The Focus Forward podcast connects business and community leaders and other Wisconsin “doers” in conversations about how we can all help each other succeed. In each episode, WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes guides the discussion toward real and actionable advice you can incorporate in your business or community to help overcome the challenges you’re facing today and prepare for the new opportunities of tomorrow.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Alexander Kempe, president and CEO of Novir, the testing solutions company and winner of the We’re All Innovating contest, talks with WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes about his company’s antibody test and the need for innovation in the pandemic. Read More
The founder of Power of Perception, a mentoring program for Eau Claire students that creates opportunities for minority youth, talks with WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes about how passion, motivation and connection are essential for the state’s growth. Read More
Sabrina Madison, founder of the Progress Center for Black Women and known locally as Heymiss Progress, is an award-winning entrepreneur talks with WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes about building networks, taking action and supporting black women. Read More
Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences, talks about research and development and teams that drive innovation. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes speaks with Conroy about Exact Sciences' pivot to COVID-19 testing. Read More
Aaron Olver, managing director of University Research Park, talks tech and exponential growth through innovation. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes speaks with Olver about the state’s technology ecosystem and how it remains successful during a pandemic. Read More
Serial entrepreneur Angela Damiani, Newaukee CEO, builds connections and growth for talent and small businesses. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes speaks with Damiani about the state’s business and talent opportunities pre- and post-COVID. Read More
Ray Cross, president of the University of Wisconsin system, discusses students’ desire to thrive despite COVID-19 university closures. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes speaks with Cross about Wisconsin’s future and the investments we can make as we return from the pandemic. Read More
Start-up and scale-up projects in Wisconsin offer unique opportunities to infuse communities of color with economic prosperity and growth. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes interviews Elmer Moore, executive director of Scale Up Milwaukee, a Greater Milwaukee Committee initiative. Read More
Luke Zahm discusses how he’s moving his restaurant forward in the wake of the pandemic in Wisconsin. Join Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC as she talks to the chef and owner of Driftless Cafe and Wiscochef Enterprises and host of the “Wisconsin Foodie” television show about his restaurant business before and after COVID-19. Read More
Join WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes in this short introductory episode to hear what you can look forward to from the Focus Forward podcast. Subscribe today so you don’t miss the full episodes coming soon.
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