DisruptED

The manufacturing industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with automation, AI, and cutting-edge technology redefining how products are made and distributed. Despite these advancements, one challenge remains: gender diversity. Women still hold a disproportionately low number of leadership positions in manufacturing, making stories of female leaders all the more essential. In fact, according to a…

The racing industry has long been dominated by men, but change is in motion. Women are increasingly taking leadership roles in motorsports, breaking barriers and driving innovation in engineering and production. While motorsports has historically lacked female representation, organizations and industry leaders are working to create more opportunities for women in motorsports. With STEM fields…

Sustainability has become a defining challenge for industries worldwide, and manufacturing is no exception. As businesses reckon with carbon emissions and waste, the race to develop eco-friendly production methods is on. Tire industry giant Bridgestone-Firestone is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging innovation to reduce its environmental footprint. After all, the year 2023…

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the world of advanced manufacturing is undergoing a seismic shift. Generative design, a cutting-edge approach that leverages algorithms to produce optimized designs, is at the forefront of this transformation. As industries from medicine to automotive grapple with the challenges of innovation, this new technological innovation emerges as a…

In the age of rapid technological advancements, the manufacturing sector is undergoing a significant transformation. The rise of generative design, a process that uses algorithms to generate optimized design solutions, is revolutionizing how products are conceptualized and produced. With the global manufacturing market expected to reach $985.5 billion by 2032, the stakes have never…

In an era where the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, the conversation around decarbonization and energy transition has never been more crucial. With the rise of technological advancements and global interconnectivity, the world is witnessing a shift towards sustainable energy solutions. However, the stakes are high. According to recent data, Earth…

The global conversation has shifted dramatically towards decarbonization and sustainability in recent years. With the world experiencing unprecedented levels of disruption, from 5G technology to the challenges of a pandemic, the urgency to address climate change and its implications has never been more palpable. Although most business leaders see the vision of Sustainable Development…

There are real-world implications of decarbonization in the global quest to reduce emissions. Can the disruptors make an impact? In the face of a rapidly changing climate, the global push for decarbonization has never been more urgent. The stakes are high as industries and governments grapple with the challenges of reducing carbon emissions. Reports…

The urgency to combat climate change has reached a fever pitch in recent years. With global temperatures rising and the detrimental effects of carbon emissions becoming more evident, the need for innovative solutions is paramount. One such solution gaining traction is using electrostatic motors to accelerate decarbonization. Research indicates that there will be a…

Higher education in the U.S. is facing a perfect storm: declining enrollments, rising skepticism about its value, and fierce competition for a shrinking pool of students. According to Gallup, confidence in higher ed has dropped sharply over the past decade—driven by concerns over cost, elitism, and relevance—though recent data shows a slight rebound tied…

In an era where the average job tenure in the U.S. hovers under four years and industries are evolving faster than academic curricula can keep up, the need for a new approach to workforce development has never been more urgent. Companies like Amazon and McDonald’s are responding by investing in “education as a benefit”…

Workforce training is undergoing a radical transformation as industries face critical talent shortages and rapid technological change. Building a future-ready workforce requires rethinking traditional higher education models. These models emphasize broad academic development over targeted skill-building and struggle to keep pace with employer demands. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report…

In today’s fast-evolving digital marketplace, attention is scarce, and trust even more so. In an era of remote work, AI-driven marketing, and constant digital noise, storytelling has emerged as one of the most powerful tools to cut through the clutter. In fact, research shows that people who used storytelling techniques to remember information recalled seven…

As AI continues to reshape education, institutions face a growing challenge in ensuring students succeed without compromising engagement or integrity. Today’s college students are often juggling jobs, family, and coursework, leading to limited study time and increased dropout risk. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 40% of full-time undergraduates and 74% of…

In a workforce reshaped by automation, accelerated AI adoption, and persistent labor shortages, the demand for skilled tech talent has never been more urgent—or more difficult to meet. The traditional pipelines, namely college degrees and four-year institutions, are no longer producing enough candidates to meet the explosive growth in tech roles. With tech jobs…

