DisruptED

The Innovator at the Center of UMCI

UMCI's Scott Shireman shares his vision for a Detroit partnership network that attracts talent and supports the city's revival ahead of the 2027 opening.

Four ways the University of Michigan is transforming higher education

The University of Michigan is embracing a transformative approach to higher education through its new venture, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation…

The Innovator at the Center of UMCI

How Scott Shireman's path from Indiana farm life to Berkeley's online education pioneer shapes his leadership at the University of Michigan Center for…

DisruptED in the D: How Michigan Central is Changing the Landscape of Detroit with Beth Kmetz-Armitage

How Michigan Central Station restoration catalyzed Detroit revitalization, with Ford offices, transit plans, and neighborhood development anchored by a 30-year…

Ascendion's CTO: Design thinking, not coding speed, is engineering's future

Ascendion CTO Wesley Pullin has spent more than 34 years in software development, working across large software companies and most recently at CloudBees, where the Jenkins ecosystem touched upward of 55 million developers. When Ascendion co-founder Arun Varadarajan recruited him, it was not a famili

The DisruptED World of Cyber Security with James Faxon at NukuDo

Explore how critical infrastructure faces nation-state threats and why employment-based training like Nukudo is filling the cybersecurity skills gap.

How the Future of Work Is Being Reshaped by AI, Human Creativity, and Customer-Centered Leadership

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes industries, many professionals are asking the same urgent question: what happens when AI starts replacing not just repetitive tasks, but the foundational entry-level roles that once launched careers? According to Goldman Sachs Research,

Dr. Silver Kung’s Path From $10 Million in Debt to a Multibillion-Dollar Finance Career

Global finance is being tested by forces that no balance sheet can fully predict: unstable supply chains, geopolitical shocks, tighter credit conditions and the accelerating rise of AI. In trade finance especially, success depends on more than capital; it requires judgment, disci

AI-Enabled Engineering Is Changing the Rules for Talent, Skills and Workforce Readiness (Episode One)

As AI moves from experimentation into daily enterprise workflows, companies are confronting a harder question than whether to adopt new tools: how to redesign work around them. The shift is already changing what employers need from technical talent, from task-based coding skills

AI-Enabled Engineering Is Changing the Rules for Talent, Skills and Workforce Readiness (Episode Two)

AI’s next workforce challenge is not adoption; it is trust, governance and role redesign. Recent PwC research found that most U.S. executives expected AI agents to drastically transform existing roles, even as fewer than half of companies using agents had fundamentally rethought their operating models or redesigned processes around them. For enterprise technology leaders, the…

Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation Is Reimagining Educational Access Through STEAM, AI, and Community Partnerships

As schools across the United States continue grappling with post-pandemic learning loss, declining student engagement, and shrinking emergency funding, nonprofit organizations are increasingly stepping in to fill critical gaps. Recent national studies on literacy recovery, student engagement, and career-connected learning show that educators are facing significant post-pandemic challenges in keeping students connected to pathways that…

The New Rules of Discoverability: How User-Generated Content Is Reshaping Search, Trust, and Brand Visibility

User-generated content (UGC) is moving from marketing side dish to main course as large language models change how people discover brands, products, creators, and ideas. Customer reviews, forum posts, videos, and community conversations increasingly carry more influence than polished brand copy because they feel more specific, lived-in, and trustworthy. As AI systems learn from…

From Fire Pits to Outdoor Rituals: How Solo Stove Is Building a Lifestyle Brand Through Differentiation and Design

The backyard has become more than a place to grill, sit, or pass through on the way back inside. Increasingly, it is being treated as an extension of the home itself: a gathering place, a design statement, and a stage for the small rituals that bring people together. Solo Stove h

Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation Is Reimagining Education Through Learning Labs and Hands-On STEM Experiences

Education systems around the world are under pressure to evolve faster than ever, especially for underserved communities. In the U.S. alone, millions of students in low-income households still lack access to STEM resources and career pathways—fueling a widening opportunity gap. For more than 30 years, the TGR Foundation, founded by Tiger Woods, has worked…

From Firepits to Full Backyard Experiences: How Solo Stove Is Rebuilding Connection Through Product Innovation

As consumer brands navigate a post-pandemic world shaped by digital saturation and rising loneliness, the most successful companies are rediscovering something analog: human connection. A 2025 World Health Organization report found that 1 in 6 people globally are affected by loneliness, highlighting a growing public health challenge tied to weaker social bonds and reduced…

Bonfire Branding: How Solo Stove Sparked a Customer Movement with Liz Vanzura (Episode One)

When pandemic restrictions shut down restaurants, paused travel, and compressed social lives, connection didn’t disappear; it moved closer to home. Backyards quietly emerged as important gathering spaces, offering a simple way to be together without screens, schedules, or spectacle. What began as a workaround evolved into a familiar rhythm of gathering. In that shift,…

Bonfire Branding: How Solo Stove Sparked a Customer Movement with Liz Vanzura (Episode Two)

As people seek relief from constant digital noise, the backyard has quietly become a modern “third space” in everyday life. Outdoor living, fire pits, and at-home hosting continue to grow as consumers prioritize connection, ease, and experiences that feel meaningful without requiring more complexity. Brands that understand this shift aren’t just selling products—they’re offering…

Bonfire Branding: How Solo Stove Sparked a Customer Movement with Liz Vanzura (Episode Three)

Building genuine community loyalty by letting customers become the brand's most convincing storytellers

What the University of Michigan Center for Innovation Means for Detroit: Education, Jobs, and a Community-Driven Vision for the Future

Detroit is in the middle of a historic transformation—powered increasingly by technology, workforce innovation, and community-driven economic mobility. As industries shift and new tech corridors rise, cities like Detroit are asking a critical question: How do we ensure the future of innovation belongs to everyone who lives here? The upcoming launch of the University of…

Powering Up Detroit’s Workforce: How Per Scholas Is Connecting Local Talent to Tech and Energy Careers

Detroit is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation—one driven by innovation, community leadership, and an urgent demand for a new kind of workforce. As energy and tech sectors accelerate, organizations and employers are racing to prepare Detroit’s workforce for jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago. Workforce researchers note that tech-enabled roles across industries are growing…

AI for Mental Health Support: How Kai Blends Human Empathy with Technology to Close the Care Gap

The mental health crisis has reached alarming levels across the globe. Rates of anxiety and depression continue to climb, with the World Health Organization is estimating that one in eight people worldwide now live with a mental health disorder. At the same time, access to care remains limited — especially for young people and…

How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Transforming Workforce Education for America’s Frontline Employees

