Workforce Waves: Recent Episodes
Workforce Waves
Join the staff of the NWWIB, Mari, Mary Lois, and Melissa (affectionately dubbed the M3) as they dive into current employment trends and the ever-evolving challenges facing workers and employers in rural areas. Workforce Waves will explore smart, strategic, and unique solutions to meet the workforce needs in Wisconsin and the Midwest. New episodes will release each month to inform, inspire, and assist you in making a splash in your own community.
Hi, loyal listeners of Workforce Waves! We're here with a bittersweet announcement: this is our final episode. You'll hear from Bella Potack Rettler, as she is joined by two very special guests - Melissa Rabska, Director of Operations & Communications, and Mari Kay-Nabozny, the CEO of the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board. They're the original creators of this podcast, and together, we're going to take a trip down memory lane.
We've been on a six-year journey with you, and it's been an incredible ride. We'll be discussing the impact Workforce Waves has had, the challenges we've faced, and the personal growth we've experienced along the way. Mari and Melissa share their favorite episodes, which cover a wide range of topics from mental health during the pandemic to inclusive workplaces and leadership.
As we bid farewell to the podcast, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our listeners. Your support has meant the world to us. But don't worry - even though we won't be releasing new episodes, the Workforce Waves archive will still be available. It's a treasure trove of valuable insights and resources for job seekers, businesses, and anyone interested in workforce development in rural communities. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep making waves in your own careers and communities. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
This episode features a conversation with Early Childhood Project Manager Jo Nowak-Thompson from the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board (NWWIB), to discuss the pressing issue of childcare and its impact on the workforce. Jo delves into the current state of childcare in the Northwest Wisconsin region, highlighting the limited number of regulated programs and the challenges faced by both parents and providers. She also explains the connection between accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare and workforce participation, emphasizing the need for competitive wages and benefits for childcare workers.
The conversation continues in part two of this two-part episode, as Lisa Geason-Bauer, President and Founder of Evolution Marketing, returns to discuss sustainability initiatives in Wisconsin. Lisa discusses the increasing demand for green jobs in the residential construction sector and the need for about a thousand new workers per year in the state to meet energy efficiency goals. Lisa also shares valuable resources for homeowners looking to make their homes more energy-efficient and take advantage of upcoming rebates and tax credits. For more information, visit: https://www.greenmkting.com/
Tune in for part one of a two-part conversation with Lisa Geason-Bauer, President and Founder of Evolution Marketing, about the importance of sustainability in business. They discuss how operating in a triple bottom line manner - prioritizing people, planet, and profit - can make businesses more resilient and attractive to both workers and consumers. Lisa shares insights on third-party certifications like B Corp, the increasing demand for transparency and sustainability from younger generations, and the risks of greenwashing. She also touches on how the pandemic has impacted supply chains and remote work. Tune in to learn more about the future of sustainable business practices.
Tune in for a conversation with Zach Zabel, Vice President of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. Zach discusses the chamber's mission to support veteran-owned businesses and workers in Wisconsin, resources available to veterans in the state, and how individuals can support veterans and veteran-owned businesses this holiday season. Zach also shares details on the chamber's business accelerator program, perspectives on the childcare shortage crisis, and his plans to launch a podcast focused on economic opportunities in Wisconsin.
This episode features a discussion with Kelly Bubolz, author of "Leaving the Darkness: A Proven and Practical Burnout Guide," where we explore the causes and symptoms of burnout as well as practical tips for setting boundaries, self-care, and changing negative behaviors. Kelly shares her personal experience recovering from burnout, the importance of trusting the process and building a supportive community. Tune in to learn more about recognizing burnout and starting the journey toward a healthier lifestyle.
Tune in to an interview with Chantel Huang, Roadtrip Nation’s Program Operations Manager. Roadtrip Nation is a nonprofit education organization—with a series on PBS!—that sends all sorts of people across the country to interview inspiring people in all kinds of industries. Whether it’s exploring their documentaries and Interview Archive, reading their best-selling book, learning about other people’s stories in their Share Your Road database, or trying out their career aptitude Roadmap Tool test, odds are they’ll have something to help you find the missing piece in your own career journey. You'll also hear from Jake Torok, a past roadtripper, as he recounts his transformative experience traveling over 2000 miles and conducting interviews with leaders across the country. So what are you waiting for? Discover the value of hands-on career exploration with Roadtrip Nation.
