This Should Work

In this episode of "This Should Work", host Jay Margalus sits down with Dr. Patrick Murphy, a distinguished figure in entrepreneurship education and research. As the Goodrich Chair of the J. Frank Barefield Jr. Entrepreneurship Program at UAB, Dr. Murphy shares insights from his transition from DePaul University and his unique approach to entrepreneurship education.

The conversation delves into Murphy's influential work in social entrepreneurship, exploring how this field has evolved since his highly-cited paper on social entrepreneurial discovery. Drawing from his international experience, including time spent in Beijing, Murphy offers a global perspective on entrepreneurship.

Throughout the episode, Murphy addresses critical issues in entrepreneurship, including:

• Building sustainable entreprepenruship programs and businesses
• Common pitfalls for new entrepreneurs and how to avoid them
• The importance of mentorship and building strong company cultures
• The future of entrepreneurship education and the role of technology

Murphy also shares his insights on the evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem and highlights crucial areas for future research in the field. This wide-ranging conversation offers valuable takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone interested in the cutting edge of entrepreneurship theory and practice.

In this episode of *This Should Work*, we sit down with Zac Strobl, the newly appointed Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Northern Kentucky University. With over a decade of experience in fostering student entrepreneurship through initiatives like the INKUBATOR, Zac shares his insights on the evolving landscape of innovation and the importance of practical, hands-on learning for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Join us as we explore:

- Zac's journey from student entrepreneur to director, including the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

- The mission and vision of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and how it supports students in launching their business ideas.

- The significance of mentorship and community engagement in building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

- Strategies for nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills among students, preparing them for success in both startups and established companies.

- Exciting upcoming initiatives and events at NKU that aim to empower the next generation of innovators.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, an educator, or simply interested in the dynamics of innovation, this conversation with Zac Strobl is sure to inspire and inform. Tune in to discover how NKU is shaping the future of entrepreneurship!

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Wendy Bolger, the dynamic director of the Simon Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Wendy brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at Mercy Corps and her extensive background in social entrepreneurship. Recognized as one of the Baltimore Business Journal's Women to Watch, Wendy shares her journey and insights into the world of intrapreneurship, where she has excelled in starting new initiatives within existing organizations.Key Highlights:

• Intrapreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship: Wendy discusses her passion for social entrepreneurship and how her upbringing surrounded by entrepreneurs naturally led her to intrapreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of this role in driving innovation within institutions and preparing students for rewarding careers.
• Building the Simon Center: Wendy shares her experience of building the Simon Center from the ground up, highlighting the significance of having seed funding and supportive leadership. She reflects on the challenges and motivations behind establishing the center and how it has evolved over time.
• Innovation vs. Entrepreneurship: The episode delves into the differences between innovation and entrepreneurship centers, with Wendy explaining her decision to prioritize innovation in the center's name to make it more interdisciplinary and accessible, especially in a liberal arts environment.
• Challenges in a Liberal Arts Institution: Wendy candidly discusses the initial skepticism she faced in a liberal arts institution and the strategies she employed to gain acceptance and foster collaboration across disciplines.
• Student and Faculty Engagement: Wendy explores the balance between focusing on students and faculty, emphasizing the importance of student-led initiatives and the role of faculty in reaching a broader student audience.
• Mentorship and Community Building: The episode highlights the mentorship approach at the Simon Center, where Wendy curates mentor matches based on industry and expertise, and the importance of building a sustainable ecosystem that balances technology with human relationships.
• Future Trends and Challenges: Wendy shares her thoughts on the future of higher education and entrepreneurship centers, discussing the impact of changing demographics and the potential of AI in shaping the educational landscape.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Wendy Bolger as she shares her vision for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education and beyond.

In this engaging episode, we explore the evolving landscape of community college education with Dr. Ben Worth, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Mountain Gateway Community College. Dr. Worth shares his extensive experience in higher education administration, offering insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by community colleges today. Key topics discussed include:

• The role of community colleges in providing accessible education
• Innovative approaches to curriculum development and student engagement
• The impact of lab schools and state grants on educational opportunities
• Strategies for fostering academic excellence and student success
• The importance of community partnerships and collaboration

Dr. Worth provides a comprehensive overview of the initiatives at Mountain Gateway Community College, highlighting efforts to enhance educational outcomes and prepare students for future careers. This episode offers valuable perspectives for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in the transformative power of community colleges in shaping the future of education.

TSW* welcomes Ellen Schmidt-Devlin, co-founder and Executive Director of the Sports Product Management Program at the University of Oregon. Ellen’s illustrious career spans 27 years at Nike, where she worked closely with legendary coach Bill Bowerman and gained invaluable experience in product development, merchandising, and international business management.

