TechTown Detroit's Building Business Podcast

Dr. Marlo Rencher, former senior director of technology-based programs at TechTown Detroit, sat down with Angeline Lawrence to discuss how TechTown’s technology-based programs will work to address mobility issues facing Detroit and the future of Detroit as an epicenter for mobility innovation. 

During her tenure at TechTown, Marlo worked to ensure our tech-based programs were as diverse, inclusive and equitable as possible.

Myles Morgan, a trained therapist who chose a path toward leadership and entrepreneurship provides a deep dive exploring the inner work that founders, leaders, and creatives must engage in to produce consistent breakthroughs on their journey to execute visions. Some of the topics include:

• The difference between traditional therapy and fulfillment coaching.
• Three levels of deep inner work must all high performers engage in at some point.
• The real source of loneliness and isolation that many entrepreneurs and leaders deal with.
• Signs of unhealed trauma that may be at the root of your performance blocks, and why it can be so difficult to see and heal.
• How entrepreneurs can cultivate a flow state as a way to enjoy the journey as they move towards their goals.

Christina Devlin, retail strategist at TechTown Detroit, discusses the growth of brick-and-mortar businesses in the face of online stores and COVID-19. She shares tips and strategies for retailers to prepare for the holiday shopping season.

Importance of Customer Engagement

Chinonye Akunne, founder and owner of ILERA Apothecary, is a TechTown Detroit alum. We discuss the importance of customer engagement and how it led to the expansion of her business.

Chinonye Akunne, MPH, is an award-winning entrepreneur and leader. She has a history of building and running organizations including ILERA Apothecary, a fast-growing beauty start-up specializing in African plant-based skincare that grows your confidence. She has been recognized for her service in the community and advanced research in healthcare access. Under her direction, ILERA Apothecary has been recognized as a top sustainable brand, contributing to integrating environmental sustainability and technology in the beauty industry. 

Chinonye’s hobbies include learning, traveling and frequent museum visits, drawing inspiration from all. Chinonye has been featured by Vogue, ELLE, Marie Claire, Essence, Crain’s and more. 

Donald Robinson II was born in Detroit, MI. He is a web developer/designer, audio and video producer, content creator and tech instructor. He has worked extensively in teaching coding and web development to kids. He has worked as a tech instructor for JOURNi, Ford Fund/The Bus Stops Here Foundation’s Innovation Huddle, SMASH Wayne State University, Sisters Code, Black Girls’ Code Summer Camp and also has worked as a tech/entrepreneurship mentor for Henry Ford Learning Institute’s Ford STEAM Lab and JumpStart programs.

He also has volunteered at New Paradigm Glazer Elementary/Middle School in Detroit, as coordinator/mentor/instructor of the Glazer Gladiators Tech Kids Coding Club. His passion is to help the next generation gain the skills to create the brightest of futures for themselves

In this month's podcast, Donald T. Robinson III discusses how small businesses can use technology to connect with customers and grow their business online.

Nate Talbot, Detroit Blockchain Center
Check out this month’s episode as Angeline Lawrence, director of entrepreneurial education at TechTown Detroit, interviews Nate Talbot, director of the Detroit Blockchain Center. He explains the blockchain and how entrepreneurs can use NFTs (non-fungible tokens) as a digital strategy to grow their business.

Elle, also known as Paula Tutman, is a multi-award-winning broadcast journalist and inventor of the patent-pending Bra-Less Bra, an Instant Cleavage Sculpting Solution™. Tutman shares her journey of entrepreneurship as she solved a painful problem for full-figured women.

We discuss the longevity of Mark S. Lee as a marketing and communications professional and his experience as a writer covering stories about small businesses in the Michigan Chronicle and Crain's Detroit Business publications. He also shares the five (5) mistakes companies make when communicating to their potential customers. 

Myka Burley is a native Detroiter, and oversees digital equity and inclusion investments and initiatives as a Program Manager on the Education & Employment team of the Rocket Community Fund. Connect 313 efforts has nearly 85,000 Detroit homes enrolled in  EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) program. She studied Behavioral Science at the University of Michigan, and Women’s Entrepreneurial Studies at Cornell University. Myka is an advocate for economic & education equity, and regularly supports the community through volunteerism. 

Kate Bryan is an Emmy-nominated producer, writer, storyteller and founder of The 1 Girl Revolution and host of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast. 1 Girl Revolution is a multimedia platform that uses Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and a podcast to highlight the stories of everyday women and girls who are changing the world through their lives. 

1 Girl Revolution’s short documentary “The Girl Inside” was nominated for an Emmy Award in "Outstanding Achievement in Human Interest.” Kate has a background in public relations and media, which led her to start 1 Girl Revolution - to tell the stories that are often ignored or marginalized. Kate also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Franciscan University and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs/Public Relations from Dublin Institute of Technology.