Dr. Caesar Mickens Jr. and Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich, discuss the local workforce obtaining education and jobs in a changing market.
Will Robbins, an Executive Director at Bridgestone Americas, talks the tire industry and his company’s commitment to evolving amid change.
Will Robbins, an Executive Director at Bridgestone Americas, discusses the tire industry, its future, and EVs.
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. According to a Deloitte report, women make up only 27% of the manufacturing workforce. What does it take to rise in this ...
Detroit’s comeback is defined by perseverance, creativity, and inclusivity—but who is ensuring that all Detroiters benefit from the city’s economic revival? Black Leaders Detroit, under the leadership of CEO Dwan Dandridge, is addressing this challenge head-on by providing capital and support to Black entrepreneurs in the city. Since its founding in 2019, the organization has deployed over $4 million through grants and no-interest loans, helping businesses grow and communities thrive. How can Bl...
Detroit has long been a city of resilience, innovation, and reinvention. Once the heart of American industry, its rebirth has been marked by waves of economic and social transformation. But as new developments reshape the city, the question remains: who gets to be part of this transformation, and how can Black leadership play a central role? Black entrepreneurs and leaders often face systemic challenges in accessing capital, despite their deep roots and contributions to the city. In fact, resear...
Detroit is experiencing a renaissance, but its revival is still unfolding. Leaders like Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: HOPE, are committed to ensuring that this transformation is inclusive and benefits all communities. As new industries take root and technology reshapes the workforce, Detroit must prioritize equitable access to opportunities. With initiatives like Black Tech Saturdays attracting over 1,200 attendees weekly, the push to bridge economic gaps and uplift the city’s deep-rooted commu...
Detroit’s resurgence has been a story of resilience, but the city still grapples with deep economic and social disparities. Once one of the most prosperous cities in America, Detroit faced bankruptcy just over a decade ago. Today, the city is bouncing back, but the gap between progress and community well-being remains significant. With organizations like Focus: HOPE leading the charge, how can Detroit bridge the divide between economic growth and inclusive opportunities for all? How can Detroit ...
Marketing is at a crossroads. Traditional advertising channels are losing their impact as audiences become increasingly desensitized to repetitive messaging. Creativity has a crucial role in modern marketing, with consumers on the search for fresh content that can capture their attention. So, how can brands do this in a meaningful way? In the second episode of this three-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski continues his conversation with marketing innovator Ivonne Kinser to explore ho...
In an era where marketing is constantly reinventing itself, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just keeping up with the latest technology—it demands a new way of thinking. With over 14,000 marketing tools available today, the landscape is more complex than ever. As AI accelerates change and traditional tactics lose their impact, how can brands truly differentiate themselves? Research shows that originality and adaptability are key drivers of success, yet many marketers struggle to nav...
The world of marketing is evolving rapidly, demanding creative resilience and innovative strategies to stay ahead. Ivonne Kinser, a trailblazing marketing leader, exemplifies this approach through her work in digital innovation and brand transformation. As artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and shifting consumer behaviors disrupt traditional marketing paradigms, the ability to think critically and creatively has never been more crucial. Research indicates that businesses that empha...
Chris Dargin, tech CEO and CRO, talks the changing landscape of tech careers, and how unconventional routes can lead to industry leadership.
Chris Dargin, tech CEO and CRO, discusses how tech is opening doors for Detroit and entrepreneurs interested in a career path in the field.
Sean Michael Brehm, co-founder of CrowdPoint Technologies, discusses how businesses can prepare for a quantum computing revolution.
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 was the hottest year on record, underscoring the urgency of innovation. But how can a century-old industry ...
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 playing a crucial role in racing advancements, the push to encourage young women to pursue careers in en...
Detroit, once a symbol of the Rust Belt’s decline, is now rewriting its story as a hub for innovation and mobility. Home to the Michigan Central innovation district and Newlab, the city has transformed into a growth engine for startups tackling the future of transportation. With its rich history as the birthplace of automotive mobility and its current momentum as a technological disruptor, Detroit is attracting mobility entrepreneurs eager to reshape mobility for the 21st century. So, what makes...
In a healthcare landscape reshaped by post-pandemic challenges, workforce shortages and burnout are stretching the system to its limits. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. is projected to face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, while turnover rates among nurses and allied health professionals continue to climb. With healthcare systems struggling to address the physician shortage and fill critical roles, the question looms large—how do we bridge the wi...
