FOCUS FORWARD PODCAST
FOCUS FORWARD PODCAST
REAL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Listen to the Focus Forward podcast to get actionable insights on how to move forward with purpose. This podcast will provide business owners, community leaders and inspired citizens with real and honest conversations featuring insider tips and information you won’t find anywhere else. With discussions guided by WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, you’ll hear directly from Wisconsin “doers” on how they’re moving from surviving to thriving.
Focus Forward Podcast Ep 9: Innovation, Inspiration and Public Health with Alexander Kempe
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 to the Focus Forward Podcast
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.
Gov. Evers Announces More Than $5 Million in Workforce Innovation Grants to Support Wisconsin’s Healthcare Workforce
More than $5 million in grants awarded for training efforts that support long-term solutions to Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce challenges. Read More
FOCUS FORWARD UPDATES
Stay in-the-know about important Wisconsin business and economic news, community announcements and new programs and resources available for your business.
Updated guidelines: Reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and managing outbreaks
The guidelines have been updated to reflect new public health guidance about testing, vaccination and boosters and to incorporate the latest knowledge about how the virus is transmitted. Read More
COVID-19 exposure notification tool now available
The tool, which can be enabled in iPhone settings or downloaded as an app for Android, can help reduce virus transmission by notifying people who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive. Read More
Now available: updated vaccine guidelines for employers
The document has been updated to reflect developments including the rise of the Delta variant and COVID-19’s movement toward becoming an endemic virus rather than one that is transmitted in isolated outbreaks. Read More