Redefining Economic Development Through Entrepreneurship With Thom Ruhe
January 15, 2026
If entrepreneurs are inspired, empowered, and genuinely love what they are doing, their efforts can lead to profound economic development. Gary Schoeniger speaks with his longtime friend Thom Ruhe, President and CEO of NC IDEA. Together, they discuss what it takes to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems – not just programs or funding pipelines, but cultures of agency, inclusion, and possibility. Thom also explains why mindset may be the missing piece in economic development and…
Read more
From Glen Allan, Mississippi To Morgan Freeman’s Blues Band With Keith Johnson
December 30, 2025
Gary Schoeniger delves into the amazing life journey of Keith Johnson, whose authentic energy and resilient mindset led him to become part of Morgan Freeman’s blues band. He looks back to his childhood in Mississippi, his greatest rejection in HR, and how he fully embraced his musical talents. From singing gospel songs at his local church, forming a high school quartet, to bringing his unparalleled energy to every music gig, Keith breaks down the…
Read more
Entrepreneurial Mindset Education At Tec De Monterrey With Geraldina Silveyra León
December 4, 2025
A true entrepreneurial mindset is not just about earning a profit but also creating genuine human relationships and experiences. In this episode, we dive deep into the ecosystem of Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec), one of the most entrepreneurial university systems in the world. Geraldina Silveyra León, a transformative leader at Tec, discusses how the university has embedded entrepreneurship into the DNA of its entire system, transcending traditional academic boundaries. Sharing powerful stories about challenge-based…
Read more
Cultivating Entrepreneurial Mindsets On A Global Scale With Jonathan Ortmans
November 13, 2025
Here’s the thing that still puzzles me: We all know entrepreneurship drives innovation, creates jobs, and fuels economies. We know that. But, it’s still not a core part of how we educate, how we train, how we think about the future of learning and work. Today’s guest is Jonathan Ortmans, who is, in my opinion, one of the loudest, clearest voices pushing to change that. As the founder of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, he…
Read more
From Compliance To Creation: The Future Of Learning With Nick Briere
October 31, 2025
As technology, culture, and creativity reshape how we grow, the future of learning lies in moving beyond compliance to true curiosity and capability. Learning strategist Nick Briere shares how organizations can design experiences that do more than check boxes, empowering people to think, build, and innovate. Drawing from years of designing learning systems that balance human connection with measurable results, Nick reveals how leaders can shift mindsets, foster engagement, and turn every learning opportunity…
Read more