TEN

Hosted by Nebraska Tech Collaborative

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192

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to TEN, a Nebraska Tech Collaborative Podcast, powered by Aksarben. We talk all things tech and/or entrepreneurship with people doing the work in Nebraska for 10-ish minutes max.

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60 recent

September 2, 202612 min

From Software Engineer to Executive Leader: Why Erin Good Invests in Women in Tech

We’re kicking off a special TEN Podcast series highlighting the women who help shape the Nebraska Women in Tech Summitas speakers, volunteers, partners, award recipients and community leaders. Our first guest is Erin Good, Executive Director in the Kiewit Technology Group and founding partner of the Summit. Erin started her career as a software engineer and has spent more than 20 years growing into leadership at Kiewit. Along the way, she learned firsthand what can happen when someone sees your potential and gives you an opportunity to step into something bigger. Now, she works to create those same opportunities for others. Erin joins Shonna Dorsey and Dr. Jessica Olsen with Kiewit to talk about her career journey, what she looks for in emerging leaders, and why the Nebraska Women in Tech Summit has become an experience she continues to invest in. For Erin, the Summit creates something women in technology don’t always get enough of: intentional space to connect, collaborate, gain visibility and find opportunity. And one part she makes sure she catches every year? The lightning talks. Five minutes. One idea. All the good stuff. As we look toward the April 2, 2027 Nebraska Women in Tech Summit , our theme is Ships That Shape Us —recognizing the people, relationships and experiences that help shape where we go next. Interested in being part of 2027? Speaker, volunteer, award nomination and community interest forms are open through November 5, 2026. Learn more: aksarben.org/women-in-tech-summit

August 28, 202610 min

AI Can Help, But It Can't Do the Job | Lindsey Frum | TEN Podcast

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way marketers and creatives work—but according to Lindsey Frum, it's not replacing creativity. It's enhancing it. In this episode of the TEN Podcast , Lindsey Frum, Marketing & Communications Manager at the Aksarben Foundation, shares how she combines creativity, web development, and AI to produce impactful work while staying true to the human side of marketing. From teaching herself website development through online resources to leading marketing initiatives for a nonprofit organization, Lindsey discusses the importance of lifelong learning, embracing feedback, and using AI as a productivity tool rather than a replacement for creative thinking. The conversation also explores what makes a great internship experience, how managers can better mentor emerging professionals, and why giving interns meaningful work helps prepare them for long-term success. In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI should enhance creativity—not replace it How self-directed learning can open doors in tech and marketing The value of communication and feedback in creative careers What makes an internship meaningful for both students and managers Why mentorship and hands-on experience are critical for career growth Whether you're a creative professional, technology enthusiast, manager, or student beginning your career, this episode offers practical insights into building skills that will continue to matter in an AI-powered world.

August 27, 202610 min

Lead Like the Business You’re Building | Beth Powers, Omaha Women’s Network

Entrepreneurs often assume they need to reach the next milestone before they can start operating differently. More revenue, more clients, a bigger team, then they’ll step fully into the role of CEO. Beth Powers sees it differently. In this episode of the TEN Podcast, LaShonna Dorsey talks with Beth, founder of the Omaha Women’s Network, about entrepreneurship, leadership, community, and what it really takes to grow a business in a changing environment. Beth began her entrepreneurial journey as a videographer and quickly learned that success wasn’t only about technical skill. Her ability to build relationships, serve clients well, and stay connected to her community became an important part of how she grew. After years of hosting networking events, retreats, lunch and learns, and women’s circles, she launched the Omaha Women’s Network in 2024. Today, Beth brings women business owners together through the Omaha Women’s Network, its mastermind, and the Meant for More Summit. The goal is not simply to put people in the same room, but to create opportunities for real collaboration. Beth shares one example of two women who met through Meant for More and later opened a holistic health clinic together that is now expanding. The conversation also explores how strong local business relationships can contribute to Omaha’s economy, why networking can lead to clients, partnerships and new businesses, and why entrepreneurs shouldn’t wait until they reach the next revenue milestone to start thinking and acting like the CEO they want to become. As AI continues to change the way businesses work, Beth also shares an important reminder: technology is only one part of building a strong company. Entrepreneurs still have to make thoughtful decisions, invest in people and relationships, and lead intentionally. Her advice for business owners who are ready to grow is simple: “Be her. Be him. Now.”

