valued at USD 30 million in 2022, is expected to see significant growth due to the rising number of sports activities globally.

Due to this rapidly evolving landscape of advanced manufacturing and mobility, the disruption in the electric off-road vehicle market is palpable. With the advent of 5G, augmented technology, and a globally interconnected workforce, new technologies that are nothing short of astonishing are emerging. This growth is particularly true in Detroit, a city with a rich history in manufacturing and now a hotbed for innovation. According to a recent report, Detroit added more than 1,000 tech jobs in the metro area in 2022.

What does this mean for the future of manufacturing in Detroit? DisruptED, the podcast dedicated to exploring the disruption in advanced manufacturing and mobility, explored the ATV trend. In the latest episode, host Ron J Stefanski sat with David Ricardo Medina Álvarez, Principal CEO at LIVAQ, to discuss how his company is disrupting Detroit manufacturing through it’s line of electric ATVs.

In this episode, Stefanski and Álvarez discuss the following:

• The journey of LIVAQ and its mission to innovate in the field of electric ATVs

• The importance of creating opportunities for engineering students in Mexico and the US

• The process of developing an electric ATV, from conception to production

David Ricardo Medina Álvarez is a visionary leader in advanced manufacturing. Born and raised in Mexico, he moved to Detroit to study at the College for Creative Studies, one of the top design schools in the US. Since then, he has been at the forefront of innovation in the manufacturing industry, leveraging his expertise in transportation design to create groundbreaking electric ATVs. His work at LIVAQ is not just about producing cutting-edge vehicles but also about creating opportunities for students and young engineers, fostering a new generation of innovators.

As the world grapples with the urgent need for decarbonization, the stakes are high, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warning that we have less than a decade to prevent irreversible damage to our planet. Amid this crisis, a remarkable trend is emerging: businesses are proving that it's possible to prioritize sustainability and still turn a profit. One such company, Engie North America Inc., has seen a $30 billion increase in revenue since deciding to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy five years ago.

But how can businesses successfully navigate this transition and what does it mean for the future of the energy sector? These are the core questions being explored in the latest episode of DisruptED, hosted by Ron Stefanski. Joining him is Kristen Fornes, VP Business Development at Engie North America Inc., who shares her insights on running a profitable sustainable business.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The economic incentives that can drive sustainable practices.
• The role of the public and nonprofit sectors in facilitating the transition to renewable energy.
• The challenges and opportunities in hiring talent for a rapidly evolving industry.

Kristen Fornes is a seasoned professional in the energy sector, with a track record of driving growth and innovation. Since joining Engie, she has played a pivotal role in the company's successful transition to renewable energy, demonstrating the viability of a business model that prioritizes both profit and planet.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, the conversation around decarbonization has taken center stage. It's not just a scientific issue, but an economic one as well, with an estimated $10 trillion expected to be invested in net zero efforts over the next decade. The stakes are high, as the future of our planet hangs in the balance, and businesses are beginning to see the potential for profitable sustainability.

So, what does it mean to run a profitable, sustainable business while also saving the planet? This core question will be explored in this two-part episode of DisruptED, hosted by Ron Stefanski. Our guest, Kristen Fornes, VP of Business Development at Engie North America Inc., will delve into the economic opportunities and challenges of decarbonization.

In Part 1 of this episode, we'll discuss:

• The economic implications of decarbonization and the potential for a $10 trillion investment.
• The role of businesses in the decarbonization movement and how they can benefit.
• The transformation story of Engie, a company that transitioned from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Kristen Fornes, originally from Dayton, Ohio, moved to Chicago in 2008 to pursue a finance degree at DePaul University. She began her career in energy sales and quickly moved up the ranks at Engie, a company that has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last five years. Engie has transitioned from being a fossil fuel giant to a leading player in renewable energy, demonstrating that it's possible to run a profitable, sustainable business while contributing to the fight against climate change.

As common as vibrant technology is, it’s not readily accessible to everyone. Detroit, a city once synonymous with automobile production and subsequently ravaged by economic and demographic shifts, is getting back on its feet and shifting gears. Thanks to initiatives like the Michigan Central Innovation Campus and New Lab, the city is now buzzing with a vibrant technology and innovation scene.

Amidst this resurgence, efforts are being made to ensure that the benefits of this renewal are equitably shared, with an emphasis on inclusivity that welcomes the contributions of the African-American, non-white, immigrant, and broader communities.

One of the people at the forefront of this entrepreneurial journey is Achsha Jones, a Detroit-native and the visionary CEO and Founder of TripSlip, a tech startup that arose from an unresolved issue in Detroit’s school system. For an episode of “DisruptEd,” Jones appeared on the show to discuss the work to ensure that access to vibrant technology is being equally dispersed in Detroit.