Work is changing fast. Automation and artificial intelligence aren’t just reshaping how we work—they’re redefining who gets access to opportunity in the first place. With frontline workers making up a significant share of the American workforce—and one in eight Americans having worked at McDonald’s—the discussion about education, skills, and upward mobility feels more urgent…

Technology for Good: Dug Song on Shaping a Better World Through Innovation and Impact (Part 3)

Detroit is redefining its role in the next era of American innovation. The conversation has shifted from what to build to how to build it in ways that deliver lasting impact. The goal is to do so sustainably, inclusively, and with the community at its core. The state’s growing network of research universities, multi-billion-dollar…

Technology for Good: Dug Song on Shaping a Better World Through Innovation and Impact (Part 2)

Michigan's tech renaissance is redefining innovation beyond profit, putting community building and equitable opportunity at the forefront of the state's economi

Technology for Good: Dug Song on Shaping a Better World Through Innovation and Impact (Part 1)

Leaders are rethinking how automation and AI can drive meaningful progress rather than profit alone

Grow Your Own Talent: How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Building a Culture of Lifelong Learning

The world of work is changing faster than ever. Automation is reshaping jobs, new technologies are rewriting what “qualified” means, and a new generation of workers is redefining what they expect from employers. From fast food to healthcare, companies are realizing they can’t just hire talent — they have to build it. They’re starting to…

Finding the North Star for Adult Learning: How UTI Is Redefining Workforce Education for Today’s Talent Needs

In a world where rapid technological change is redefining how we live, work, and learn, the demand for skilled labor and lifelong learning has never been higher. From electric vehicle repair to advanced diagnostics in healthcare, the U.S. faces a widening talent gap in the skilled trades and allied health industries. According to the…

From Online to On-Site: How Hybrid Models Are Building the Healthcare Workforce of Tomorrow

Health systems across the U.S. are staring down a stubborn talent gap—one that COVID-era lessons, hybrid training models, and employer partnerships are beginning to reshape. In Detroit, Houston and beyond, multi-billion-dollar expansions are colliding with persistent shortages, forcing new pathways into care careers. Meanwhile, loan-repayment and incumbent-worker funds are emerging as powerful levers to…

How AI is Reshaping Talent, Training, and Logistics to Build the Workforce and Military Force of the Future

Artificial intelligence is radically transforming the military—an institution grappling with an eligibility crisis at home. According to the Department of Defense, a mere 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 qualify for military force without needing a waiver, meaning that 77% are currently ineligible due to factors like obesity, drug use, and mental or…

Enhancing Team Culture Through Humor: How Levity Builds Trust, Retention, and Performance in Today’s Workplace

Workplace culture has become a defining factor in employee retention and performance. According to research from EnterpriseAlumni, employees who are not recognized are 8× more likely to be actively disengaged and 4× more likely to look for a new job. In other words, when recognition and culture are lacking, organizations face serious risks in…

It’s Everybody’s Business: Building a Culture of Shared Enrollment Responsibility in Higher Education

Higher education is facing a pivotal moment. With the looming demographic cliff, rising questions about the value of a degree, and shifting demands brought by AI and evolving job markets, institutions—especially smaller colleges—are being pressed to rethink how they operate. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, undergraduate enrollment has declined by nearly 15 percent over…

How Detroit Homecoming is Turning the City’s Diaspora into Champions of its Comeback (Ep. 2 with Mary Kramer)

Detroit’s resurgence story is impossible to ignore. Following decades of economic decline, the city has seen major revitalization, most recently highlighted when the NFL Draft drew over 700,000 visitors downtown. The stakes are high: Detroit’s growth depends not only on investments from billionaires, but on reconnecting with former residents whose personal and professional contributions…

Detroit Homecoming: The Event Driving Future Prosperity Through the Power of the Detroit Diaspora (Ep. 1 with Mary Kramer)

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…

How Program Growth and Innovation has Increased Student Success at Adrian College with President Docking

Small colleges across the United States face mounting pressure from shifting student expectations, rising costs, and an increasingly competitive higher education market. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, undergraduate enrollment rose 3.5 percent in spring 2025 compared to the prior year, reaching 15.3 million students, but still remains 2.4 percent below pre-pandemic…

From Bitter to Better: How Purpose and Second Chances Can Change Entire Communities (Ep. 2)

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…

From Bitter to Better: The Necessary and Difficult Journey to Second Chances (Ep. 1)

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…

Creating a Lifelong Learner’s Pathway with Kermit Cook, CEO at Penn Foster (Episode 2)

Artificial intelligence is no longer a fringe concept; it’s at the center of educational innovation. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, public confidence in higher education has dropped from 57% in 2015 to 36% in 2023, largely due to concerns around cost, value, and workforce preparedness. In a landscape where AI tools are swiftly…

Creating a Lifelong Learner’s Pathway with Kermit Cook, CEO at Penn Foster (Episode 1)

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…

How Colleges Can Reinvent Themselves to Win the Higher Ed Brand War

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…

Building a Future-Ready Workforce: With Traditional Training Models Failing, It’s Time for Employers and Educators to Build Solutions Together

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”…

Building a Future-Ready Workforce: Disrupting Outdated Education with Employer-Driven, Community-Powered, Practical Skills Training

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…

Bringing Community into the Transformation of K-12 Schools: The Impact of Mentors, Local Voices, and Student Entrepreneurs

As K-12 schools across the U.S. struggle to recover from the learning loss and emotional fallout of the pandemic, a deeper reckoning is underway—one that challenges the very foundation of who’s responsible for educating our children. Despite billions in federal relief, a third of U.S. students are not even reading at a basic level…

AI, Inclusion and Talent Strategies of the Future

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…

The Secret to Brand Loyalty: Why Storytelling Is the Best Way to Be Heard in a Crowded Market

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…

The AI-Powered Edge in Education: How LearningClues Is Enabling Student Success with Co-founder and CEO Dr. Perry Samson

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…

The DisruptED World of Tech Talent with TEKsystems: Future-Proofing the Workforce Through Inclusive Hiring and Non-Traditional Education

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…

How Human-Centered Design Led to a Startup Accelerator for Education: A Conversation with Transcend Network’s Co-founder Michael Narea

The convergence of human-centered design and education innovation is reshaping how edtech ventures emerge and scale. As AI enables hyper-efficiency and bootstrapped entrepreneurship becomes more viable, the real differentiator is empathy—founders who listen deeply to users before building solutions. A McKinsey study of 300 public companies found that design-led organizations significantly outperformed their peers, with…

Unity’s Jessica Lindl on Playing the Career Game Loop: Learning to Earn in the New Economy (Episode 3)