Integrating education and workforce training as an employee benefit has become a pivotal strategy for talent acquisition and retention. While industry leaders like Walmart, McDonald's, and Starbucks have long championed such programs, mid-sized and smaller enterprises often face barriers to implementation. A study found that education reimbursement programs deliver a 129% return on investment, meaning for every dollar spent, companies gain an additional $1.29. This makes the case clear that upsk...
The landscape of employee education and workforce development is undergoing rapid disruption. Employers are stepping in to bridge the skills gap, offering education as a benefit to attract and retain talent while addressing critical workforce needs. With U.S. student loan debt reaching $1.77 trillion as of late 2024, corporations are innovating to provide employees with opportunities to advance without financial burden. This shift raises critical questions about how companies can effectively bal...
Just a day ago, Google revealed a quantum computing chip capable of solving complex problems in just five minutes—challenges that the fastest supercomputers in the world would likely spend ten septillion years solving. Quantum computing has long hovered on the fringes of public consciousness, yet it’s poised to revolutionize industries on a scale far exceeding that of AI. Recent advancements in quantum chip development, coupled with the ongoing surge in global cybercrime—projected to cost nearly...
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has undergone a dramatic shift in the last decade, driven by the need to address inequities in education, workforce development, and social impact giving. Companies that prioritize social responsibility can gain the trust and loyalty of their customers, establishing themselves as impactful contributors to society. As companies reimagine their approach to philanthropic programs, initiatives like AT&T Aspire and Year Up have transformed how organizations c...
In an era where corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies are rapidly evolving, adapting to new challenges is paramount. As digital transformation accelerates societal shifts, organizations like United Way of Metropolitan Dallas are at the forefront of addressing critical issues, from education to economic mobility. This episode of DisruptED dives into the dynamic world of CSR with Kelem Butts, who transitioned from a 20-year career at AT&T to lead impactful initiatives at United Way....
Cheerleading has evolved into a sophisticated, global sport, recognized for its athleticism, artistry, and ability to inspire confidence among youth. In 2021, cheerleading was recognized as an official Olympic sport, underscoring its significance on the international stage. This transformation reflects the efforts of innovators like Jeff Webb, whose leadership and vision turned cheerleading into a billion-dollar industry. What does it take to transform a grassroots sport into an internationally ...
Cheerleading has leapt from the sidelines to center stage, thanks to its transformation into a global athletic powerhouse. With its recent recognition as an Olympic sport, the evolution of cheerleading from school spirit activities to a multi-billion-dollar industry is monumental. Central to this transformation is Jeff Webb, whose groundbreaking vision reshaped the sport and built a business empire. How did a college cheerleader with a dream turn Varsity Spirit into a $2.5 billion enterprise? We...
The rapid evolution of online education has ushered in new challenges and opportunities for engaging learners and improving outcomes. With millions of students relying on virtual platforms, educators and ed-tech innovators face the critical task of creating dynamic, relevant, and impactful learning experiences. The stakes are high, as effective education not only shapes career trajectories but also addresses issues of accessibility and equity in underserved communities. How can we make online ed...
Hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. The genre has reshaped music, fashion, language, and more, yet no dedicated space has existed to chronicle and celebrate this powerful legacy. Rocky Bucano, a longtime music producer, record executive, and advocate for the genre, is changing this with the upcoming Hip Hop Museum. The museum set to open in 2025 promises to be a vibrant educational hub in New York, honoring hip-hop’s deep social and artistic roots. But as hip-hop reaches this milest...
As hip-hop turns 50, its influence on music, culture, and education continues to grow exponentially. In a world shaped by AI, digital interconnectivity, and rapid cultural shifts, the role of arts and culture in education is more important than ever. Hip-hop is at the front of this evolution with its roots in urban storytelling and entrepreneurship. Now, a new chapter in its history is being written with the upcoming opening of The Hip Hop Museum, spearheaded by Rocky Bucano, one of the genre's ...
Dr. Mark Klein, author and physician, discusses how adopting an aerial view can bring clarity to life’s disruptions part four.
Dr. Mark Klein, author and physician, discusses how adopting an aerial view can bring clarity to life’s disruptions in part three.