This episode features special guest Rachel Rai Henry, CEO of Creative Flow School. Learn how to unleash your hidden creative talents to revolutionize your work life and beyond. Rachel breaks down her Creative Flow Alchemy Method and explains how your personal 'DNA'—Divine Natural Approach—can elevate your soft skills and problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a corporate go-getter, or someone stuck in a creative rut, tune in to discover how to turn possibilities into golden opportunities.
This episode features a conversation with Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, renowned author, motivational speaker, and education visionary. Joe shares insights from his extensive career as an educator, spanning roles from kindergarten teacher to superintendent of schools. Tune in as we unravel Joe's journey, exploring his transition from school administration to impactful leadership coaching. Discover the essence of fostering a supportive environment, recognizing greatness, and making every interaction count. For more information about Joe, visit http://www.jsanfelippo.com/
This episode features a conversation with Doug Foresta, Director of Podcast Services for Workforce180, as he reveals how he got started as a podcast producer and outlines his career journey from doorman to therapist to podcast producer. Discover tips for successfully navigating career changes. You'll also learn the origins of the word "podcast"!
Adrienne Lawrence, VP and Senior Consultant for Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), joins the program in recognition of Pride Month to discuss how to create a more inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and heard. Adrienne reveals what it means to have authentic inclusion in the workplace and how to keep diversity, equity, and inclusion front and center in an organization throughout the year. Adrienne also reveals the business case for focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Kimberly Kayler, President of AOE (Advancing Organizational Excellence), joins the program to reveal how she became interested in corporate mindfulness and why it is important for people to do their best work. Kimberly discusses the downside of multitasking and how employees can practice mindfulness at work. Discover practical tips to practice mindfulness at work and to increase your focus and energy.
To learn more, visit: https://www.aoeteam.com/
Dr. Brian Hite, performance psychology consultant and Hollywood stuntman, joins the program to discuss how organizations can help employees to do their best work. Dr. Hite dispels some common myths about motivation, and why offering hiring bonuses doesn't necessary help with recruitment efforts. He also offers tips for retaining employees and the conditions necessary to help people do their best work. To learn more about Dr. Hite, visit https://beginagainperformancepsychology.com/
In this episode, you'll learn about the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the services they provide to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. Discover how to access services and how the SBDC can connect entrepreneurs and small business owners to a support ecosystem. You'll also hear about how entrepreneurs were able to pivot and thrive during the pandemic.
This episode features an interview with coach, consultant, and author Oreste J. D’Aversa as he discusses the phenomenon of "quiet quitting" and "quiet firing." Discover what these terms mean, the problems that they create in the workplace, and how to address them. Oreste also shares advice for employers and employees about how to create win/win relationships at work.
This episode features a conversation with several staff from the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board (NWWIB) as they discuss the elements that help to create a positive workplace culture. Discover how employers can help facilitate a workplace culture that attracts top talent and the connection between culture and employee motivation and retention.
In this episode, you'll hear about the power of apprenticeships and learn about the apprenticeship program for Ironworkers Local 512. Discover the application process for anyone interested in an apprenticeship with Ironworkers Local 512. You'll also learn about the various career paths possible after completing an apprenticeship and some of the hidden benefits of being an apprentice.
This episode features a conversation with Matt Glowacki, Diversity, Inclusion, and Workflex Director for Wisconsin SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). Matt discusses his experience of being a person with a disability and provides some history about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He also reveals the wide variety of disabilities covered under the ADA, and how not all disabilities are readily visible. Discover how the COVID pandemic has led to more conversations about disability inclusion in the workplace and hear about innovative accommodations and investments for workers with disabilities.
September is Workforce Development Month, and in this episode, you'll hear updates about businesses, job seekers, and the state of the workforce in Northwest Wisconsin. Discover some of the demographics of the residents of Northwest Wisconsin and an overview of the labor force. You'll also learn about some of the primary industries in Northwest Wisconsin and the efforts underway to meet economic development challenges.