As AI, automation, and immersive tech accelerate disruption, the future of work is being reshaped faster than most institutions can adapt. Entry-level roles for recent graduates are shrinking, traditional degrees are being questioned, and lifelong careers are being replaced by continuous reinvention. In this climate, the most valuable assets are no longer technical certifications…

Unity’s Jessica Lindl on Playing the Career Game Loop: Learning to Earn in the New Economy (Episode 2)

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…

Unity’s Jessica Lindl on Playing the Career Game Loop: Learning to Earn in the New Economy (Episode 1)

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…

How Calbright College Is Using AI, Micro-Internships, and Flexible Learning to Serve Adult Learners in California

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…

SkillsWave Makes Workforce Upskilling Accessible for Every Business – Episode 2 with Tech Titan John Baker

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…

D2L Powers the E-Learning Transformation by Delivering Scalable, Human-Centered Education – Episode 1 with Tech Titan John Baker

E-learning has evolved from a fringe innovation to a global necessity. As traditional classroom models struggle to keep pace with the demands of modern learners, platforms like D2L are leading the e-learning transformation. According to the World Economic Forum, over 1.5 billion learners were impacted by pandemic-related school closures, accelerating the shift to digital-first…

The Future of Higher Ed? Mass Experiential Learning That Delivers Durable Skills

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…

From Freshmen to Founders: Michigan Students Take on Higher Ed’s Summer Melt Crisis with MeetYourClass

A growing number of colleges are struggling to convert applicants into enrolled students—and to keep them engaged through graduation. With Gen Z students relying heavily on familiar digital platforms like Instagram and Discord for social interaction, traditional college tools for orientation, enrollment, and community-building often miss the mark. According to research, between 10 to 40…

Getting Elite Level Support for College Admissions with ESAI Founder Julia Dixon

College admissions have long favored those with access—whether that’s legacy ties, zip code advantages, or the ability to afford pricey private consultants. But now, the game is changing. Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a powerful equalizer in education, and one startup is turning that promise into reality. Just days ago, Shark Tank investor Mark…

EV Battery Safety Can Be Solved Through Smarter Training, Early Collaboration, and Shared Standards

Electric vehicles (EVs) are reshaping the mobility landscape, but concerns about battery safety continue to cloud consumer confidence. Despite media narratives, data confirms that EVs are less likely to catch fire than gasoline-powered vehicles. A study by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency found that EVs are 20 times less likely to ignite than petrol…

The New Formula for Workforce and Talent Development: Inclusive Partnerships, Braided Funding, and Career-Aligned Training

Across the country, workforce development systems are under pressure to deliver better outcomes in an economy that demands speed, flexibility, and equity. Traditional pathways, such as community college without clear career prospects, no longer serve enough people well. A report by the Center for Community College Student Engagement found that 42 percent of community…

The Future of Residential College: Hybrid, Scalable, and Built for Student Demand

As enrollment pressures mount, smaller institutions are abandoning one-size-fits-all models in favor of flexible learning formats that meet evolving student exp

Representation in Tech Is Evolving And Storytelling Is Leading the Way: A Conversation with Microsoft’s Bryan Kelly (Ep. 2)

Narrative-driven mentorship and media are reshaping how tech leaders inspire underrepresented youth to pursue STEM careers

Driving Diversity in Tech Through Storytelling and Early STEM Exposure with Microsoft’s Bryan Kelly (Ep. 1)

Early exposure to science and technology could be the key to closing the nation's critical STEM talent gap and building a more diverse workforce

Detroit’s Workforce Transformation Runs on Innovation, Inclusion, and Opportunity

Grassroots leaders are reimagining how cities build job-ready talent through community-driven partnerships and flexible pathways

Customer-Centric Innovation Drives LastPass Scott Wilder’s Mission to Fix Digital Self-Serve

By observing how users actually navigate digital challenges, forward-thinking leaders are redesigning password management to eliminate friction at every touchpo

LastPass Scott Wilder’s Take on Technology Disruption: Build Bold, Stay Curious

Leaders who embrace curiosity and bold thinking are better positioned to navigate AI's trillion-dollar impact on their industries

AI-Powered Modular Microgrids Reduce Energy Chaos and Boost Local Talent

Distributed energy systems powered by artificial intelligence are helping communities build resilience while creating new skilled workforce opportunities in the

Modular Microgrids Replace Full Grid Overhauls in Fossil Plant Transitions

Communities transitioning away from fossil fuels are finding faster, cheaper alternatives to complete grid replacements through smaller, localized power systems

Energy Innovation Disruptors Are Rewiring Detroit’s Industrial Future

A Midwest manufacturing hub transforms itself by positioning clean energy innovation as the centerpiece of economic revival

The DisruptED World of Serial Entrepreneurs with Joe Gagnon

Serial entrepreneurs reveal how adaptability and resilience separate those who thrive from those left behind in today's rapidly evolving workplace

The DisruptED World of Math Education with Phyllis Hillwig at Eurekii

Tutoring platforms are reshaping how students overcome pandemic-related math deficits and rediscover confidence in the subject

DisruptED in the D: Bringing Entrepreneurial Passion to Detroit with Justin Kosmides

A midwest manufacturing hub transforms into a thriving startup epicenter through strategic investment and emerging tech talent

The DisruptED World of Manufacturing and Design at Lind with Anders Dellson

Engineering meets artistry as manufacturers harness e-mobility breakthroughs to create power-dense recreational vehicles that redefine consumer expectations

DisruptED in the D: Educational Outtakes with Jason Aubrey and Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich (Ep. 2)

As student debt hits $2 trillion, education leaders debate whether traditional degrees still deliver the skills and ROI today's economy demands

DisruptED in the D: Educational Outtakes with Jason Aubrey and Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich (Ep. 1)

Two education leaders examine how rising tuition and skills gaps are forcing institutions to rethink the traditional degree model

Female Leaders in the DisruptED World of Advanced Manufacturing with Rachel Potee

Women are breaking through barriers in an industry where they represent less than a third of the workforce

DisruptED in the D: A Story of Hope with Portia Roberson (Ep. 1)

A Detroit nonprofit leader shares how workforce development can ensure the city's economic revival reaches those left behind

DisruptED in the D: The Power of Black Leadership with Dwan Dandridge (Ep. 1)

Black-led organizations in Detroit are reshaping the city's future despite facing significant barriers to funding and resources

DisruptED in the D: A Story of Hope with Portia Roberson (Ep. 2)

One Detroit leader is racing to ensure the city's tech boom lifts historically marginalized communities out of poverty

DisruptED in the D: Building an Inclusive Future with Black Leaders Detroit’s CEO Dwan Dandridge (Ep. 2)

One Detroit leader is ensuring Black entrepreneurs share in the city's economic growth through strategic capital deployment

