Michigan Talent Talk

In this episode of Talent Talk, we are joined by Raymond Barry, Youth Services Leader at GST Michigan Works!, to explore how to unlock your potential and achieve career growth. Raymond, a seasoned career coach and mentor, shares insights and strategies on how to identify your strengths, set career goals, and overcome common obstacles. No matter where you are in your career journey, this episode offers valuable advice and actionable tips to help you succeed.

In this episode, we are joined by Jason Carlisle, Assistant Principal at the Genesee Career Institute (GCI). Jason discusses how GCI works with 10th, 11th & 12th-grade students to achieve their career and educational goals.

In this episode, we are joined by Nick Leja to discuss the lessons he has learned during his entrepreneurial journey. Nick discusses the importance of listening and how networking with the right people can help you avoid the pitfalls of entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we are joined by Wanda Bigelow, Apprenticeship Manager at GST Michigan Works! Wanda shares her insights into the benefits of pursuing a career in the trades via an apprenticeship. She explains how GST Michigan Works plays a role in helping employers develop an apprenticeship program and pair them with job seekers who are interested in starting a career in the skilled trades.

In this episode of the Michigan Talent Talk podcast, we are joined by Kevin Mays, Owner & President of Flint United basketball. Kevin discusses the topics of resilience and perseverance as it relates to sports and his career. To learn more about Flint United Basketball, visit flintunitedbasketball.com.

In this episode, we are joined by Cindy Thornthwaite, Business Services Manager from GST Michigan Works! We explore the Going PRO program and how it is helping to upskill and reskill Michigan's workforce for in-demand industries. We discuss the benefits of the program for both employees and employers by providing various training opportunities such as apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and classroom instruction.

In this episode, we are joined by Kimberly Coulter to discuss the steps you can take to achieve financial wellness and security. Kimberly is an expert in the field of financial education as well as being a realtor, author, and the CEO of Dekim Enterprises.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and we are joined by Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar and Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lisa Keith to help raise awareness. Angie & Lisa discuss how to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, some of the most common misconceptions, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.They also share some of the career opportunities available within the Department of Homeland Security. To learn more, visit usajobs.gov.Disclaimer: The views expressed during this interview are of Homeland Security Investigations and do not necessarily reflect the views of GST or any partners or affiliates.  Please be aware that the topic of Human Trafficking may be sensitive for some listeners; please use discretion.

In this episode, we are joined by Tiffany Rouser, Program Director at The Engagement Center in Flint. Tiffany shares how The Engagement Center helps guide young adults who are unemployed and not in school. Connecting these individuals with education, employment, and wraparound services is critical to their future success. 

In this episode, we are joined by Perci Whitmore, Flint native and found of the Share The Keys program. We discuss how his organization helps support young men turn their creativity and dreams into achievable entrepreneurial ideas through mentoring.

In this episode, we are joined by Ashley Sanders from the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. Ashley discusses how she can help local entrepreneurs advance their ideas and grow their business.

We are joined by Ken Lemons, Project Coordinator from the Greater Flint Health Coalition to discuss the importance of increasing awareness and access to resources for people struggling with invisible disabilities such as mental illness and substance use disorder.

In this episode of our entrepreneur series, we are joined by Matt Shoffner, Senior Business Solutions Manager for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center). Matt describes how The Center helps upcoming manufacturing companies in Michigan prosper by improving operational efficiency and growing sales.

In this episode of the Michigan Talent Talk podcast, we are on location at Mott Community College for a tour of their Digital Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab). Thomas Herold, Director of MCC's Fab Lab gives us a rundown of how the lab helps aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators bring their ideas to life using the latest rapid prototyping technology.To learn more about the Fab Lab at Mott Community College, visit www.mcc.edu/fablab

We are joined by Jennifer and Amanda from 100K Ideas to discuss how the organization helps entrepreneurs develop their ideas into successful businesses. 100K Ideas is a team of hobbyists, thinkers, and inventors with a mission to help passionate innovators create products/services and startups of their own through mentorship.

In this episode, we are joined by Tiffany Bernethy and Shanise Ollie of Metro Community Development. We discuss how they help foster community development and create economic opportunities for individuals and businesses. We also talk about the services Metro Community Development offers first-time home buyers by providing education, counseling, and financial assistance.​Learn more at metrocommunitydevelopment.com!