Ellen’s journey is marked by her passion for advancing women’s sports and her commitment to sustainability and innovation in the sports product industry. In our conversation, we delve into her experiences at Nike, the challenges and triumphs she faced, and her pioneering efforts in establishing the SPM program, which equips students with the skills needed to excel in the sports product sector.

We also explore her documentary, “We Grew Wings,” which celebrates the history and achievements of the University of Oregon’s women’s track and field teams, highlighting the impact of Title IX and the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, an industry professional, or simply interested in sports and innovation, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration from Ellen’s remarkable career and dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders in sports product management.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and be inspired by Ellen’s journey and her relentless pursuit of excellence in the sports industry.

In this insightful episode, we dive into the world of academic makerspaces with Michael Koenig, a seasoned makerspace manager now helping oversee IIT's facility. Michael shares his journey from student to lab manager, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of makerspaces in educational settings.Key topics discussed include:

• The transition from student to makerspace manager
• Challenges and rewards of running an academic makerspace
• Strategies for fostering innovation and creativity among students
• The impact of makerspaces on interdisciplinary collaboration
• Balancing safety concerns with the need for experimentation
• The role of makerspaces in preparing students for future careers
• Emerging technologies and their integration into makerspace environments

Michael provides valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of a makerspace, discussing everything from equipment maintenance to project management. He also reflects on the transformative power of hands-on learning and the importance of creating inclusive spaces that cater to diverse student needs.This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic world of academic makerspaces, providing inspiration for educators, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, creativity, and education.

In this episode of The TSW* Podcast, host Jay Margalus interviews Josh Tsui, a veteran of the video game industry and current Director of Innovation at DePaul University's Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media.Josh shares his unique career journey spanning over two decades in game development, working on iconic franchises like Mortal Kombat and Tony Hawk at companies including Midway Games and EA. He discusses his recent work on large-scale immersive experiences, and importantly, what he's up to as the Director of Innovation at DePaul University. Key topics include:

• How to create differentiation when developing a community innovation space
• Transitioning from industry to academia, and the processes you need to change and adopt in doing so
• How to choose the right equipment to spark creativity and ideas
• How to scale up a new program and space from the ground floor

Josh also looks ahead to emerging trends in academia and shares insights on the blending edge tech to adopt. This episode offers valuable perspective for anyone interested in getting an innovation center up and running from the ground up..

In this episode, I'm thrilled to have Jake Juracka, the talented Senior Associate Director at The Garage at Northwestern University and my former student at DePaul. Jake has a rich background in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, especially among young innovators. His journey from working on technical projects to shaping the future of student entrepreneurs at Northwestern is truly inspiring.

Jake’s role at The Garage involves mentoring students, organizing impactful events, and driving initiatives that cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. In our conversation, we dive deep into his experiences, the challenges he’s faced, and the strategies he employs to guide budding entrepreneurs. We also explore the innovative programs at The Garage and how they are making a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an educator, or simply interested in the world of innovation, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of entrepreneurship with Jake Juracka.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and be inspired by Jake’s journey and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Welcome back to 'This Should Work*,' the podcast dedicated to the spirit of making, creating, and innovating. I'm your host, Jay Margalus, diving deep into the heart of America's most vibrant innovation centers and creative spaces. After a meaningful hiatus and a transformative relocation to Virginia, I am thrilled to present the reboot of TSW* - but with an exciting new angle.  In this inaugural episode of Season 1, we unveil a new format for TSW* as I embark on a quest to unravel the essence of what makes innovation spaces not just exist, but flourish. This season, we'll explore the intertwined elements of community, creativity, and collaboration that form the backbone of successful innovation hubs. From the gritty tech havens like mHub in Chicago to the artistic corridors of Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, we'll dissect the universal traits that these dynamic ecosystems share.  But this journey isn't just about observations; it's about understanding the tangible and intangible ingredients that contribute to a thriving innovative community. With the support of a Lenfest Grant from Washington and Lee University, this season will take you on a cross-country expedition to meet the minds behind these pivotal spaces and discover the secrets behind their success and the lessons from their challenges.  Join me as we delve into discussions on the philosophy, architecture, and community dynamics that define the best innovation centers across the nation. Get ready for a season filled with enlightening conversations, thought-provoking insights, and a quest for what truly makes innovation 'work.'  Tune in as we kick off this exciting journey with Season 1 of This Should Work*, starting May 1, 2024. Let’s explore together what it takes to build spaces that inspire, support, and drive the future of innovation.