A DisruptED Series of Conversations with Marketing Thought Leader Ivonne Kinser, Author of THINK (Ep. 3)

Marketing leaders must rethink their approach entirely as technology proliferates and traditional tactics fail to move the needle

A DisruptED Series of Conversations with Marketing Thought Leader Ivonne Kinser, Author of THINK (Ep. 2)

Brands seeking genuine attention must rethink creativity in an age of messaging overload and audience fatigue

A DisruptED Series of Conversations with Marketing Thought Leader Ivonne Kinser, Author of THINK (Ep. 1)

Marketing leaders who prioritize creative resilience over rigid tactics gain decisive competitive advantages in today's AI-driven landscape

Women in Motorsports: How Female Executives Are Steering the Future of Racing (Ep. 1 with Cara Krstolic)

Female leaders are reshaping a male-dominated industry by driving innovation from the boardroom to the track

The DisruptED World of Advanced Manufacturing at Bridgestone-Firestone (Ep. 2 with Cara Krstolic)

How a legacy tire manufacturer is reinventing production to meet the sustainability demands of a carbon-conscious world

DisruptED in the D: Why Detroit Makes Sense for Mobility Entrepreneurs

Former auto manufacturing hub leverages its transportation legacy and emerging innovation districts to become a magnet for next-generation mobility startups

Solving America’s Physician Shortage Through Apprenticeship Programs, Online Training & Hands-On Experience

Alternative pathways to medical training are emerging as healthcare systems race to close a critical workforce gap before 2036

Employee Education and Workforce Training: Unlocking Mid-Market Potential Through Technology and Upskilling

Mid-market companies that invest in employee upskilling unlock significant competitive advantage while dramatically improving their bottom line

Employee Education Drives Workforce and Business Growth

Companies leveraging education benefits gain competitive advantage while helping employees escape the burden of student debt

Disruption in the Age of Quantum Computing

A technology capable of solving in minutes what would take supercomputers millennia is forcing enterprises to rethink their security and competitive strategies

Leading the Change in Corporate Social Responsibility with Kelem Butts: Tackling Health & Educational Challenges in a Disrupted World

Pivoting corporate giving strategies requires leaders who understand both business transformation and community impact

Disrupting the Sport of Cheerleading: Establishing Cheerleading as an Official Olympic Sport in 2021 (Episode Two)

A grassroots activity becomes a global phenomenon as pioneering leaders navigate the complex path to Olympic recognition

Disrupting the Sport of Cheerleading: Creating a Juggernaut Business and Brand (Episode One)

From sideline tradition to billion-dollar empire, one innovator transformed an underestimated activity into a global athletic force

Engaging the Learner and Optimizing the Learner Experience in Online Education

Virtual learning platforms must balance engagement with accessibility to prepare students for real-world success while closing equity gaps in underserved commun

Hip-Hop Museum Aims to Preserve the Genre’s Impact in a DisruptED World Part 2

A music producer and record executive is building the first major institution dedicated to preserving hip-hop's 50-year cultural revolution

Hip-Hop Museum Aims to Preserve the Genre’s Impact in a DisruptED World Part 1

A half-century legacy faces preservation as cultural institutions race to document hip-hop's evolving influence on education and society

Wisdom from the Aerial View in a DisruptED World with Dr. Mark Klein Part 4

Leaders discover how stepping back from daily pressures reveals solutions to anxiety and polarization that ground-level thinking consistently misses

Wisdom from the Aerial view in a DisruptED World with Dr. Mark Klein Part 3

Stepping back from daily disruptions reveals the strategic clarity leaders need to navigate uncertainty with confidence

Wisdom from the Aerial view in a DisruptED World with Dr. Mark Klein Part 2

Our response to tragedy determines whether disruption confines or liberates us

Wisdom from the Aerial view in a DisruptED World with Dr. Mark Klein

Taking a step back from daily chaos reveals the strategic patterns needed to navigate simultaneous industry disruptions

Community and Belonging in the DisruptED World of Education

Students thrive when they feel connected, even as technology transforms how and where they learn

Upskilling Revolution: Embracing Lifelong Learning to Close the Skills Gap in Today’s Workforce

Most corporate leaders see talent gaps hurting performance, forcing a shift from traditional training to continuous workforce development

The Time to Leverage Blockchain is Now: Cosmic Explainers with Cosmic Wire’s Jerad Finck

An unconventional entrepreneur reveals why Web3 adoption is becoming essential as industries race to integrate blockchain into their core operations

Innovative Talent Management in The Disrupted Age of Manufacturing

Manufacturing leaders are rethinking how they attract and keep talent amid rapid technological change and workforce shifts

Michigan Needs Answers: Hill Harper on Senate Race Debate and Education Reform

A Senate candidate's debate absence raises urgent questions about how Michigan voters will evaluate competing visions for the state's future

Equitable Funding, Community Involvement, and AI Solutions Can Help Overcome Educational Inequities

Strategic investments in underserved schools, community partnerships, and emerging technologies are narrowing achievement gaps for vulnerable student population

Cosmic Wire is Shaping a Transparent and Secure Digital World with Web 3 and Blockchain Technology

As cybersecurity threats surge, decentralized technology offers a path to rebuild digital trust and ownership

Empowering Women with Former Ambassador Lisa Gable: Why Individual Actions Have the Power to Change the World

One person's commitment to action can create measurable change across communities and industries facing unprecedented global complexity

AI in Workforce Development: Businesses Must Harness the Power of Technology to Ensure Career Development Among Employees

Companies leveraging machine learning tools can bridge skills gaps while creating clearer career paths for their workforce

Is the Traditional College Degree Obsolete? Digital Credentials are Emerging as Key to Bridging the Skills Gap

Employers seeking proven competencies are turning away from degree requirements in favor of stackable digital credentials that verify real-world skills

Turning Tragedy into Triumph: How Ordinary People Can Channel the Power of Resilience to Make an Extraordinary Impact

Personal hardship becomes a catalyst for community transformation when individuals harness resilience as their greatest strength

Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Education and Modern Needs: Why School Educators Need to Shift Focus to Durable Skills Part 1 of 2

Schools must reimagine curricula to equip students with adaptable competencies that outlast technological change

Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Education and Modern Needs: Why School Educators Need to Shift Focus to Durable Skills Part 2 of 2

Educational methods are changing significantly, driven by the growing use of artificial intelligence and an emphasis on durable skills. As more people seek flexible, lifelong learning options, these tools are critical for modernizing education. This shift is essential given the increasing gap between conventional educational routes and the varied demands of the current job…

Redefining Digital Trust: Web 3.0 and Blockchain Technology Are Reshaping Digital Security and Transparency

