Seriously Curious

Ohio was recently named CNBC’s Top State for Business. But can it turn that momentum into a lasting innovation economy?

Chris Rockwell sits down with Chris Berry, CEO of OhioX, Ohio’s statewide tech association, to explore how chip fabs, data centers, and defense manufacturing are reshaping the Midwest. They discuss applied AI, a talent pipeline spanning welders to PhDs, and Ohio startups attracting millions in early-stage funding.


Timestamps:
01:44 - What do you think would surprise people the most about what’s changed in Ohio
04:39 - Did Ohios success happen by accident?
14:28 - What are Company Leaders worried about with AI when the mic is off?
18:26- What do you think AIs unique opportunity is?
23:24 - How do we build the next generation with such rapid technology changes?
27:58 - What’s your advice to departments, policymakers, universities on how to fuel the need for specialized talent?
38:04 - How do we change the narrative about Ohio and start telling our new innovative story?
41:06 - Why is it important to tell these stories?
46:46 - How are you working with organizations to make innovation easier in Ohio?
50:51 - Is there anything else you wanted to put on peoples radars?
52:25 - What is the big question in your head nowadays? What are you seriously curious about?


Thank you for joining us on this weeks episode of Seriously Curious! Wanting more podcasts? Check out our Seriously Curious playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1obDHVfXv0MKG3lBn47eUZk4UGAgtDSd

Learn More: lextant.com
Rent our Space: lextant.com/market-research-facilities
Get in contact with us: linkedin.com/company/lextant/posts

Lextant: The Human Experience Firm.

Healthcare is entering a new era. As AI, wearables, remote monitoring, and digital health technologies reshape how care is delivered, the opportunity is to ensure these innovations make healthcare more human, not less.

 In this episode of Seriously Curious, Chris Rockwell is joined by Vanessa Christy, Senior Director of User Experience at Insulet, to explore how human-centered design is shaping the future of healthcare experiences. Together, they discuss the shift from reactive care to prevention and wellness, how technology can empower patients and clinicians, and why designing for the entire healthcare ecosystem, from patients and caregivers to providers, is essential for creating healthcare experiences that are more connected, accessible, and human.

Chris Rockwell sits down with Doug McCullough, Executive Director of the Beta District, and Eric Phillips, Economic Development Director for Union County, to explore how Central Ohio has emerged as one of the country's leading hubs for mobility innovation.

Together, they discuss how public-private partnerships, world-class research institutions, and industry leaders are transforming the region into a real-world proving ground for connected and autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, smart infrastructure, and next-generation transportation technologies. From the origins of the Beta District to the collaborative approach driving innovation across the region, the conversation highlights what it takes to build an ecosystem where new ideas can be tested, scaled, and brought to market.

Chris Rockwell sits down with Gifton Gammon, Senior Director of Experience at Sonic Automotive, to explore what it means to become a "future integrator”, connecting human understanding, business strategy, and emerging technology to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Drawing on her experience leading UX and CX at one of the largest automotive retailers in the US and fresh insights from South by Southwest, Gifton shares her perspective on AI, innovation, mobility, and the evolving role of experience leaders. Together, Chris and Gifton discuss anticipatory design, human-centered leadership, and why deeply understanding humans may now be one of the most important competitive advantages in an AI-driven world.

Chris sits down with McKay Featherstone of THOR industries to explore innovation in the RV and mobile-lifestyle space. They also dig into portfolio strategy, culture and risk, and practical leadership advice for scaling customer-centric innovation across organizations.

Chris Rockwell sits down with Jon Walter, Director of User Experience at Rockwell Automation to discuss the challenges of user centered design for complex industrial and manufacturing environments.

In this edition of Seriously Curious, Chris and 30 year Honda veteran, Raj Manakkal discuss the second founding of Honda, highlighting cross-functional product teams, design thinking, and agile practices to build in-house infotainment and digital services.

In this episode, Chris Rockwell and the talented Carly Price discuss the importance of creative practice with a business mindset for effective Design Thinking. Spoiler: Design Thinking isn't dead. 

In this edition of Seriously Curious, Chris Rockwell chats with Lizzy Martinez, General Manager of Consumer Research and Advisory at Delta Airlines, about how Delta uses customer insights to elevate travel experiences. From "revenge travel" trends to free in-flight Wi-Fi and biometrics, discover how Delta is creating premium journeys that begin before takeoff and continue beyond the destination.

Chris Rockwell sits down with Donald Chesnut to discuss how Customer Experience has become a great idea with the wrong execution.