An economic development podcast featuring candid conversations with business leaders across Michigan.
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June 10, 202630 min
S6 Ep.22 - Robert Wolfe, Co-Founder, Zeck
Reinventing the Boardroom: Innovation, Startups and the Future of Decision-MakingWhat 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.
June 4, 20261 hr 18 min
S6 Ep.21 - Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 Part 2
The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Continues Conversations at the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026We 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 SubstackMatt Elliot, Blue Link IdeasCarmen Wells Quigg, Economic Growth InstituteKelly Wolgamott, Pure MichiganCarolina Pluszczynski, Michigan CentralDr. Robert McMahan, Kettering UniversityRachel Kuntzsch, Public Sector Consultants
June 1, 202658 min
S6 Ep.20 - Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 Part 1
The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Heads to the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026The 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 ShieldHilary Doe, MoveDetroitColin Bird, Canadian ConsulRichard A. Bierschbach, Wayne State UniversityLaura Lee McIntyre, Michigan State UniversityStephen Rapundalo, MichBioMary Lewis, Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic
May 27, 202633 min
S6 Ep.19 - Amy Peterson, CEO and Founder, Rebel Nell
What happens when entrepreneurship, creativity, and social impact come together in Detroit? Grit and a purposeful brandOn 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.
May 20, 20261 hr 22 min
S6 Ep.18 - AUVSI XPONENTIAL Conference: Michigan at the Center of Air, Land, Water & Space
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 GuardTimothy George, ND DefenseSean Hilbert, Cobra AERO, LLCAlissa Roath, National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC)Colleen Hau, NewlabJayden Sluiter, Westwood AIMark Ignash, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and The Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace InnovationMichael Robbins, AUVSI
May 13, 2026Episode 1735 min
S6 Ep.17 - Colonel Lucas J. Lanczy, Garrison Commander, Camp Grayling
From the Michigan National Guard to tech research and development, Camp Grayling provides support for federal, local and international partnersColonel 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.
May 6, 202635 min
S6 Ep.16 - Glenn Stevens - Executive Director, MichAuto and VP of Automotive and Innovation at the Detroit Regional Chamber
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.
April 29, 2026Episode 1537 min
S6 Ep.15 - Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership
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.
April 22, 202624 min
S6 Ep.14 - Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, President, Michigan State University
Reimagining Higher Education: How Michigan State University is leading the future of talent, research and impactIn 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.
April 15, 2026Episode 131 hr 7 min
S6 Ep.13 - Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism 2026
Twenty Years of Pure Michigan: Exclusive Insights from Michigan’s Tourism ExpertsThe 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
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