Decentralized systems are poised to deliver over $3 trillion in business value by 2030 as organizations prioritize security and transparency

Larry Kirshbaum’s Formula to Thrive in the Publishing Industry: Forge Ahead with Authentic Relationships, Powerful Brand Building, and Masterful Multi-Platform Storytelling

Success in modern publishing hinges on building genuine connections while mastering the art of reaching audiences across every available platform

Can You Become a Thought Leader While Working Full-Time? Yes, by Leading with Authenticity and Sharing Your Unique Stories

Professionals can build genuine influence in their fields by sharing authentic perspectives rather than polished expertise

Digital Revolution Demands Authentic Problem-Solvers, Not Just Tech Hype

Leaders who solve real problems outpace those chasing technological trends in today's competitive marketplace

Space Exploration DisruptEd: Space Travel as Never Imagined Before

A new generation of space vehicles is opening the final frontier to everyday travelers, not just elite astronauts

Technology’s True Purpose Lies in Amplifying Empathy and Connection Through Human-Centric Solutions

When leaders harness innovation to strengthen human bonds instead of replacing them, transformative change becomes possible

Prioritize Digital Literacy to Cross the Digital Divide: Ethan Lloyd’s Vision for Social Media as a Tool for Inclusive Community Building

Digital literacy initiatives are emerging as the foundation for narrowing equity gaps and strengthening urban community networks through strategic online engage

AI and Technology Revolutionize Workforce Dynamics, Demand New Skill Sets

Workers must embrace continuous learning to stay relevant as AI reshapes job requirements faster than ever before

Finding the Right Skills Programs in This Disrupted World

Organizations must navigate an expanding marketplace of skill-based training options to bridge the talent gap in an increasingly volatile economy

AI in the Workforce: Adapt and Thrive or Risk Falling Behind

Leaders must help their workforce develop new skills now to remain competitive as artificial intelligence reshapes the employment landscape

Honor Education is Revolutionizing Education Through the Ease of Course Designing

Simplifying course creation is removing barriers that keep educators from leveraging technology to transform their teaching

The Pope’s Hospital and its Impact Highlighted at the Clinton Global Initiative

A centuries-old children's hospital reveals how family legacy and entrepreneurial vision drive healthcare innovation on the global stage

Bishop Barber II Champions Moral Consciousness at Clinton Global Initiative Event

Religious leader urges America to confront the moral failure behind persistent economic inequality

DisruptED: How Can We Best Help Students With Special Needs?

Urban school districts are grappling with widening achievement gaps for students with special needs in a post-pandemic world

TEDx Champion: Perseverance and Unfinished Business in a DisruptED World – Part 2

An education leader reveals how building resilience transforms learning systems beyond pandemic recovery

TEDx Champion: Perseverance and Unfinished Business in a DisruptED World – Part 1

As workforce disruptions widen skill gaps, leaders discover that perseverance becomes the competitive advantage organizations can't ignore

What Happens When Disruption Creates Trauma?

Rapid technological change is triggering widespread psychological distress that organizations can't afford to ignore

DisruptED: How The Clinton Global Initiative Is Driving Global Change

Global leaders are making concrete commitments to tackle interconnected crises from health inequity to climate change through collaborative action

DisruptED: Pope Francis and Bill Clinton Discuss Global Challenges and Solutions

Two global leaders explore how ordinary people can address humanity's most pressing challenges through collective action

DisruptED: Generative Design And The Future of Advanced Manufacturing, Part 2

Algorithms are reshaping how manufacturers design products, slashing material costs by 30% while accelerating production timelines

DisruptED: Generative Design And The Future of Advanced Manufacturing, Part 1

Algorithms are reshaping product development as manufacturers race to capture share of a nearly trillion-dollar market

Debt and Inflation is Disrupting Higher Education, Shifting the Tide in Confidence and College Enrollment

Economic pressures are forcing families to reconsider whether a traditional four-year degree remains worth the financial burden

DisruptED: How Energy Transition Leads To A Decarbonized World

The pathway to a decarbonized future requires businesses to fundamentally rethink their energy strategies and operations amid accelerating climate pressures

Adult Education is Experiencing a Renaissance That is Reshaping the Educational Landscape

Millions of Americans are returning to school, forcing institutions to rethink how they serve adult learners with competing demands

Creating a Future of Supporting Lifelong Learning Will Also Depend on Adult Learners and Their Access to Education

Flexible online education is closing wage gaps by making skill development accessible to adults who missed traditional pathways

The Job Market is Reevaluating Requirements as Skills Begin Taking More Precedence Over College Degrees

Employers are quietly abandoning degree requirements to access a vastly larger talent pool of capable workers

Student Health and Well-being in a DisruptED Classroom

Poverty's hidden toll on early childhood development demands urgent action from schools and communities

Navigating Risk and Opportunity in Decarbonization and Sustainability – Part 2 of 2

Organizations that embrace sustainability early gain competitive edge while navigating climate pressures and economic growth simultaneously

Navigating Risk and Opportunity in Decarbonization and Sustainability – Part 1 of 2

Business leaders face a critical gap between envisioning sustainability goals and executing strategies that deliver measurable environmental impact

Navigating The Real-World Implications of Decarbonization

Organizations face trillion-dollar infrastructure shifts as they balance emission reduction goals with operational and financial realities

The Exciting Promise of Electrostatic Motors in Accelerating Decarbonization

Alternative energy investments will reshape industries, but a lesser-known motor technology could unlock untapped efficiency gains in the transition

Disrupting Health: Managing Prescription Health

AI-powered robotics are helping pharmacies solve one of healthcare's biggest compliance challenges at the point of care

The New Frontier of Decarbonization with Built Environments and the City of Tomorrow: Part 1

Detroit's construction sector tackles how to cut building emissions while managing a $10 trillion investment wave reshaping urban development

The New Frontier of Decarbonization with Built Environments and the City of Tomorrow: Part 2

Building America's sustainable future hinges on solving a critical shortage of skilled workers in construction

Despite Labor Shortage in the Workforce, Regular Discrimination Continues to Keep Numbers Low

Bias in hiring practices remains a barrier to filling critical talent gaps despite widespread labor shortages

Our Workforce and Education Systems Face Monumental Challenges That Call for Reform

The gap between how workers are trained and what modern economies actually demand is widening faster than institutions can adapt

SkillStorm’s Innovative Approach to Skills-Based Hiring in Tech to Bridge the Education-Employment Gap

Tech companies are shifting focus to practical abilities rather than credentials, unlocking talent pools overlooked by degree-focused hiring practices

The Future of Upskilling in a Disrupted Workplace – Part 2 of 2

Organizations that invest in strategic upskilling now will determine whether workplace disruption becomes an opportunity or a crisis

