It’s become commonplace for people to complain about work. Many will flippantly make disparaging comments about their jobs, and others feel real disdain and disengagement about their worklives. A group of professionals have decided it’s time to change that thought process and launched the Empowerment Institute for Michigan. Joining Chris to discuss their mission and curriculum are President, Dr. Tonya Bailey, and COO Amy Partin!

Success begets success, and investment often begets investment. I recently saw an article about sections of Kalamazoo making major investment, and learned more about how that might affect the housing nearby. Joining Chris to share his perspective of these endeavors is a Realtor with EXP Realty of SW Michigan, Jared Stout!

Artificial Intelligence is here, and here to stay. Many are tinkering with its abilities, but others are diving into the deep end to become experts and assist others with their journeys. Joining Chris to speak on their new endeavor - Compound - is the Founder of Super Web Pros and teacher of AI systems and organizational design at Michigan State, Jesse Flores and Founder of Lead With Collective, and a 20-year people-and-HR leader for global, Fortune 1000 companies, Julie Mann!

East Lansing has undergone a major transformation in the past decade, East from Hannah Plaza and the Hub, through downtown’s Landmark & Abbot projects, and West to Skyview and Red Cedar. Some say that’s enough, others say more is needed. Joining Chris to discuss another project downtown East Lansing called “The Howard” is the Chief Executive Officer for Harbor Bay Ventures, Mark Bell!

The MSU Research Foundation has been at the forefront of fostering Michigan start-ups for years. They recently announced a new investment in East Lansing. Joining Chris to discuss what that means and why it’s important is the Director of Research Parks for the MSU Research Foundation, Jeff Smith!

Michigan’s K-12 education performance is a hotly discussed topic lately. But it’s hard to make considerable improvements until you first address the teacher shortage. One lifelong educator has launched an organization focused on doing just that - building a more robust educator pipeline. Joining Chris to tell the story of Michigan’s Educator Workforce Initiative is its Founding Partner & CEO, Jack Elsey!

Detroit's Neighborhood Economic Development Team Helps Small Businesses Thrive

Non-Profit Helps Returning Vets Get Into Skilled Trades

Housing opportunities and solutions may be the largest challenge Michgian is facing. The City of Detroit has an established organization called the Detroit Housing Commission - and they are providing an amazing amount of support to its residents. Joining Chris to share their story, their mission and their services are Detroit Housing Commission Executive Director, Arthur Jemison and Chief Operating Officer, Irene Tucker!

Walsh College Laser Focused on Developing Students Proficient in AI and Advanced Tech