In today's episode, you'll hear details about the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to hosting one of the world’s best cross-country ski events, the American Birkebeiner, and maintaining one of the nation’s premier recreation trails. Discover how the investments made by the Foundation help to attract people to the region and drive the local economy. You'll also learn about upcoming infrastructure investments.
In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts that are underway in Wisconsin to help develop a talent pipeline in the manufacturing industry, and help workers obtain the training needed to get started in manufacturing. Discover a grant that can help provide supportive services for individuals seeking training and job experience in manufacturing, including help with childcare, transportation and housing assistance. You'll also learn about the variety of careers available in the manufacturing sector.
In this episode, you'll hear tips for creating a more diverse and equitable talent pipeline, and how organizations can position themselves as employers of choice for diverse talent. You'll discover innovative ways to mindsets and perceptions and the importance of creating environments of safety where everyone is included.
In this episode, you'll discover digital strategies that employers can utilize to attract and retain talent. Discover the importance of onboarding in retaining talent, and why employers need to list pay ranges when posting available jobs. You'll also hear about how having a positive organizational culture and an effective digital presence are crucial factors in talent attraction and retention.
Kimberly Kane, President and CEO of Kane Communications Group, joins the program to discuss insights from her team's detailed study titled The Kane Insights: State of Working Women in Wisconsin.Discover the impact of the pandemic on working women in Wisconsin and key findings from the study on topics including mental health and burnout and talent attraction and retention.
Tune in for a conversation between Mari Kay-Nabozny, CEO of the NWWIB, and Melissa Rabska, Director of Operations & Communications at NWWIB, about the importance of child care for workforce development. Discover how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the availability of child care and the changes that need to happen to improve the child care system.
This episode explores the topic of women in the workforce through the lens of leadership. Discover the impact that the pandemic has had on women and some of the current trends of women in leadership. You'll also hear about how women can create opportunities to practice leadership and how small everyday actions can create positive collective change.
In this episode, you'll learn about Roadtrip Nation and how they are using new virtual road trip models to reach youth where they are and. Discover how and why Roadtrip Nation has partnered with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership to drive local digital storytelling around workforce pathways. You'll also hear about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Roadtrip Nation, and how they have innovated to meet the challenges created by the pandemic.
In this episode, you'll hear about the benefits of shopping locally, during the holiday season and throughout the year. Discover the impact that local shopping has on area businesses and the community.
Chytania Brown, President & CEO at Employ Milwaukee, joins the program to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion both in the workplace and in communities and reveals the efforts that her organization has made to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. Discover why diversity efforts must go beyond hiring diverse candidates, and how to retain diverse talent.
In this episode, you'll hear about the role of humor in the workplace, and why humor is an essential leadership trait. Ted Schick from Schick Corporate Learning joins the program to discuss 4 elements of leadership, the importance of humility for leaders and how leaders can use humor to be more effective and connect with their employees.
In this episode, you'll hear about the rural healthcare initiatives currently underway in Northwest Wisconsin. Joining the program are Scott Schultz, Director of Industry & Innovation at the NWWIB, Dawn Knapp, Grant Coordinator for the Collaboration of Wisconsin Grant, and Matthew Filipek, who is in charge of the NWWIB's COVID-19 call center. You'll hear about a range of initiatives, from responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, to increasing the amount of substance abuse counselors available in the region.
Marcia Galvan, Project Coordinator at the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss the work that she is doing leading the Support to Communities grant in her region, fostering opioid and substance abuse recovery through workforce development. Discover strategies to assist those struggling with substance abuse and what employers can do to help. You’ll also learn about the signs of substance use in the workplace, and barriers that individuals can face when seeking help for their addiction.
Stacey McKinney from Mckinney Realty joins the program to provide insight into the Northwest Wisconsin real estate market. Discover the shifts that have occurred over the past year and the amenities that are most important to potential buyers. Stacey also shares tips for anyone who is interested in selling a home in Northwest Wisconsin, as well as what buyers should consider when searching for a property.
In this episode, you'll hear from Julie Fox, Regional Tourism Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, and Mary Monroe Brown, Director of the WI Office of Outdoor Recreation, as they discuss how 2020's tourism season impacted local and regional economies. Discover why outdoor recreation in Northwest Wisconsin has flourished over the past year, and the impact of shifting work trends on the tourism industry.
