A Real Piece of Work

Hosted by Matt Rebro

Business Education

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Matt Rebro and Matt Blaylock talk with people from a wide variety of professions about what they do, how they got started, and how you might follow in their footsteps. Trying to figure out the right career for you? Check out A Real Piece of Work: The Job Podcast for Young People.A Real Piece of Work is a partnership between Junior Achievement of the Heartland and WVIK, Quad Cities NPR.

Listen to episodes

20 recent

October 5, 202647 min

Beyond Engineering: Building a Career in Leadership with Jeff Reynolds

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, John Deere leader Jeff Reynolds reflects on a 33-year career that began in engineering and evolved into leadership roles spanning manufacturing, strategy, marketing, technology, and global business. Jeff shares what led him to step beyond engineering, lessons learned from leading teams around the world, and what he wishes he had known at the beginning of his career. He also discusses the importance of mentorship and giving back through his involvement with Junior Achievement and the University of Iowa.

September 1, 202648 min

Growing Up Digital: Tiffany Wycoff on AI, Wellbeing, and the Next Generation

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, Tiffany Wycoff shares her journey from teacher and school leader to entrepreneur and founder of Generation Remix. She explores the rapidly changing relationship between young people and technology, the importance of digital wellbeing, and how youth can learn to navigate an AI-centered world while developing skills for their future careers. Tiffany also discusses how Generation Remix is empowering young people to become leaders and help shape a healthier relationship with technology in their communities.

June 9, 202649 min

Beyond Grades: Rethinking Success in School and Work

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, author, academic advisor, and early career development strategist Ana Homayoun explores how executive functioning skills, technology, and personal energy management are shaping success in today’s world. The conversation examines the growing challenges students and professionals face in balancing focus, productivity, and well-being in an increasingly digital environment.Drawing from her work with schools, nonprofits, and corporations—as well as themes from her book Getting In Is Not Enough—Ana shares insight into the skills that matter beyond grades and test scores, and why long-term success requires more than traditional achievement alone.

May 5, 202654 min

Driving Growth in the Quad Cities: Workforce, Data, and Opportunity

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, leaders from the Quad Cities Chamber join the conversation to discuss the forces shaping economic growth and workforce development in the region. Chris, Vice President of Business Retention, Expansion, and Workforce, and Bill Polley, Senior Director of Business Intelligence, share insights from their work supporting local businesses and analyzing regional trends.The discussion explores how companies are adapting to workforce challenges, the importance of connecting businesses with training and resources, and how data—like the Top 100 High Priority Jobs Report—helps guide decision-making across industries. With perspectives from both direct business engagement and economic research, this episode highlights the opportunities and strategies driving growth in the Quad Cities.

April 7, 202642 min

Solving a Problem, Building a Brand: Howard White and Constant Mountain

March 3, 202638 min

Growing from the Ground Up: Austin Blunk on Building Valley Outdoor

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, Austin Blunk shares how he built Valley Outdoor from a college side business into a thriving lawn, landscape, and snow removal company serving more than 350 accounts with a team of over 25 employees. What began in 2012 as a way to earn tuition money while studying Landscape Design at Iowa State University eventually became a full-time entrepreneurial pursuit that reshaped his career path.

February 3, 202637 min

Leading With Purpose: Lysa Hegland and Building Opportunity Through Junior Achievement

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, Lysa Hegland, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of the Heartland, shares insights from her leadership journey and what it means to build opportunity through purpose-driven work.

January 6, 202644 min

Leadership, Service, and Career Lessons with Dan Mitchell

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, the hosts sit down with Dan Mitchell, a retired Colonel and West Point graduate, to discuss his career journey and lessons learned through a life of leadership and service. Dan reflects on his path through military service, the skills and values that shaped his professional life, and how those experiences translate beyond uniformed service. The conversation explores leadership, adaptability, and what a long-term career built on purpose can look like.

September 3, 202534 min

Career Evolution: Lessons Learned Along the Way

In this podcast episode of "A Real Piece of Work", Matt Rebro and Matt Blaylock discuss their new co-hosting partnership, sharing personal career journeys, perspectives on professional development, parenting, and the importance of community engagement through Junior Achievement.

July 2, 202433 min

Exploring the World of Corporate Law with Attorney Kurt Spurgeon

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, hosts Matt and Joy interview Kurt Spurgeon, a corporate attorney who specializes in general business and corporate law.

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