The Future of Upskilling in a Disrupted Workplace – Part 1 of 2

As technology reshapes job markets faster than ever, organizations face mounting pressure to prepare workforces for roles that don't yet exist

Pave Motors Seeks to Disrupt the Mobility Space

A German-engineered electric hybrid is positioning itself as the car replacement for short urban commutes

The DisruptED World of Upskilling for Frontline Workers – Part 2

Employers are discovering that virtual learning design and technology integration hold the key to keeping frontline workers competitive as work fundamentally tr

The Motor City is the Perfect Place to Create Disruption in the Electric Off-Road Vehicle Market

A booming market for rugged electric terrain vehicles is drawing innovation to America's automotive heartland

Decarbonization Doesn’t Mean Less Profit: Part 2

Companies are discovering that sustainable energy transitions can drive significant revenue growth alongside environmental responsibility

Decarbonization Doesn’t Mean Less Profit: Part 1

Companies are discovering that cutting emissions and growing the bottom line aren't mutually exclusive goals

Achieving Financial Security in a DisruptED World

In the wake of a tumultuous economic climate, the conversation around financial security has never been more relevant. A recent survey by Bankrate reveals that Americans believe they need to earn an average of $233,000 per year to feel financially secure, a figure significantly higher than the average earnings of a full-time worker in…

Strategic Investments are Assisting in Empowering the Healthcare Workforce in This Current Shift

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 Impact of Healthcare on the Workforce and the Solution Healthcare Technology Has to Solve Them

Given the current and unprecedented disruptions, one element looms large and significantly influences all sectors of our economy: healthcare. Accounting for an astounding 18.3 percent of the U.S. GDP, the healthcare system’s vastness and complexity echo through the workforce, from healthcare professionals to workers insured by employer-sponsored programs. But how, precisely, is the impact…

A Deep Dive into Innovation and Adaptability and its Effect on the Healthcare Workforce

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…

DistruptED Educational Opportunities for Indigenous People Through the Special Olympics

Many know the great work and achievements of the Special Olympics. They may not be aware of the Special Olympics’ vital role in providing educational opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. In the wake of the global pandemic, the world’s reevaluated many aspects of society, including education. One area that has come under scrutiny is the…

Shattering Glass Ceilings: The Epic Rise of Women in Manufacturing and Technology

Females make up close to half of the U.S. workforce, yet only one-third of manufacturing jobs are held by women, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. In an industry that is male-dominant, it can be intimidating for some women to try to rise to executive leadership roles. How can women in manufacturing, such as…

Episode 2: Shattering Glass Ceilings: The Epic Rise of Women in Manufacturing and Technology

The same part of the brain that is stimulated when one is hungry also experiences activation when we crave social interactions. The bottom line: we need socialization and human interactions. And that’s important not only for day-to-day relationships, but it is also a critical piece of connecting with customers for business marketing. How are those…

How to Spot Effective Salesmanship

Effective salesmanship is the cornerstone of success in the competitive business world, where understanding one’s customers makes the difference between a pitch and a sale. By utilizing various tools and strategies, businesses can identify customer needs and position themselves as the ultimate solution to these problems. This process is critical to maintaining positive relationships…

The Disrupted World of Tech With Dave Eifert at Phoenix Contact USA

As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the technological disruption we face is inescapable, particularly with the Internet of Things (IoT) at the core of the conversation. IoT promises innovation and optimization, but the reality is that it’s a vast landscape that is constantly evolving and often misunderstood. To understand its potential and challenges, DisruptED…

Phoenix Contact Brings a Cross-Functional Disciplined Approach to IoT Disruption

One area that continues to redefine possibilities in technology is IoT disruption. With an estimated 30 billion IoT devices expected to be in use by 2025, the stakes are high, and the potential for transformation is immense. However, with this surge in IoT adoption, there’s a growing concern about the successful implementation of these…

How Sales Business Founders Can Boost Their Numbers

A sales business can be a rewarding experience despite its many challenges. One of the many pros and cons that sales professionals face is finding the right team members that successful strategy relies on. So, what should business leaders implement to set their teams up for success? On the second episode of DisruptEd with guest…

Our Next Energy is ONE Company Disrupting the World of Batteries, Energy Storage, and Management – Part 2

The world of energy storage, management, and batteries is a conversation gaining growing prominence in this era of surging energy consumption. Over the past decade, the advancement of battery technology has emerged as a cornerstone of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and the broader renewable energy transition. With 20% of all new cars sold globally…

Our Next Energy is ONE Company Disrupting the World of Batteries, Energy Storage, and Management – Part 1

As the world grapples with the urgent need to transition to sustainable energy sources, the discussion around batteries, energy storage, and management has gained significant momentum. The disruptive potential of advancements in battery technology and their impact on various industries has prompted the conversation on the latest episode of DisruptED. The stakes are high, with…

DisruptED: Selling and Customer Engagement

Taking risks can certainly be daunting, but it can also lead to opportunities one would never have fathomed. Taking risks is even a behavior aligned with entrepreneurial spirits. How does taking a risk help an individual transition from an International Relations major to become current head of their own company? And how has customer engagement…

The Disrupted Economics of Decarbonization

Getting to Net Zero soon requires global decarbonization efforts involving multiple requirements and economic and government commitments. Steps are underway to make Net Zero a reality through Carbon Capture & Storage and other technical innovations. Still, the overall topic of decarbonization is a loaded one, with the pitfalls of politics to navigate and how to…

The Story Behind One Young Veteran Political Candidate

In 2022, more than one-fifth of the 1,000 candidates for the U.S. Senate, House, or state governor on the fall ballot stated they had some form of military experience, per the Pew Research Center. And it makes sense. The leadership experiences in the military, combined with the consequences of political decisions that directly impact those…

Why Detroit Episode 2

Newlab – Detroit Mobility Re-imaginED

Digital Learning for Everyone: Disrupting the Norm with Education Technology

Digital learning was a tool prior to Covid-19, a life saver during the pandemic, and through AI, ChatGPT, and other innovative education technology, it’s becoming a powerful resource in the education space. Tech-driven personalized learning is helping reduce educational inequality by giving students, regardless of geographical location or income status, the additional support they need…

The Future of Advanced Manufacturing is Here: Part 3

Original Post: Oct. 21, 2022 Post Updated: May 18, 2023   In the 3rd and final episode of DisruptED’s special manufacturing edition, host Ron Stefanski continues the conversation on 3D printing with CEO and Founder of Divergent and Czinger Vehicles, Kevin Czinger, and U.S. manufacturing expert Cynthia Hutchison. Hutchison began, “We’re beginning to look at…