In this episode, you'll hear about some of the available resources for businesses and employers in the region, including assistance with onboarding or upskilling workers. You'll hear about the incumbent worker training program, on-the-job training (OJT), and more.
In this episode, Barb Lundberg from the Northwest Wisconsin Investment Board interviews Jennifer Kuklinski, Professor of Business and Social Science at Northland College and owner of 3P Insights, LLC,, as they discuss recruiting for diversity. Discover action steps that businesses can take to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, and hear an example of a company that has been successful in recruiting and retaining diverse talent.
In this end-of-year episode, Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board CEO Mari Kay-Nabozny is joined by NWWIB staff, as they discuss the challenges and opportunities of 2020, and the lessons learned. Mari and her team discuss Zoom fatigue, working from home, virtual job fairs and more!
Jason Rae, Founder and President/CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, joins the program to discuss how to create an inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels that they can bring their full self to work. Discover important inclusive terminology and the business impact of creating an inclusive work environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted just about every business and organization on some level. In this episode Lance Ausing, Regional Economic Development Director for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) discusses how COVID-19 has impacted his organization and the region, and reveals what businesses need to do to recover and thrive in the "next normal."
Michelle Chase, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Founder of Chase Consulting, LLC, joins the program to discuss some of the most common mental health issues that employees are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also shares tips for employers about how they can support their employees, and provides coping strategies and resources.
We know that 2020 has brought economic and social challenges, but is there is silver lining even in the middle of all these difficulties? Joel Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Washburn County Economic Development Corporation, discusses the positive trends that have come from challenging times, and the innovation that is happening in the region.
Before the pandemic struck, remote work was accelerating in the U.S. But the past few months has been a very strange test of our white-collar future and in some cases, those jobs considered blue-collar too. Join us to discuss how to "Work Like a Boss" during a Pandemic with guest Nancy Lyons.
Caleb Frostman, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, joins the program to share the efforts that are being made to respond to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover some of the unique unemployment challenges, the impact of the current crisis on Native American communities, and the potential long-term geographic impact of the pandemic.
In this episode you'll hear from Scott Schultz and Jessica Wagner-Schultz as they discuss their journey of growing up in Northwest Wisconsin, leaving the region, and then eventually returning after 14 years. Discover some of the unique benefits of living in rural vs. urban areas, and why those benefits may be amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scott and Jessica also share some of the challenges that they faced moving back to Northwest Wisconsin, and some of the investments that are being made to address those challenges.
In this episode, you'll discover what employers need to know about immigration, including current trends and updates. Hear about the crucial role that immigration plays in the workforce system and the regional economy, as well as the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the immigration system.
In this special episode, you'll discover updates and resources to help you during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn what to do if you are seeking unemployment insurance, the economic impact on the local economy, and how to navigate working from home.
When you think about the public library, you may not always think about employment and workforce assistance. However, the role of libraries has expanded quite a bit, and libraries in rural areas are playing a critical role in helping people who are looking for jobs.
In this episode, you'll learn about the Libraries Activating Workforce Development Skills (LAWDS) project, which brings together public library staff with the staff of regional Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) and Wisconsin Job Centers, to facilitate more seamless support of job-seeking patrons, business owners and entrepreneurs.
Janet Ady, President and CEO of Ady Advantage, joins the program to discuss the economic challenges and opportunities in rural America. She shares her thoughts on talent recruitment and retention, the importance of data, and how to create a shared vision for your community.
In this episode you'll hear about the Talent Generator, a new online tool offering smart tips and best practices for creating and sustaining a successful student talent development program. The featured guest is Rebecca Deschane, Talent Initiatives Director, a joint position with WEDC and the University of Wisconsin System.
This episode features an interview with Chad Dull, Vice President of Academics at Minnesota State College Southeast, as he discusses what poverty informed practice is, and what service providers and employers need to keep in mind when working with people living in poverty. Chad shares examples from his work and talks about the mindset shift that is required to engage in poverty informed practice.
Ian Vincent from APEX joins the program to discuss the Minnesota and Wisconsin Talent Forecast Research Project. Discover the impetus behind the project, takeaways from the research, and strengths and needs in the region when it comes to talent attraction and retention.