August 20, 202613 min

Using Tech and Mentorship to Build Better Youth Sports | Teresa Friesen

Youth sports can give young people so much more than a place to compete. In this episode of the TEN Podcast , Teresa Friesen shares how she is combining technology, mentorship, and social science to create healthier and more meaningful experiences for young athletes. Through SheMate , Teresa uses technology to connect girls in sports with women athletes who can mentor them, while also creating tools that support matching, scheduling, virtual sessions, and continued engagement between conversations. She also shares why she launched Fanwell , a new company focused on strengthening parent culture in youth sports and helping athletes, coaches, and families create better experiences together. It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, technology, mentorship, and how thoughtful innovation can help more young people experience the lifelong benefits of sports.

August 20, 202612 min

Marketing, AI & the Power of Connection with Shayla Kelly

Marketing is changing fast. The tools are evolving, customer expectations are shifting, and AI is changing how people discover, evaluate, and interact with businesses. But one thing matters more than ever: human connection. In this episode of the TEN Podcast, LaShonna Dorsey and Brian Poppe sit down with Shayla Kelly, Marketing Director at Complete Weddings + Events , to talk about what it takes to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses in an increasingly digital marketplace. Shayla leads marketing strategy, analytics, digital marketing, branding, and growth initiatives for Complete Weddings + Events’ expanding franchise network. Her role gives her a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities franchise owners face as they navigate different markets, changing customer expectations, and new technology. The conversation explores: How marketing strategy changes across different markets and audiences How Shayla is using AI to brainstorm, streamline work, and keep messaging relevant Why businesses may need to rethink how they reach customers who are increasingly using AI themselves What technology can improve and where real human expertise still matters How Shayla’s early work in Omaha’s startup community shaped the way she supports entrepreneurs today Why relationships, shared knowledge, and community continue to be powerful drivers of growth Shayla also shares her work as 2026 Co-Chair of the Aksarben Foundation Floor Committee , a group of more than 90 young professionals who are business and community leaders committed to building relationships, learning from one another, and supporting communities across Nebraska. And there’s a special announcement. Shayla and Shonna share more about the launch of the Aksarben Foundation Floor Committee Podcast , a new series designed to introduce listeners to the people, careers, experiences, and community leadership represented across the committee. It’s a conversation about adapting to change, embracing new tools, and staying focused on what still moves businesses and communities forward: people connecting with people.

August 6, 20269 min

How Healthcare Education Is Preparing Students for an AI-Enabled Future | Dr. Kelsi Anderson

AI is becoming part of healthcare—but what does that actually look like in education? In this episode of the TEN Podcast , Dr. Kelsi Anderson , President of Bryan College of Health Sciences, shares how her team is thoughtfully exploring AI to improve the student experience, support faculty and staff, and prepare future healthcare professionals for an evolving industry. We discuss: How AI is improving admissions and student communications The importance of balancing technology with critical thinking and clinical judgment Why governance, ethics, and cybersecurity matter when adopting AI Preparing students for the tools they'll encounter throughout their careers Whether you work in healthcare, education, or technology, this conversation offers practical insights into how AI is beginning to shape the future of healthcare education.

July 30, 202610 min

Pets Have Places to Be: Kaleb Heckens on Startup Growth, Innovation, and Pet Transportation

Most people don't think about pet transportation until they need it. But for busy professionals, families, seniors, and pet care providers, getting pets where they need to go can be a real challenge. In this episode of the TEN Podcast, Kaleb Heckens, Director of Marketing at Leash, joins us to discuss how a growing startup is helping solve that challenge while expanding into markets across the country. Through partnerships with pet care businesses, Leash provides transportation designed exclusively for pets—connecting dogs and cats to daycare, grooming appointments, veterinary care, and other essential services. The idea is simple: Pets have places to be. This episode is for entrepreneurs, startup enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in how innovative companies identify everyday problems and build scalable solutions. We get into: • Kaleb's journey through startups and why he continues to be drawn to entrepreneurial environments • The opportunities startups create for students and young professionals • How Leash identified an underserved need in the pet care industry • Why convenience is becoming an increasingly important part of the customer experience • What it takes to educate customers and build trust in a completely new service category • Lessons from scaling a startup from Omaha into new markets across the country What makes this conversation worth your time is how practical and relatable it is. It's a real-world look at entrepreneurship, innovation, customer experience, and finding opportunity in problems hiding in plain sight. 🎧 Download the Leash App: https://urlgeni.us/LeashApp

