Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

She grew up in Indianapolis with designs on a career as a television journalist. Little did Brandi Davis-Handy know her passion for storytelling would bring her back home to lead a utility. In this episode, the president of AES Indiana talks energy transition, the impact on community and Indiana’s opportunity for “historic growth.”

He was a triple major in math, history and philosophy at Notre Dame and earned a PhD in Oceanography from the University of Delaware. But James Mueller would choose public service over academics, coming home to lead his hometown as mayor.  In this episode, he talks about challenges and opportunities, his relationship with Pete Buttigieg, and why he thinks South Bend is positioned to exceed “even the wildest expectations.”

She was elected as Lawrence County Recorder in 1977, at the age of 25. It was a moment that would propel the Bedford native to a career in local and state politics, culminating with her election as Indiana’s 49th Lt. Governor.  In this episode, Becky Skillman talks about her inspiration to enter the public square, the importance of giving back and much more.

He was working the overnight shift at a train depot in Mendota, Illinois when an ad in Sport magazine caught Don Fischer’s eye.  “How would you like to be a sports broadcaster?” It was a moment that would change his life and lead to a Hall of Fame career. In this episode, the legendary voice of IU athletics talks about his “absolutely horrible” first play-by-play experience, his introduction to Bob Knight and much more.

As we wrap up season three of the podcast, we are taking a pause to gear up for a fantastic season four. You can look forward to a big name headlining our season-opener next week. In the meantime, enjoy this revisit with Pacers Sports and Entertainment CEO Rick Fuson, who is retiring this month after more than four decades with the organization.  

As we wrap up season three of the podcast, we are taking a pause to gear up for a fantastic season four. You can look forward to a big name headlining our season-opener in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, enjoy this revisit with outgoing University of Southern Indiana President Ron Rochon, the dynamic educator who recently announced his departure to lead Cal State Fullerton.

He’s bullish on Indiana’s future, but Bret Swanson says the state needs to think big to create the workforce and economy it wants. The president of Zionsville-based Entropy Economics talks AI disruption, a manufacturing renaissance and why he believes entrepreneurship can be Indiana’s ticket to success.

She grew up in Fort Wayne and dreamed of one day breaking barriers and leading her hometown.  And while it didn’t happen in the way in which she would have liked, Sharon Tucker is relishing her new role. The city’s first Black female mayor talks about her inspiration to lead, the importance of neighborhoods and what’s next for Indiana’s second-largest city.

Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce is leading an economic development strategy that represents a sea change for the state. Aggressively going after the investment and jobs the state wants rather than waiting for the phone to ring. It is an approach that is yielding record results. In this episode, David Rosenberg talks opportunities and critical challenges for the state and how his Hoosier roots serve as motivation to make things happen.

From her days as an All-America student-athlete to leading enforcement at the NCAA to now leading a Division I athletic conference, Julie Roe Lach has never shied away from a challenge. In this episode, the commissioner of the Horizon League talks about challenges and opportunities for mid-major conferences, the chaotic landscape of collegiate sports, and playing pick-up basketball in Pinckneyville, Illinois.

He didn’t grow up on a farm, but his small-town upbringing has helped shape his leadership style and vision for Indiana’s agbioscience sector. Meet Agrinovus Indiana CEO Mitch Frazier: military veteran, tech entrepreneur and a firm believer in what could be Indiana’s next big thing.

As a child growing up in Evansville, Stephanie Terry dreamed of one day being a doctor. But instead of serving patients, she is now serving the residents of Evansville as the city’s first woman and first African American mayor. In this episode, she talks about priorities, her call to service and what makes Evansville and southwest Indiana special.  

His passion for preservation will serve as a lasting legacy. Marsh Davis is retiring after leading Indiana Landmarks for 18 years, growing it into the largest statewide preservation group in the nation. In this episode, he talks about the importance of saving historic structures, what it means to Hoosier communities and the economy and why for him, it’s personal.

She began her career as a management consultant in Boston, but a summer internship would launch a difference-making career in Indianapolis.  Fairbanks Foundation CEO Claire Fiddian-Green has led the Indianapolis-based organization since 2015 and is embarking on ambitious initiative to help redefine the workforce in Indiana. In this episode, she talks about the potential of apprenticeships and how they could be game changers for the Hoosier economy.

The Mira Awards, the annual celebration of technology and innovation in Indiana,  is turning 25 this year and marking the occasion with some big changes. Techpoint’s “Oscars of Tech” is moving to Old National Centre in downtown Indy. CEO Ting Gootee explains the reasons for the move, the importance of the event and offers her take on Indiana’s tech community.

“We are very, very clear about it. We are going to be the best urban public research university in the country. Bar none.” Indiana University President Pam Whitten does not hold back when asked about expectations for the new IU Indianapolis. In this episode, she talks about the idea behind the breakup of IUPUI, the important role of the business community and the ambitious vision for IU 2030.