In a time when the narrative of resiliency is heralded as the mark of an entrepreneur, the story of Achsha Jones, CEO and Founder of TripSlip, bears testimony to this spirit in a uniquely vivid way. A daughter of Detroit, Jones not only weathered the turbulent history of her hometown but also learned to extract a vibrant entrepreneurial energy from the ashes of adversity, and her entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of it.

Her perspective on the city’s transformation – from a city people shied away from mentioning to a desirable destination – mirrors the entrepreneurial journey and evolution of many others, including her own. In a second part of a “DisruptEd” conversation, Jones, who personifies Detroit’s ‘badass’ spirit while changing the game of entrepreneurship.

As we propel ourselves into the mid-decade of the 2020s, the manufacturing operations all over the world are under significant disruption. Technology advancements, the rise of 5G, the pandemic's influence, and more recently, decarbonization efforts in the fight against climate change have redefined the landscape. As vast capital shifts into the decarbonization movement, it is anticipated that a large percentage of this expenditure will necessitate changes to supply chain operations. But how are industry leaders navigating these waves of change?

In this episode of DisruptED, host Ron Stefanski dives into the world of manufacturing operations with Anne Partington, Managing Director of the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan. Described as a "force of nature" for her relentless energy and optimistic outlook, Partington uses her engineering and business knowledge to handle and talk about what's happening with manufacturing operations today.

In their riveting discussion, Ron and Anne delve into:

- The implications of the Decarbonization Summit and how industry and academia need to adapt to the shifting landscape.

- How interdisciplinary connections are pivotal for problem-solving in this disrupted era.

- The importance of public and private partnerships in confronting sizable challenges like global climate change.

Anne Partington brings an impressive repertoire of experience and knowledge to the conversation. Her career began in the automotive world, later transitioning into diverse areas including e-powertrain and health services. She currently oversees at the Tauber Institute, standing above the chaos, leveraging a multidisciplinary approach to managing operations. Her influence in the industry is bolstered by her firm optimism and belief in collaboration as essential tools to confronting global challenges.

In the wake of a tumultuous economic climate, the conversation around financial security has never been more relevant. A recent survey by Bankrate reveals that Americans believe they need to earn an average of $233,000 per year to feel financially secure, a figure significantly higher than the average earnings of a full-time worker in 2021, which was about $75,000. The survey also shows that only 28% of Americans feel entirely financially secure, with high inflation, the economic environment, and rising interest rates cited as the main obstacles to financial comfort.

What does it take to feel financially secure in today’s disrupted world?

Welcome to DisruptED: Education and Upskilling Edition, hosted by Ron J Stefanski. In this episode to discuss the concept of financial security and its redefinition in today’s rapidly changing world, Joining Stefanski is Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian.

Stefanski and Griffin discuss several topics, including the following:

• The findings of a recent survey on financial security among Gen Z and Millennials

• The role of financial literacy in empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of today's economy

• The challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age in disseminating financial education

Rod Griffin is a renowned figure in the field of financial literacy. With over 26 years at Experian, he has dedicated his career to consumer education and financial literacy. He is the co-author of “Credit Report for Dummies” and a regular on the national speaking circuit, offering his perspective on financial literacy. His work at Experian involves helping people understand how to engage in the industry and use their credit reports for financial benefit.

Given the current and unprecedented disruptions, one element looms large and significantly influences all sectors of our economy: healthcare. Accounting for an astounding 18.3 percent of the U.S. GDP, the healthcare system's vastness and complexity echo through the workforce, from healthcare professionals to workers insured by employer-sponsored programs. But how, precisely, is the impact of healthcare shaping the modern workforce? And what does this mean for the individual employee?

In a new episode of “DisruptEd,” host Ron Stefanski and co-host Larry Yuhasz, tackle these pressing questions with Craig Froude, the CEO and founder of MedZero, for the show’s healthcare edition. With a focus on the intersection of workforce, technology, and healthcare, this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of healthcare on the workforce landscape.

Making strategic investments might be the solution for economic uncertainty considering the ever-escalating cost of healthcare, which is now leading to a profound shift happening in the American workforce. As individuals are forced to navigate complex systems and inflated costs, healthcare is rapidly transitioning from a basic necessity into a considerable investment, setting the stage for serious implications for workforce health, productivity, and retention.

Could there be a paradigm shift on the horizon? Is it possible for individuals to start thinking of their healthcare as a series of strategic investments? This core question lies at the heart of an engaging conversation on part two of “DisruptEd” healthcare edition, hosted by Ron Stefanski and his co-host Larry Yuhasz, along with special guest Craig Froude, CEO and founder of MedZero.