July 23, 202610 min

AI Is Changing Tasks, Not Replacing Careers | Steve Chikwaya | TEN Podcast

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work—but according to Steve Chikwaya, it's not replacing careers. It's changing the tasks that make up those careers. In this episode of the TEN Podcast , Steve Chikwaya—Principal Engineer at Mutapa, technical advisor to executive teams, and former engineering leader at Gallup—joins Shonna Dorsey to discuss how AI is reshaping software engineering, product development, and the future of work. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience building products, advising organizations, and leading engineering teams, Steve shares why today's technology professionals must think beyond writing code. Instead, success comes from understanding customers, connecting technology to business outcomes, and solving meaningful problems. The conversation also explores how organizations can adopt AI strategically, why communication and emotional intelligence are becoming even more valuable, and how professionals can embrace emerging technologies rather than fear them. In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI is changing tasks—not entire careers How software engineers can evolve into product-focused problem solvers Why understanding customers is becoming more valuable than writing code alone How organizations should approach AI adoption strategically Why communication, curiosity, and business thinking are critical skills in the AI era Whether you're a software engineer, technology leader, business professional, or student preparing for a career in tech, this episode offers practical insights for navigating one of the biggest technological shifts of our time.

July 23, 20269 min

Economic Liberation, Innovation, and Opportunity: Garry Clark on the Future of North Omaha | TEN Podcast

Economic development is often measured in projects, buildings, and investments. But what if success was measured by something bigger? In this episode of the TEN Podcast, Garry Clark, Executive Director of the Omaha Inland Port Authority, joins us to discuss a vision for economic development centered on opportunity, innovation, homeownership, workforce growth, and community impact. A nationally recognized economic development leader, former TEDx speaker, author of Unlikely Viking , and the first Executive Director of the Omaha Inland Port Authority, Garry brings decades of experience helping communities grow while creating pathways for long-term prosperity. This conversation explores how the Omaha Inland Port Authority is working to support economic development in North and East Omaha through investments in housing, workforce development, transportation, logistics, entrepreneurship, and innovation. We get into: • What brought Garry back to Nebraska after leading economic development initiatives across the country • The vision behind the Omaha Inland Port Authority • Why economic development must include pathways to ownership and wealth creation • Plans for Omaha's emerging Innovation District • How public-private partnerships can help drive growth and opportunity • The role housing, workforce development, and entrepreneurship play in community transformation What makes this conversation worth your time is that it's ultimately about people. It's about creating opportunities that help individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and neighborhoods thrive for generations.

July 16, 202620 min

Building Nebraska's Tech Talent Pipeline Starts Before Graduation | Dr. Brian Dorn

Technology careers continue to evolve—but preparing students for them requires more than teaching technical skills. In this episode of the TEN Podcast, Dr. Brian Dorn , Associate Dean for Academic & Faculty Affairs in the College of Information Science & Technology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Associate Professor of Computer Science, and Union Pacific Community Chair for Computer Science Education, joins LaShonna Dorsey to discuss how stronger partnerships between higher education and industry are shaping Nebraska's future workforce. Dr. Dorn's research combines computing education and human-computer interaction to advance the teaching and learning of software development skills for learners of all ages. That expertise has helped drive innovative programs like the Tech Career Seminar, a collaboration between the Nebraska Tech Collaborative, Aksarben Foundation, UNO, and industry leaders designed to help students develop the professional skills employers value most. In this episode, you'll learn: Why career readiness extends beyond technical skills How mentorship, networking, and internships prepare students for long-term success Why employers should invest in talent development before they're hiring How collaboration between education and industry strengthens Nebraska's innovation ecosystem Whether you're an employer, educator, student, or community leader, this conversation offers practical ideas for building stronger pathways into technology careers.