At a time when traditional higher education is being reevaluated for its return on investment, institutions like Calbright College are emerging as transformative forces. With roughly 6.6 million students in California having some college experience but no degree, the pressure is on to create alternative pathways that are flexible, skill-driven, and aligned with workforce…

Digital learning is undergoing a major shift. As businesses look to retain talent and equip employees for evolving roles, the demand for workforce upskilling is rising fast. A 2023 McKinsey Global Institute survey found that 87% of companies worldwide are either experiencing skill gaps or expect to within five years, posing risks to productivity…

Higher education is at a turning point. As employers demand more than technical proficiency, schools are being challenged to equip students with durable skills like collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Traditional classroom models often fall short of this need. This shift has fueled growing interest in mass experiential learning as a way to prepare…

On the latest episode of “DisruptEd,” an insightful look into the philanthropic efforts of Bambino Gesu, also known as the “Pope’s Hospital,” is explored through a conversation with Fabrizio Arengi Bentivoglio, President of Patrons of Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital. During the episode, host Ron J. Stefanski, sheds light on the intersection of entrepreneurship, healthcare,…

On DisruptED Healthcare, co-hosts Ron J Stefanski and Larry Yuhasz discuss the monumental disruptions in the healthcare sector, particularly in managing prescription health. Joining them is Charles Gellman, CEO & Co-Founder of HiDo Health, who introduces an AI-assisted robotic device that revolutionizes medication dispensing. This innovation aims to bridge the gap between physician encounters…

Making strategic investments might be the solution for economic uncertainty considering the ever-escalating cost of healthcare, which is now leading to a profound shift happening in the American workforce. As individuals are forced to navigate complex systems and inflated costs, healthcare is rapidly transitioning from a basic necessity into a considerable investment, setting the…

The healthcare sector has been going through a significant period of disruption, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of healthcare workers have had to adapt to new technologies and workflows, while simultaneously dealing with the direct impacts of the pandemic. In all, the healthcare workforce has greatly been impacted. With an…

Detroit’s renewal is no longer a distant dream—it’s unfolding in real time. From reimagined neighborhoods to booming small businesses, the city’s momentum is visible on every corner. Major events, like recent large-scale sports and cultural gatherings, have showcased its vibrancy to hundreds of thousands of visitors. But the real engine of this revival may…

In the second installment of this powerful two-part series, DisruptED turns from personal origin stories to the enduring lessons that come from surviving life’s hardest seasons. For host Ron J Stefanski and guest John Valverde, President and CEO of YouthBuild Global, the conversation is rooted in lived experience: moments of deep loss, the resilience…

Some moments in life alter the course of who we are. For Ron J Stefanski, that moment came with the heartbreaking loss of his grandmother—a Polish immigrant who had stepped in to raise him after his mother passed, giving his childhood a foundation of love, steadiness, and strength. She was his anchor, his safe…

Education is in a period of rapid reinvention as technology, economic pressures, and workforce needs redefine how people learn. College costs continue to climb, with average tuition at private nonprofit four-year institutions now exceeding $43,000 a year. Even public four-year colleges average over $11,000 annually for in-state students, and public two-year programs cost more…

Workforce training is undergoing a radical transformation as industries face critical talent shortages and rapid technological change. Building a future-ready workforce requires rethinking traditional higher education models. These models emphasize broad academic development over targeted skill-building and struggle to keep pace with employer demands. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report…

As organizations race to integrate AI into every corner of business, an equally urgent conversation is emerging: How do we ensure this adoption doesn’t widen existing equity gaps? AI is both a disruptive force and an opportunity engine, as recent data shows that AI adoption among HR professionals jumped to 72 percent in 2025, up…

Today’s workforce is facing profound disruption, driven by automation, AI, and shrinking entry-level job opportunities. According to SignalFire’s 2025 State of Talent report, entry-level hiring in tech has dropped by 50% from pre-pandemic levels. In this shifting landscape, younger workers aren’t just seeking jobs—they’re demanding agency, feedback, and purpose. Game-based learning models like the…