Paul Okeson grew up around the construction business, but never thought he’d make a career of it. But today, the Fort Wayne native is leading Garmong Construction, a 100-year-old Indiana firm with an expanding footprint. In this episode, he talks construction, politics and why community service is part of his DNA.

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Don Lamb is winding up his first year as director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture with a renewed optimism about the state’s role in the global ag space. The second-generation Boone County farmer talks about his passion for the family farm, the critical role of precision agriculture and an eye-opening trip to Cuba.

He spent more than three decades as an executive at Eli Lilly and Company and served as Indiana’s secretary of commerce. Now Dan Hasler is taking on another big job:  playing a key role in the launch of Purdue University in Indianapolis. He talks about the vision for the Indy campus, the critical role of the business community and why it is being called one of the most important moves in the university’s 154-year history.

He has grown a startup into a national consulting firm and in the process helped to write the workforce and economic development playbook for states and regions around the country. As Indianapolis-based TPMA marks 35 years, its founder offers perspective on challenges and opportunities facing Indiana and communities statewide.

It started on a tiny Hamilton County farm 87 years ago. From seeds planted on that 80-acre piece of ground, Beck’s has grown into the third-largest seed brand in the United States and is continuing to grow at a double-digit pace. CEO Sonny Beck talks about the vision, culture and servant leadership that have created a driving force in American agriculture.

He spent 15 years building a case to shape U.S. monetary policy. Now Jim Bullard is building again, this time creating a “new and distinctive brand” for the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business at Purdue University. The former CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis talks about the critical role technology will play in the process and gives his take on the state and national economies.

It was built on the idea of using art and culture to bring people together at a time when the world seemed so far apart. Indianapolis natives Alan and Mali Bacon launched GANGGANG in 2020 when the city and nation were reeling from the pandemic and social unrest. In this episode, Alan talks about the power of creatives, how it’s changing the Indy narrative and GANGGANG’s prime time role in the NBA’s All-Star weekend.  

For longtime Indiana Golf Executive Director Mike David, these are heady times.  The governing body of golf in the Hoosier state has broken ground on a $6.5 million headquarters and interactive Hall of Fame and play at the state’s more than 400 courses continues on the upswing. In this episode, the Columbus, Indiana native talks about golf’s $2 billion economic impact in Indiana and why he says the state of the game has never been better.

For John Pistole, leading Anderson University as its tenth president is truly a homecoming. He played basketball and graduated from AU, as did his parents and siblings. He met his wife there. But it’s his path to the presidency that might surprise you. Pistole rose through the ranks to become the number two man at the FBI and later led the Transportation Security Administration in the wake of 9-11. In fact, you may want to thank him the next time you go through TSA PreCheck.

What began in a tiny upstairs room of a downtown Nashville, Indiana pizza joint has blossomed into one of the state’s hottest destinations. Hard Truth Distilling Company’s rustic, 325-acre distilling campus now attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually to Brown County and growth is far from over. Co-founder Jeff McCabe talks spirits, craft brews, a growing restaurant empire and the influence of Walt Disney.

“I’m looking at these beautiful flags…we have students and faculty from about 80 countries.”  In episode 151, University of Indianapolis President Tanuja Singh talks about the school’s diverse student body, the importance of making education relevant and the power of “just in time” learning.

He’s a Buckeye by birth, but a Hoosier by choice.  As a youngster,  Dan Starr lived all over the country, arriving in Indiana to attend Anderson University. Today he leads Indiana’s largest private business, Fort Wayne-based hardware, lumber and building materials cooperative Do It Best. Starr talks about his path to the corner office, commitment to community and what led to a new global headquarters.

“My version of the American Dream is public service.” He may be 27 years-old and a political novice, but Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun is not shy about promoting his hometown and a new path for its future. The Army Ranger and son of immigrants talks about the life experiences that have shaped him, the national attention he’s generating and the thing Terre Haute has that other Hoosier cities don’t.

She has succeeded in the male-dominated logistics industry with grit, determination and the belief that she can outwork anybody. Langham CEO Cathy Langham talks business, community and why she is decidedly bullish on Indiana.

It is Indiana’s first university. In Indiana’s first city. And its leader grew up just 20 miles from campus. But Vincennes University and President Chuck Johnson are making an impact far from southwest Indiana. In this episode, the Washington, Indiana native talks robots, Red Skelton and readying Indiana’s workforce of the future.

“I really thought, what can I do to help my town?” Veteran broadcast journalist John Stehr has always been up for a challenge, from his collegiate days playing soccer to an award-winning broadcast news career. In episode 146, he  talks about his next challenge as mayor of Zionsville, why he’s doing it and what he wants to accomplish.

From the day she started a news club in eighth grade, Debby Knox knew what she wanted to do with her life. Now, after more than 40 years in television, one of Indiana’s most recognized news anchors is retiring and admits it won’t be easy. “I’m going to miss the people, the buzz we all get.” In episode 145, the Michigan native-turned-Hoosier talks about stepping away from an award-wining career, the high-profile interviews and why she’s excited about what’s next.

