Focus on Outcomes

In this episode of Focus on Outcomes, hosts Jeff Dotzler and Candice Meyers sit down with Matt Pletzer, Founder & CEO of Lift Consulting. Matt shares his journey from corporate sales leadership to launching his own consulting firm, helping organizations with sales training, leadership development, strategic planning, and culture transformation.

Discover how Lift Consulting supports companies from startups to enterprises, why accountability and consistency are key to long-term growth, and what separates successful change efforts from those that fall short.

Whether you’re a business leader or team builder, this episode is packed with insights on scaling organizations, driving strategy, and leading with purpose.

In this powerful episode of Focus on Outcomes, we’re joined by Sean Moore, Community Relations Manager at Open Door Columbus, an organization with deep roots in disability support and a bold vision for the future.

What You’ll Learn:

1. How Open Door’s innovative use of remote support technology is reshaping independence for adults with disabilities
2. The story behind their new sensory park, a first-of-its-kind, fully inclusive space in West Columbus
3. Why immersive tech, virtual art programs, and AI-assisted communication tools are game changers in human services
4. How Sean’s background in fine arts and advocacy fuels Open Door’s creative approach to care
5. What it means to truly support people in “inspiring their life journey,” not just care, but connection, empowerment, and choice

Whether you're in healthcare, human services, education, or tech, this conversation will open your mind to how technology, compassion, and community-building can (and should) work together.

Plus: Learn how local businesses, donors, and volunteers can get involved in bringing the Open Door sensory park to life!

In this episode of Focus on Outcomes, we sit down with Sarah Baszka, Director of the Applied AI Lab at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) and an internationally recognized leader in AI strategy, education, and innovation.

What we cover:

• Why Wisconsin is becoming a rising AI hub (hello, Silicon Prairie!)
• How the Applied AI Lab is helping small and mid-sized businesses adopt AI tools and strategy
• AI-powered accelerator programs for entrepreneurs (including partnerships with gener8tor)
• What it takes to build ethical and responsible AI practices in a fast-changing world
• Sarah’s vision for applied learning and workforce development in tech

Whether you're an educator, innovator, startup founder, or simply curious about the future of artificial intelligence in the Midwest, this conversation will give you both practical insights and big-picture perspective.

Plus: Learn how WCTC is using supercomputing resources, real-world training, and AI degree programs to fuel local talent and transform the regional economy.

Peter Niebler, Director of Technology, joins Jeff Dotzler to break down how small and mid-sized businesses can better plan IT budgets for 2026.

• Align tech with business goals
• Plan for risk, productivity & AI
• Avoid surprise costs with better roadmapping

Plus, rapid-fire fun: favorite apps, tacos vs. sandwiches, and more.

In this episode of Focus on Outcomes, Jeff Dotzler sits down with Shaun Trudell, President of Automation Arts, to explore how the company has scaled from a small team to a statewide AV powerhouse. Shaun shares insights on how evolving technology, especially in the wake of COVID, has reshaped client needs, the increasing role of cybersecurity in AV, and why end-user input is essential to successful solutions. Plus, hear about Automation Arts’ apprenticeship program aimed at developing the next generation of AV talent.

In this episode, Jeff and Patrick are joined by Justin Blackstone, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. Justin shares how the YMCA goes far beyond being "just a gym," serving as a powerful community hub that supports over 200,000 individuals through educational programs, health initiatives, youth empowerment, and veterans services. From career certifications and childcare to innovative AI applications and wellness programs, Justin offers an inspiring look at how the Y is transforming lives every day. Plus, enjoy a fun rapid-fire round with insights into Justin’s love of Scrabble, vanilla sprinkle donuts, and his quest for a Taco Bell world record.

In this episode of Focus on Outcomes, Jeff Dotzler and Patrick Hanifin dig into some of the most underutilized tools in the Microsoft 365 suite, and how they can dramatically improve productivity, collaboration, and organization for teams of all sizes.

From Microsoft Teams and Planner to To Do, Power Automate, and the increasingly powerful Copilot, Jeff and Patrick share real-life examples of how they use these tools internally at Elevity. Whether you’re just getting started with Microsoft 365 or looking to get more from your subscription, this episode offers practical tips, honest takes, and a few laughs (including a surprise peanut butter taste test you don’t want to miss).

In this episode of Focus on Outcomes, hosts Jeff Dotzler and Patrick Hanifin sit down with Matt Cranney, the Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate. Matt shares his journey from Liverpool, England to Madison, Wisconsin, and his 20-year career at M3. He discusses the strategic vision for M3 Elevate, the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the importance of technology adoption and talent retention. Matt also provides insights into the recent acquisition of the Employer Group and its impact on M3's growth. Tune in to learn how SMEs can navigate economic uncertainty, leverage technology, and build a strong talent pool to achieve success.

In this episode of the Elevity Focus on Outcomes podcast, Aaron Rice from Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin discusses the organization’s mission to combat hunger and improve food security in the region. Aaron shares insights into the innovative programs and partnerships that have been established to address food insecurity, the impact of community support, and the challenges faced in ensuring equitable food distribution. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and the ongoing efforts to create a hunger-free Wisconsin.

In this episode of Focus on Outcomes, Stephanie Hayden, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Madison, discusses the organization's mission to support families during their most challenging times. Stephanie shares insights into the vital role of community and volunteerism in creating a "home away from home" for families with hospitalized children. She highlights how RMHC leverages technology to enhance operations, foster connections, and support families, even beyond their stay. Learn about the impact of compassionate leadership, the importance of partnerships, and the innovative ways RMHC is growing to meet increasing needs. Plus, Stephanie offers actionable ideas for individuals and businesses to get involved and make a difference.