Brad Gingras from Superior Strategies joins the program to discuss the different generations, particularly the emerging workforce, and their differing perspectives and expectations at work. Discover some of the strengths and challenges that varying generations bring to the workplace, and how to create a workplace that is adaptable and meets the needs of all employees.
This episode features an interview with Judy Aspling, HR Director for Center City Housing Corporation. With unemployment levels being so low, Judy shares tips for how employers can take a different approach to how they look at applicants, and how to find the best fit for a position, even in a tight labor market.
Having a criminal record can create barriers to employment and career development. Emily Baxter, Executive Director of We Are All Criminals, joins the program to discuss the work that her organization is doing to challenge society's perceptions of what it means to be a "criminal" through shared stories of those who committed, or were accused of, committing crimes and got away with them.
Before formerly incarcerated people can find jobs, address health problems, or learn new skills, they first need a safe and stable place to live. Yet the odds are stacked against people leaving prison, despite their best intentions and ambitions. Discover the work that Impact Justice is doing through their "Homecoming Project" to leverage existing living spaces to support people re-entering communities.
In this episode, you'll learn about the Superior Talent project, which is a talent recruitment event that brings together local employers in the region, as well as students across the midwest who are looking to start their career. The event gives students an opportunity to be introduced to the companies and to the community.
Shannon Stade and Jordan Chrzanak join the program, to discuss their experience as participants in the most recent Superior Talent event.
Rachael Cooper, Senior Program Manager for the National Safety Council, joins the program to discuss the problem of opioid addiction and its impact on the workplace. She shares trends in opioid usage, prevention strategies, and what employers need to know about addiction treatment.
Northwest Wisconsin, like many areas of the United States, is projected to experience a significant "graying" of their population. Discover the importance of investing in older workers and the mindset shift that the nonprofit sector needs to make when it comes to elders.
54% of Wisconsin residents live in a "child care desert"- meaning that they have a lack of child care options available to them in their area. This can obviously be a barrier for people looking to enter or return to the workforce- in this episode you'll learn about initiatives that are underway to increase the amount of affordable and available childcare in Wisconsin.
**Note- between the time this episode was recorded and released, Whitecap Mountain Resort's main lodge was destroyed in a fire. However, the leadership and staff remain optimistic about the future and intend to rebuild. To learn more, visit https://whitecapresort.com/
Recreation, tourism, food service and retail are all crucial to rural economies. In this episode, you'll hear from Whitecap Mountain Resort's General Manager, DavidDziuban, as he discusses the history of the resort, how its grown, and the impact that it has on the labor market and local economy.
What is the connection between housing and workforce development? In this episode, you'll discover how an investment in housing can help with economic and workforce development. You'll hear a story of a housing initiative in Newton, Iowa and the takeaways and lessons learned from that initiative.
This episode features an interview with Thomas Michaels, data analyst from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Discover workforce trends in the region, current analytics about the state of the workforce, and some tips for coping with changes in the labor market.
Amy Hubbell, founder and executive coach at Boreal Leadership, LLC, joins the program to discuss what leadership means both for companies and for the region. Amy shares her definition of leadership and reveals 5 things you can do right now to become a better leader.
Today's guest is Kevin Pagorek, Plant Manager at the Minong facility for Jack Link's Protein Snacks. Join us as we tackle out of the box ideas for recruiting, and gain insights about how Jack Link's is tackling their workforce needs.
When we think about customer service, we tend to think of the retail and hospitality industries, but customer service is important for all businesses! In this episode we are joined by trainer, speaker and customer service expert Maribeth Monroe as she discusses how customer service directly impacts your bottom line and how to deliver a great customer experience.
In this episode you'll discover the innovative work being done in Lincoln Nebraska to attract and retain talent through their internship program. Rachel Placzek, Director of Talent Strategy at the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development is the featured guest.
In this episode, you'll discover how to create a workplace culture where employees feel valued and how to attract and retain multigenerational talent.
In this first episode of Workforce Waves, you'll discover the importance of placemaking and its role in talent attraction. Our guest is Dave Armstrong, Barron County Economic Development Director.