The Future of Advanced Manufacturing Is Here: Part 2

Original Post Date: August 25, 2022 Updated Post: May 17, 2023 When the US Centre for Advanced Manufacturing launched in June 2022, Cynthia Hutchison, the Head of the Centre, met up with me and Kevin Czinger, CEO of Divergent3D & Czinger Vehicles. Czinger is simply a phenomenon.  He comes from a proud family of mechanics…

The Future of Advanced Manufacturing is Here: Part 1

Original Post Date: Aug. 25, 2022 Content Updated: May 16, 2023   When the US Centre for Advanced Manufacturing launched in June 2022, Cynthia Hutchison, the Head of the Centre, met up with me and Kevin Czinger, CEO of Divergent3D & Czinger Vehicles. Kevin Czinger is simply a phenomenon.  He comes from a proud family…

Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Starts with Educators

Almost one in four students between the ages of 12 and 18 reported in 2019 that they experienced bullying. Addressing this disproportionate impact on students is critical because bullying increases the likelihood of developing mental health needs such as depression and anxiety. Today’s episode addresses a fundamental question: How can we tackle the behavioral…

How is Our Mental Health?

It’s no secret that working in education can be very mentally taxing, and students themselves can struggle mentally, too. Attention on mental health can sometimes be overlooked and we may not realize how educators and students are feeling or how their mental health can affect what they do in and out of the classroom. So…

Education as a Benefit for Frontline Employees

As of 2020, 47 percent of employers offered some level of assistance for undergraduate or graduate tuition assistance. However, MBA application numbers dropped 6.5% in 2022. Clearly, there has been a shift in how employees and employers are viewing education as a benefit in the workplace. Why are post-secondary degrees in the workplace no…

How Institutions are Embracing the Adult Learning Population

The world of higher education has always been a disruptor of sorts. And when it comes to adult learning in higher education, it’s a situation that calls for even more disruption, as the requirements are different. But apparently, they are also the key to boosting enrollment. Many institutions have considered older populations returning to school,…

The Disrupted Future of Advanced Manufacturing: Episode 3

The future of advanced manufacturing begins with talent. However, talent in manufacturing isn’t always in plentiful supply. Skilled labor positions in industries like manufacturing are high in demand but short on workers, with a gap of 500,000 professionals. If the situation does not improve, the U.S. could see 2.1 million unfilled jobs in manufacturing…

Why Detroit? Episode 3

Welcome to the Future: ONE – Our Next Energy

The Disrupted Future of Advanced Manufacturing: Episode 2

Has the industrial manufacturing landscape leaped beyond experts’ understanding of what’s capable? Industry 4.0 is here, and those innovations and efficiencies, once touted, are now going into practice. From sustainable industrial manufacturing ‘lighthouse factories’ to NYU’s $1 billion investment in the Tandon School of Engineering, all eyes are fixed on making the technological breakthroughs necessary…

Introducing Lukas Czinger: Changing the Game Before 30!

Getting completely DisruptED can change the future as we know it! For those of you who have followed our DisruptED: Advanced Manufacturing edition, one of our most impactful stories demonstrated the jaw-dropping ways that a company is changing the game and amped up additive manufacturing, redefining what’s possible NOW in an Industry 4.0 world…

The Future of Advanced Manufacturing is Moving Towards AI Technology

What can go zero to 60 in 1.9 seconds, reach a top speed of more than 280 miles per hour, boasts a 1,350 combined horsepower, and is human-AI designed and 3D-printed? Welcome to advanced manufacturing and the latest vehicle revolution: the Czinger 21C. Scottsdale, Arizona, home of the Barrett-Jackson luxury car auction, is home…

Shattering Glass Ceilings: Women Executives in Manufacturing and Technology

In a 2019 Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute survey, more than 70% of women participants indicated underrepresentation of women in their company’s leadership teams. There is a need for women executives in manufacturing and technology. Now is a prime opportunity for women executives to rise in advanced manufacturing because U.S. manufacturers are facing a…

C6 Biliteracy Instructional Framework Disrupts Educator Lesson Plans

America places a high-dollar value in K-12 education, with over $800 billion spent yearly to teach the kids. Yet, when the U.S. was last tested in 2018 (before the pandemic), it ranked 11th out of 70 countries in science, and the top five math-scoring countries were all in Asia. A Business Insider report ranked…

Disrupting the Monolinguistic Culture of the U.S. Education System

One in every five adults in the U.S. speaks a language other than English at home – so why are other languages shunned at schools? While there is no official language in the U.S., there is a large unofficial one: English. It’s on our maps, it’s on our shops, and it’s in our schools….

Keeping Our Mental Health in Check to Improve Our Everyday Work and Learning

One-third of people report feeling extreme stress, while 77 percent report their stress impacts their physical health, 73 percent report it impacts their mental health, and almost 50 percent state they experience difficulty sleeping due to stress. Considering that stress can have other detrimental impacts such as: causing impaired performance, mental health issues, high…

Educators Improving their Performance without Burnout

Depending on the type of leadership role one takes in education, oftentimes, burnout is inevitable. According to Gallup research, K-12 educators report burnout the most, with four out of 10 indicating that burnout is a normal feeling for them. However, there are reasons for that and ways educators can reevaluate their performance in their…

How Can Tech-Driven Personalized Learning Help Tackle Educational Inequality?

There has been much talk about utilizing technology for fighting against educational inequality with personalized learning, especially amidst the remote teaching that arose from the pandemic. Cambium is one company that has disrupted this sector and provides education technology and supplemental PreK–12 solutions through digital-centric products and services. What, exactly, does Cambium offer to…

Cambium Learning Group: Helping Teachers Teach and Students Learn

The education sector has gone through some major hurdles over the last few years. So whatever problems teachers and students were having before the COVID pandemic only got worse during and after. As challenging as things might be, it’s a challenge one company is more than happy to take on. On this episode of…

How Can the Gig Economy Unleash Talent in a Disrupted World?