She served 17 years as an Indiana State Senator. 13 years as Commissioner of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. And Sagamore Institute President Teresa Lubbers isn’t finished yet. In episode 144, this servant leader talks about Indiana’s challenges and opportunities and why she is bullish on the future.

She was one of the hottest names in Indy media in the 1980s. From TV weather to radio diva, Pat Carlini was a household name. In this episode, she talks about her career path and her new goals, post media.

“If you’re not scared by it, it doesn’t seem like it’s an aspiration that you should go after.” On November 18, the docuseries “Kennedy” premiers on the History Channel. It is the third documentary from 23-year-old Carmel, Indiana filmmaker Ashton Gleckman.  That’s right, he’s just 23. In this episode, he opens up about his passion for filmmaking, overcoming fears, and his next big project.  

In his more than 40-year career, award-winning sports journalist Bill Benner covered it all. Three Olympics. More than 20 Final Fours. And the role sports played in elevating Indianapolis on a global stage. In this episode, one of Indiana’s most recognized journalists opens up about the Hicks vs. the Knicks, his relationship with Bob Knight, the state of sports journalism and much more.

This week, Indianapolis will play host to more than 70,000 future leaders of America as the FFA National Organization hosts its 96th annual convention. In episode 141, President Molly Ball talks about FFA’s role in fueling the state’s talent pipeline, record growth and her path to Indy.

He’s been the CEO of Indianapolis-based Roche Diagnostics North America for less than a year, but Brad Moore is already putting his stamp on the healthcare giant. In episode 140, the son of an Ohio banker talks innovation, Indiana, and the importance of being an inclusive leader.

In the ever changing and challenging world of higher education, University of Southern Indiana President Ron Rochon is a beacon of energy and enthusiasm. The school’s first black president has raised money, revamped curriculum and elevated USI athletics to Division I status. And he’s not done yet. 

She’s organized Super Bowls, Final Fours and led the $400 million makeover of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. She’s worked in the White House and on national political conventions. In sports parlance, Pacers Sports & Entertainment President Mel Raines is a prime-time player. The bigger the challenge the better. She opens up about growing up in South Bend, her passion for public service and path to becoming a game changer in a male dominated industry.

From smoke-filled rooms to social media, Kevin Brinegar has seen it all in his more than 40 years around the Indiana Statehouse. As the Bloomington native prepares to leave the Indiana Chamber after leading the organization for more than 20 years, he opens up about mimeograph machines, difficult issues and a decision that would change his life.

He was born in New York and raised in Arkansas. But Kristian Andersen calls Indianapolis home and it’s not by accident. In episode 136, this self-described “restless opportunity seeker” talks about innovation and Indy’s emerging national profile that he says is more Sun Belt than Rust Belt.

She grew up in the tiny Dubois County town of Ferdinand with a passion to blaze her own trail. From pioneering success in the male-dominated world of engineering, to politics to leading the nation's largest singly-accredited community college system, Sue Ellspermann has done just that. In episode 135, she talks about her path the president ‘s office and why Ivy Tech’s mission is tied to Indiana’s future success.

IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel is passionate about writing…and not just about sports. In this episode, he talks about his long and winding road to Indy, plays a game of name association, and reveals two big items on his bucket list. 

Bill Hanna is in rare company, one of the few in the U.S. military to have the distinct honoring of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was a big part of his path to a career as a servant leader in Indiana. Bill talks about his time at Anderson University, the challenges of serving in the military and his role in helping to transform northwest Indiana’s economy.

“It was just his humanity. He was very attuned to business issues and equally attuned to human issues.” As president of Bloomington-based Cook Group, Pete Yonkman leads a multi-billion company with some 12,000 employees. And while the Crown Point native is always focused on the medical device company’s bottom line, he is also acutely aware of the legacy of founders Bill and Gayle Cook, who sought to change lives, one community at a time.

It has been quite a ride for Hoosier native Drew Storen. His talent and drive to win would carry him to a state baseball championship at Brownsburg High School, then on to Stanford University and ultimately Major League Baseball. Now Drew is taking aim on a new passion. In episode 132, he talks baseball, bourbon and crafting his own field of dreams.

“Instead of running from it, hiding from it, or acting like it didn’t exist, I tried to leverage it.“ Former standout athlete Travis Brown talks about an epiphany in a pawn shop that changed his life and led to the creation of a successful marketing agency and his mission to empower people and brands.

When it comes to military might, Indiana punches well above its weight. While the state ranks 16th in population, it is home to the 4th largest National Guard unit in the nation. The man in charge of making sure Indiana’s more than 12,000 guardsmen and women remain at the ready is Salem, Indiana native Major General R. Dale Lyles. In episode 130, he talks about how the military changed his life, Indiana’s golden opportunity in the defense sector, and the constant battle for talent.