The Michigan Opportunity

Reinventing the Boardroom: Innovation, Startups and the Future of Decision-Making

What if board meetings worked more like modern technology companies? Robert Wolfe, founder of Zeck, discusses entrepreneurship, startup culture, and how technology is transforming leadership, governance, and organizational decision-making. 

Robert shares insights from building Zeck, lessons from the startup ecosystem, and why simplifying collaboration and communication is becoming essential for institutions navigating rapid change. Wolfe is also the founder of Moosejaw and CrowdRise, and calls Michigan home.

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Continues Conversations at the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026

We continue broadcasting from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The podcast featured an outstanding lineup of guests discussing Michigan’s future across economic development, mobility, manufacturing, leadership, innovation, defense, technology, talent, and global competitiveness.

Part 2 guests include:

• Joe White, High Speed Rodeo Substack
• Matt Elliot, Blue Link Ideas
• Carmen Wells Quigg, Economic Growth Institute
• Kelly Wolgamott, Pure Michigan
• Carolina Pluszczynski, Michigan Central
• Dr. Robert McMahan, Kettering University
• Rachel Kuntzsch, Public Sector Consultants

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Heads to the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast once again broadcasted from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The podcast featured an outstanding lineup of guests discussing Michigan’s future across economic development, mobility, manufacturing, leadership, innovation, defense, technology, talent, and global competitiveness.

Part 1 Guests include:

• Tricia Keith, Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Hilary Doe, MoveDetroit
• Colin Bird, Canadian Consul
• Richard A. Bierschbach, Wayne State University
• Laura Lee McIntyre, Michigan State University
• Stephen Rapundalo, MichBio
• Mary Lewis, Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic

What happens when entrepreneurship, creativity, and social impact come together in Detroit? Grit and a purposeful brand

On this episode, Amy Peterson, CEO and Co-Founder of Rebel Nell, shares the remarkable story behind building a purpose-driven brand that transforms layers of fallen Detroit graffiti into one-of-a-kind jewelry. She shares how creating meaningful employment opportunities for women overcoming barriers to employment, became the company’s mission. Amy also discusses entrepreneurship, love of sports, Detroit’s creative energy, and how innovation and community impact can work hand in hand. 

Michigan is emerging as a major hub where technology, economics, and national security converge. From autonomous vehicles to drones, defense to maritime systems, next-generation security and more. 

In this special multi-guest episode from the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL Conference, industry leaders and innovators discuss the future of uncrewed systems across air, land, water, and space. Our guests dive into why Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead this rapidly evolving global sector.

The conversation explores advanced mobility, defense applications, AI, economic development, manufacturing, and the growing ecosystem shaping the future of autonomous technology. 

Guests include:

• Raymond Stemitz, Michigan National Guard
• Timothy George, ND Defense
• Sean Hilbert, Cobra AERO, LLC
• Alissa Roath, National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC)
• Colleen Hau, Newlab
• Jayden Sluiter, Westwood AI
• Mark Ignash, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and The Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation
• Michael Robbins, AUVSI

From the Michigan National Guard to tech research and development, Camp Grayling provides support for federal, local and international partners

Colonel Lucas J. Lanczy is the current Garrison Commander of the Camp Graying Joint Maneuver Training Center. On this episode Col. Lanczy gives us a deeper look into the training base in Northern Michigan. We discuss Camp Grayling's training facilities for land, air, maritime, cyber, and space defense domains, as well as hosting the Northern Strike exercise. He also talks about the Michigan National Guard and their impact on the community. As a native of L’Anse, Michigan, Col. Lanczy has completed two combat deployments to Regional Command South, Afghanistan, and East Baghdad, Iraq.

From leading MichAuto to shaping conversations at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Glenn Stevens breaks down how business, government, and innovation align to move the state forward.

In this episode, Glenn Stevens, Executive Director, MichAuto and VP of Automotive and Innovation at the Detroit Regional Chamber brings an orthogonal perspective to Michigan’s evolving economy. We dive into the growing Ann Arbor–Detroit development corridor and how this region is becoming a powerful hub for mobility, technology, and economic momentum. 

What’s really happening on the ground in downtown Detroit? 10+ Detroit Developments in 30 Minutes. 

In this fast-paced conversation, Eric Larson walks us through over 10 new and evolving developments shaping Detroit’s future—from major projects to the smaller, catalytic investments driving momentum. As the leader of the Detroit Downtown Partnership, Eric shares how coordinated planning, placemaking, and public-private collaboration are turning vision into reality. It’s a compelling snapshot of how Detroit continues to reinvent itself as a vibrant, competitive, and welcoming urban core.

Reimagining Higher Education: How Michigan State University is leading the future of talent, research and impact

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, the 22nd President of Michigan State University, explores his “One Team” vision and shares how a scientist’s mindset and servant leadership are shaping MSU’s 2030 strategy. He breaks down the Green and White Council initiative and explains how industry leaders are better preparing students. We also discuss the art and science of leadership, the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and how partnerships with organizations like Henry Ford Health are positioning MSU as a next-generation powerhouse. 

Twenty Years of Pure Michigan: Exclusive Insights from Michigan’s Tourism Experts

The Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism is Michigan's premier annual event for travel and hospitality leaders to collaborate on advancing the state's visitor economy. Over three days, 500+ industry professionals engaged in dynamic workshops and networking focused on digital marketing, inclusivity, and the Governor's Awards for Innovative Tourism Collaboration.

We got an exclusive look into the conference as it celebrated 20 years of the Pure Michigan marketing campaign. Hear from the state’s tourism and hospitality leaders as they discuss how Pure Michigan evolved the culture in the state, the latest travel trends, and the massive economic impact tourism has in Michigan. 

Guests include:

Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Liz Ware, VP Sales and Marketing, Mission Point Resort; Sarah Miller, President and CEO, Destination Ann Arbor; Trevor Tkach, CDME, CFEE, President & CEO, Traverse City Tourism; Ken Hayward, Chief Operating Officer, Visit Detroit; Brianna Bowen, BS, Bay Mills Indian Community; Janet Korn, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Experience Grand Rapids; Linda Hoath, Executive Director, Visit Sault Ste. Marie