In this episode, we are joined by Lisa Rogers from Hamilton Community Health Network to discuss their current job openings and the services they offer to the community in Flint and the surrounding areas. To learn more about Hamilton Community Health Network, visit HamiltonCHN.org and click on the careers tab.

In this episode, I caught up with two Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG) Alumni during the recent JMG Career Development Conference. My first guest is Nolan Henson, a Flint native and currently a Senior at Central Michigan University. We discuss what he's currently pursuing in school and his plans for the future. My second guest is TK Thomas, a Senior at Flint Southwestern Classical Academy and the recipient of over a million dollars in scholarships. We discuss the great work he is doing in the Flint community and his big goals for the future.

On this episode of the Michigan Talent Talk podcast, we are joined by Calvin Ray to discuss the importance of mental health and self-care in our daily lives. 

In this episode we are joined by Author, Social Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, and President and CEO of Lite Tuition, Marc D. Alexander! Marc discusses his entrepreneurial journey and shares tips and insight on how to dream of success and achieve your goals.

In this episode, we are joined by Raymond Barry, Youth Services Leader from GST Michigan Works! We discuss the difficulties young adults face getting their foot in the door to gain necessary work experience. Ray explains how GST Michigan Work's Young Professionals program can help adults ages 18-24 kickstart their career by getting valuable on-the-job experience.

In this episode, we speak with Penny Poplar, Program Director of the Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities (FHEO) program.The FHEO Program assists residents of Flint & Genesee County to find educational opportunities and pursue careers in the healthcare industry. Those accepted into the FHEO Program are provided with free training and supportive services. They work with the state to see what careers are currently in demand, offer talent tours for a behind-the-scenes look in the healthcare industry. 

In this episode, we are joined by Christa Melton, Associate Program Specialist with the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department's (GCCARD) Head Start program. Christa discusses the resources that GCCARD's Head Start program provides to Flint & Genesee County families including quality child care, health/nutrition services & family support services.Learn more at gccardheadstart.com.

This episode we are joined by Mary Heron, Lead Literacy Coach at the Flint Development Center. We discuss the many programs offered at the FDC to help citizens of Flint access resources and further develop their skills.Learn more at FlintDC.org

In this episode, we are joined by Leon A. El-Alamin, Founder & C.E.O. of the M.A.D.E. Institute. Leon shares his story that started when he was a young man in North Flint; he became involved with crime, which led him to incarceration. He details how his time in the prison system inspired him to develop the M.A.D.E. Institute.  M.A.D.E. provides returning citizens and at-risk youth opportunities to have equal access to employment, education, and full participation in the community's economic, political, and cultural life.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of the host or GST MI Works!.

On this episode of Michigan Talent Talk, we are joined by Sabrina Walker, Jobs for Michigan Graduates Manager. Jobs for Michigan's Graduates is a statewide program that works with people ages 16-24 to help provide guidance towards a long term career.To learn more about Jobs for Michigan's Graduates, visit gstmiworks.org/jmg or email TeamJMG@gstmiworks.org.

We are joined by Sharis Reaves, Workshop Facilitator for Partnership Accountability Training Hope (PATH) at GST Michigan Works. We will discuss some advice on getting back into the workplace, including ways to update your resume, tips for interviewing, improving your soft skills and more!

In this episode we are joined by Danielle Lepine from the Talent Development Center at GST Michigan Works! Danielle explains how the Talent Development Center helps individuals overcome barriers to achieve their career and educational goals.

In episode 2 of the Michigan Talent Talk podcast, we are joined by David Plamondon who is a Unit Leader with GST Michigan Works and former career coach. We discuss the many different programs offered by GST Michigan Works to help job seekers, including the PATH program which helps participants identify barriers and connect to the resources they need to obtain employment.

We are joined by Breanne Perry, Career Coach at GST Michigan Works! of Shiawassee, to discuss the WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act) youth & adult programs that are offered by GST Michigan Works! There are WIOA programs for people of all ages to offer occupational skills training, financial literacy education, leadership development opportunities, mentoring and so much more! To learn more about the different WIOA programs, visit gstmiworks.org/paidfor or call 1-800-551-3575 to speak to a career coach.

Welcome to the Michigan Talent Talk podcast, presented by GST Michigan Works! Tune in as we discuss topics that are geared towards helping you achieve your career goals. We will have experts on to provide information on what employers are looking for, ways to standout amongst the crowd and improve your employable skills.