Gig economy jobs have become increasingly common over the last decade or so. This economy is centered on flexible work that provides each worker with a wider degree of independence than a typical 9-5. While it might not work for everyone, there\ are certain aspects to the gig economy which could lead passionate people…

Barriers to Women in Tech Spaces and How to Break Them

Previously, education was for only the male gender. Therefore, it is no wonder that women in tech have to work much harder for recognition of their skills. A study from 2020 shows women constituted about 28.8% of the technology workforce, an increase from 25.9% and 26.2% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. It is no…

Building up the Talent Pipeline in Cybersecurity

It’s no secret; the pandemic kicked off the great resignation. Organizations in all industries scramble for talent to fill open positions. One sector of vital importance in dire need of skilled workers to fill a talent pipeline in cybersecurity. A 2022 Cybersecurity Workforce Study concluded that the global cybersecurity workforce gap has increased by 26.2%…

Addressing Food Insecurity in a Disrupted World

Climate change is undoubtedly playing a role in unpredictable weather phenomena around the globe. As the world becomes warmer, who is addressing food insecurity and what is being done to help protect food security? In this newest episode of DisruptED, host Ron J. Stefanski speaks with food security innovator, Rick Vanzura, the CEO of…

Disruptive Leaders: Disrupting Tradition in the Leadership Space

Leadership in the workplace has been ever evolving for years now, despite the commonplace leadership traditions most places try to abide by. But leaders must adapt to new and modern changes, as it’s expected that a lot of factors pertinent to leadership will change in the next 10 years, according to Gartner. Disruptive leaders…

Upscaling Employees to Maximize Company Potential and Growth

The ever-increasing role technology and innovation play in today’s workplace mean that even the most educated and trained workers will require varying degrees of upskilling, retraining, and upscaling employees to meet current and future demands. And with the talent pool getting increasingly competitive, organizations that do not provide those education and training opportunities may…

How Companies are Gaining Talented Individuals

The Get Sh** Done index was high at the December 2022 MICHauto Summit. Its featured topic: Accelerating Our Tech-Talent Future, boasted several expert panels on EV and digital transformation. DisruptED’s Ron J. Stefanski attended the event, and one speaker, Jose L. Flores, caught his attention. Flores is the CEO of Ancor Automotive, the leading…

Building the Whole Person Project to Address Chronic Underemployment

The world of workforce has moved the needle to really adapt the system for current needs, but with continued chronic underemployment, a whole-person approach is not currently standard in the system for workforce development. Why should it be? In part 1 of this 2-part episode, DisruptED, host Ron J. Stefanski speaks with off-the-charts GSD…

Creating a Winning Culture in the World of Tech

In 2021, the U.S., Hong Kong, Sweden, Denmark, and Singapore were championed “the best digitally competitive countries in the world.” With 13,400 tech startups launched in 2019 in the U.S., is this any surprise? Probably not. As the competition in the tech market heats up, what is happening within and how are tech companies building…

How to Attract and Retain Quality Talent in an Organization

DisruptED Host Ron J. Stefanski discussed how to attract and retain quality talent in an organization with Jose Flores, the CEO of Ancor Automotive LLC. Diversity in the workplace should be embraced and encouraged as it improves positive pressure. It allows people to see things from a new perspective, which helps broaden the horizon of how they…

Why Detroit

Transformation as a Tech Entrepreneur

In November 2022, the biggest and brightest of Detroit’s business sector gathered for Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under Forty event. DisruptED’s Ron J. Stefanski was in attendance to seek out those tech disruptors who, in his words, get stuff done (okay, he uses a different S-word). And one person who garnered a lot of…

Becoming a Better Ally: Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Digital Space

The world of business-to-business interactions has been entirely upended in the world of Covid. Face to face connections are often not possible or even desired and it can be quite easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the bulk of our interactions can be done on Zoom or Teams or via email or…

Equity and Opportunity in a Software First Mindset: The Mission of Automation Alley

A new surging economy is emerging in Detroit, MI. That emergence finds its roots embedded in Detroit’s past in manufacturing. That rich history is poised to rise again through advanced automation. Companies like Automation Alley, a nonprofit Industry 4.0 Knowledge Center and home to the World Economic Forum’s US Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, want…

Automation Alley: Gateway for Advanced Manufacturing Across the Globe

In October 2022, the White House launched its official National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing. This comprehensive strategy creates a vision for U.S. leadership in Advanced Manufacturing to grow the economy, create high-quality jobs, enhance sustainability, and strengthen supply chains. And when the U.S. leads, others will follow. Therefore, it is critical to find innovators…

Creating Social Impact with Technology at Special Olympics

You probably watched the Olympics on television before, but have you had the chance to be part of a local Special Olympics event, which supports individuals with intellectual disabilities? If not, look into it; the Special Olympics helps 5.5 million athletes and takes more than 1 million volunteers to run the program in 193…

Advanced Manufacturing: Let’s Talk About Biden’s Initiative

3D printing applications are everywhere, from medical to emergency response infrastructure and even 3D-printed clothes. And one of the questions Ron J Stefanski, host of the DisruptED podcast, frequently gets from viewers of the show is: can that really be 3D printed? To answer those burning additive manufacturing questions, Stefanski thought it high time he…

STEM Education for Students K-12

At Automation Alley’s 2022 INTEGR8 Conference, the hot topic of conversation amongst advanced manufacturers and conference attendees was how to increase student numbers in STEM programs.  The DisruptED podcast hosts Ron J Stefanski and Dr. Caesar Mickens Jr. attended INTEGR8. Mickens said the conference proved it’s an exciting time in education for STEM but…

Creating Social Impact with Technology at Special Olympics

You probably watched the Olympics on television before, but have you had the chance to be part of a local Special Olympics event that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities? If not, look into it; the Special Olympics helps 5.5 million athletes and takes more than 1 million volunteers to run the program in 193…

How McDonald’s is Educating Their Employees for Greater Success.

In this episode of DisruptED, host Ron Stefanski joins Lisa Schumacher, Director of Education Strategies at McDonald’s, and Ron Williams, McDonald’s Operations Director. Schumacher discusses the education support programs at McDonald’s and Williams offers a first-hand account of how his employment and education have launched his career. Lisa Schumacher started at McDonald’s in the…

How the Special Olympics is Helping Eliminate Early Educational Bias

A pediatrician by trade and Chief Medical Officer for the Special Olympics International, Dr. Alicia Bazzano, witnesses firsthand biased thinking around the population of individuals with disabilities. She says it’s time our mindsets and societal narratives around people with intellectual disabilities change. In this episode of DisruptED, she discusses how the Special Olympics is helping…

Why Industry Partnerships Are Critical for Successful Dialysis Medtech Disruption

If a small manufacturing organization wants to be a disruptor, embracing industry 4.0 is essential. Marc Nash, VP of Manufacturing at Outset Medical, spoke with DisruptED’s Ron Stefanski on the importance of advanced manufacturing in his organization’s mission to improve dialysis. Experts often told Nash that only sizeable medical device manufacturers could tackle something…

Disruptive Innovation in Dialysis and Medical Device Manufacturing

Disruptors come in many flavors and innovate countless industries. Healthcare is one space that welcomes technology disruption, where advancements in medical devices can improve the lives of many. Outset Medical is one such medical device manufacturer seeking to transform the dialysis experience. Marc Nash, VP of Manufacturing at Outset Medical, joined DisruptED’s Ron Stefanski…