Tech Together

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman welcome Michelle Ament, co-president of the Human Intelligence Movement and Chief Academic Officer of Prosolve.

Michelle shares her extensive background in education and discusses the Human Intelligence Movement's mission to ensure students develop the necessary human skills to thrive in an AI-driven world.

She emphasizes the need for education reform to better prepare students for the rapidly evolving workforce. The conversation touches on the challenges of systemic change, the role of employers, and the importance of fostering human potential and adaptability in an AI-centric future.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 Michelle Amen's Background and Career Journey

01:57 Introduction to the Human Intelligence Movement

04:22 Challenges in Education and AI Integration

07:01 The Role of Employers in Education Reform

19:04 Future Vision and Positive Outlook

27:39 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman are joined by Cihan Behlivan, the Executive Director of Beta and a tech entrepreneur.

Cihan shares his journey from an investment banker in Turkey to a tech entrepreneur in the United States, highlighting the importance of understanding client needs and picking the right investors.

He discusses Beta’s role in fostering a community of founders and builders and the lessons learned from his early startups.

The conversation digs into the critical importance of technology in solving real-world problems, the evolving landscape of tech talent, and the value of intentional inclusivity.

Cihan also shares his excitement about upcoming Beta events, including the showcase and Twin City Startup Week, emphasizing the need for focus, humility, and an obsession with solving problems in the entrepreneurial world.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Tech Together Podcast

00:20 Meet Gian Bevan: Tech Entrepreneur and Executive Director

00:54 Gian's Journey: From Investment Banking to Tech Startups

03:07 Lessons Learned from Early Startups

08:36 The Birth and Growth of Beta

11:06 The Importance of Community and Mentorship

16:51 Upcoming Events and Initiatives

20:32 Entrepreneurship as a Muscle

22:23 The Importance of Technology in Modern Life

23:28 Curiosity and the AI Explorer Job Post

25:11 The Shift in Technology Talent Needs

26:16 The Importance of Focus for Founders

31:14 Preparing the Next Generation of Technologists

37:40 Intentional Inclusivity in the Workplace

40:28 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman welcome tech recruiter Dave Elliston to discuss his journey into the tech field and his approach to recruiting. Dave shares insights from nearly 20 years in tech recruiting, including the evolving technologies and methodologies he's witnessed.

The conversation expands into the importance of networking, community building, and early engagement in STEM education for future tech talent.

Dave emphasizes the significance of soft skills alongside technical expertise and highlights the need for policy support in boosting computer science education. The episode also touches on the role of diverse talent in advancing the tech ecosystem, showcasing successful collaborations, and offering practical advice to recruiters, job seekers, and tech enthusiasts alike.

Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Tech Together Podcast00:10 Meet Dave Allison: Tech Recruiter Extraordinaire00:58 Dave's Journey to Minnesota02:27 The Role of Tech Recruiting04:16 Changes in Tech Recruiting Over the Years08:03 The Importance of Soft Skills in Tech11:35 Remote Work and Communication13:15 Encouraging Young People in Tech17:49 Diversity in Tech: Progress and Challenges20:56 Community and Collaboration in Tech22:30 Engaging Companies with Educational Institutions23:03 Inspiring the Next Generation with Tech Demos24:29 The Importance of Early Tech Exposure24:46 Challenges in School-Employer Partnerships27:39 The Rewarding Aspects of Talent Acquisition29:00 Networking and Career Growth31:24 Encouraging Passion and Entrepreneurial Mindsets33:20 Advice for Job Seekers and the Role of Networking35:58 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman welcome guests Jeff Tollefson and Joel Crandall.

Jeff, former venture capital investor and founder of Genesis Works Twin Cities, and Joel, now president and CEO of the Minnesota Tech Association, discuss their journeys in the tech industry.

They highlight the importance of cross-sector collaboration, the evolving needs of the tech workforce, and the significant role of AI and leadership development in driving business success.

The conversation also touches on advocating for diverse talent and the impact of educational policy on the future tech workforce.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Tech Together

00:12 Introducing Our Esteemed Guests

00:24 Genesis Works and Minnesota Tech Association

01:24 The ACE Leadership Program

02:44 Jeff's Journey into Technology

06:01 Joel's Path to Technology Leadership

08:48 The Future of Minntech

13:57 The Changing Landscape of Tech Jobs

17:47 Adapting to AI in the Tech Industry

21:23 The Human Side of Technology

22:16 Defining Our Audience and Diversity Goals

23:06 The Human Intelligence Movement

23:38 AI's Impact on Early Talent Roles

25:16 Flexible Talent and Training Methodologies

26:26 Cross-Sector Collaboration in Tech

30:40 Engaging Lawmakers and Business Leaders

34:09 Diversity and Inclusion in Tech

38:24 Minnesota's Tech Ecosystem and Future

39:41 Rapid Fire Tech Questions

42:30 Final Thoughts

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman welcome Jen Rosato and Alexandra Holter to discuss the importance of integrating computer science education into the K-12 curriculum.