As traditional career paths break down, economic mobility is being redefined by adaptability, not academic credentials. Today, 52% of college graduates are underemployed a year after graduation, working in roles that don’t require a four-year degree. Meanwhile, networking strategies like informational interviews yield one job offer per 12 conversations—far more effective than the one-in-200…

Digital learning is undergoing a major shift. As businesses look to retain talent and equip employees for evolving roles, the demand for workforce upskilling is rising fast. A 2023 McKinsey Global Institute survey found that 87% of companies worldwide are either experiencing skill gaps or expect to within five years, posing risks to productivity…

Within the last six to eight years, what qualifies as fact-based information has been challenged by several political groups and debates. Advocacy for censorship has been on the rise; this is especially true for young adult books involving LGBTQ+ themes and books centering around people of color. While censorship demands were predominately held in…

The Queens Public Library is a library system that includes a digital and written collection with sources of information in over 200 languages, provides free classes and workshops each year at 65 locations across 178 square miles, and welcomes more than 11,400,000 visitors through its doors with 940,000 active cardholders. When the pandemic hit…

Host Ron J Stefanski is excited to bring another episode of this special DistruptED Public Library Edition series to listeners and viewers. In this second installment, Stefanski looks at Queens Public Library and the public library innovations that created an even more essential service for the New York City Borough for over 125 years,…

The majority of Americans over the age of sixteen say public libraries play a critical role within their communities, with 95% agreeing the materials and resources available at public libraries provide opportunities for everyone to succeed and promote literacy and a love of reading. 94% of these Americans say having a public library improves the…

Because this is an era now defined by economic whiplash, algorithmic finance, and global uncertainty, the investment world is increasingly more volatile than before. As inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, and trade policies create even further chaos into markets, the stakes for both advisors and investors have heightened. According to data on the Cboe Volatility…

Job markets have seen quite a number of changes as technological advancements reshape industries at fast paces. Yet, a significant portion of the workforce remains trapped in low-skill positions with little opportunity for upward mobility. But in a city like Detroit, there is a challenge of upskilling workers that is being compounded by systemic…

As the tire industry experiences and faces rapid change, Bridgestone — a global leader in mobility solutions — is leveraging cutting-edge technology and a deep-rooted culture of innovation to redefine what tires can do. From AI-driven analytics to sustainability initiatives, Bridgestone is at the forefront of an evolving landscape. But what truly sets them apart…

As the tech industry continues to reshape the globe and offer up unprecedented opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce disruption, it has also allowed some big towns the ability to see benefits. With Detroit rebuilding itself from economic downturns and industrial decline, the city is seeing a rise in tech-driven initiatives aimed at fostering…

The tech industry continues to be a dynamic sector that sees constant evolution and growth. It also offers a variety of career opportunities. However, the traditional path of obtaining a four-year degree is no longer the only way to break into tech. With the rise of bootcamps, certifications, and other unconventional career journeys, many…

Quantum computing is gearing up to revolutionize industries in a multitude of ways. With AI accelerating rapidly, quantum computing is also having its impactful moment, and even on its way to alter cybersecurity, finance, and data processing. And there’s a reason for the rise. Cybercrime alone is a $10 trillion industry that is exposing…

The world of procurement is undergoing a noticeable shift fueled by AI. With businesses increasingly looking to automate negotiations, AI-driven tools are streamlining what was once an intensely human process. A recent study by Deloitte showed that procurement leaders are actively implementing or piloting AI technologies. This leaves the stakes high and companies stand…

The employment landscape has undergone quite a lot of changes in recent years, most of which has been driven by technological advancements, shifting economic realities, and major disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. As automation and AI transform industries, and certain traditional career paths become obsolete, people of all ages are grappling with how to…

As the world confronts climate change and searches for sustainable energy sources, hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions. With global energy demands rising and industries like shipping and manufacturing grappling with decarbonization, hydrogen is gaining attention. A key driver of this transition is the Inflation Reduction Act, which has…

The fusion of technology and education is more critical today than ever. For a brief segment of DisruptEd, Ron J. Stefanski explored one particular factor that promises to redefine the landscape of learning. He discussed Joel Podolny, the founder and CEO of Honor Education –  an e-learning platform. Formerly the Dean of Yale School of…