WEDC Focus Forward

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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

  • Jan 21, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
  • monthly NEW EPISODES
  • 21m AVG DURATION
  • 10 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from WEDC Focus Forward

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 9: Innovation, Inspiration and Public Health with Alexander Kempe

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 19:55


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

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 8: Dennis Beale on Teaching Passion and Changing Lives

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2020 23:50


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

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 7: New Comfort Zone, New Partners with Sabrina Madison

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2020 25:26


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

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 6: Meeting the Challenge: COVID Testing with Kevin Conroy

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2020 21:31


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

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 5: The Power of a Tech Ecosystem with Aaron Olver

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 24:02


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

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 4: The New Networking: Attract and Engage with Angela Damiani

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2020 23:37


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

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 3: President Ray Cross and the UW System

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2020 21:00


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

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 2: Scale Up Milwaukee: Inclusive Prosperity with Elmer Moore

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020


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

Focus Forward Podcast Ep. 1: Moving your restaurant forward with Luke Zahm

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 30:33


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

Welcome to the Focus Forward Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 1:05


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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