The conversation goes into their journeys into the field, the challenges, and triumphs they have faced, and the crucial role of policy and collaboration in advancing computer science education.

They also discuss the state of computer science education in Minnesota, the need for early exposure, and actionable ways to support this essential subject.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:51 Alexander Holter's Journey into Tech Education

03:40 Bloomington's Progressive Approach to Computer Science

06:56 Jen Rosado's Path to Computer Science

10:07 The Importance of Tech Education for Youth

15:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Minnesota's Tech Education

21:11 Introduction to the Plan

21:52 Key Recommendations and Goals

22:46 Challenges and Setbacks

25:53 Call to Action

30:46 Collaboration and Community Efforts

37:52 Rapid Fire Questions

41:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman are joined by Steve Buchanan, a technologist currently working at Microsoft and a recent recipient of the TEKNE award for community leadership.

Steve shares his journey into the tech field, starting with a high school job building computers, through his various roles in the industry, and finally his current position at Microsoft. The conversation highlights the importance of persistence, lifelong learning, and the impact of AI on tech careers. It also addresses the significance of increasing diversity in tech and the role of collaboration across sectors to scale tech talent development.

00:00 Introduction to Tech Together Podcast

00:10 Meet Steve Buchanan: A Technologist's Journey

00:56 Early Tech Experiences and Networking

03:39 The Bootcamp Experience: Trials and Tribulations

05:49 Navigating Career Pathways in Tech

11:49 Joining Microsoft: The Inside Story

20:23 Navigating a Career as a Black Technologist

20:58 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

21:35 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge

22:38 Diversity in Tech: Progress and Challenges

25:15 The Growing Demand for Tech Talent

26:44 Embracing AI and Future Trends

31:56 The Need for Collaboration in Tech

33:38 The Importance of Computer Science Education

38:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

---

Learn more about createMPLS.org

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Alison Barman interview MN State Representative Amanda Hemmingsen Jaeger, who discusses her unique journey from genetic research to Minnesota state legislature.

They explore her educational background in genetic cell biology, her work in DNA technology, and her transition to policy-making.

Hemmingsen Jaeger emphasizes the importance of integrating science and policy, the necessity of accessible STEM education, and the potential of technology to solve modern challenges. They also touch on issues like AI and quantum computing and the vital need for collaboration across sectors to strengthen Minnesota's workforce and industries.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:11 Guest Introduction: Amanda Hemmingsen Yager

00:47 Amanda's Journey into STEM

02:21 Transition to Forensic Science

02:52 From Science to Policy

03:11 Women in STEM: Challenges and Support

04:28 Policy Work and Legislative Achievements

09:35 Importance of Science and Technology Careers

11:42 Trends in Technology: AI and Quantum Computing

19:20 Encouraging Diversity in Tech

20:26 Collaboration Across Sectors

26:53 Rapid Fire Questions

---

Learn more about us at createMPLS.org

Facebook: Representative Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger

Instagram: @repamandahj

Bluesky: @repamandahj.bsky.social

Website (including signing up for my newsletter): https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15620

Tech Together: Bridging Gaps in Tech Education and Workforce Development

In the inaugural episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver from Create Minneapolis and Allison Barman from Genesys Works Twin Cities, dive into their backgrounds, discuss the current state of tech education, especially in Minnesota, and highlight the need for collaboration across sectors to address tech education gaps and workforce development.

They introduce their respective organizations and share the podcast's mission to connect, inspire, and create a more robust tech talent pipeline.

Shannon and Alison emphasize breaking down silos and fostering cross-sector communication to drive progress in tech education and ultimately improve community outcomes.

00:00 Introduction to Tech Together Podcast

00:55 Meet Your Hosts: Shannon and Alison

02:05 Shannon's Journey in Tech and Education

05:05 Challenges in Computer Science Education

07:23 Alison's Background and Passion for Social Impact

11:37 About Create Minneapolis and Genesis Works

18:51 The Vision Behind the Podcast

22:03 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Learn more about the organizations:

createMPLS

Genesis Works Twin Cities