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. Re

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 8: Teaching Passion and Changing Lives

Nov 11th, 2020 23m 50s

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 gro

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

Oct 14th, 2020 25m 26s

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. Re

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

Sep 16th, 2020 21m 31s

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

Jul 15th, 2020 24m 2s

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

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

Jul 1st, 2020 23m 37s

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. R

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

Jun 17th, 2020 21m

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 mak

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

Jun 10th, 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 G

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

May 20th, 2020 30m 33s

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 “Wi

Trailer

Welcome to the Focus Forward Podcast

May 5th, 2020 1m 5s

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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